Quote:
Originally Posted by moTthediesel
J
To look to history for an example of a "clean" body shape that would also be easy to construct, how about the Bugatti Type 32 Tank?
http://www.acmenovelties.net/cars/20...pe_32_tank.jpg
That shape could be built fairly easily using big box store foam insulation board covered with fiberglass. Add a Kamm-back top and full wheel skirts and you could have a very clean and light cover for your running gear in short order.
You might wind up with something that looks like it escaped from the prop room of the Buck Rodgers serials, but I for one don't think that's a bad thing! |
That was inspiring, and am I inspired or what? Here y'go, a neoclassic interpretation of the Bugatti Type 32. It's not optimum aero but if the slab sides cost a couple of Cd hundredths, it makes up for it by being really cheap! The only visible compound curved parts it will need are the four fenders, and the Foam Ranger will whip those out in a jif. The rest of it can be formed from flat sheet. So, fiberglass fenders, 26 gauge roofing steel for the rest of it, even with some tubing underneath it and a '30s-Jaray inspired removable hardtop the body will make budget.
Oh, it'll need a few molded odds and ends--headlight buckets, fender inserts, and I think the rear panel should be FRP to make it easy to mount taillights, but should be able to buy a few dinners with the money left over. It's unlikely to be a big seller (99% of the people who want the classic racer look want a Cobra replica, and 90% of them have already got one) but it would be great fun to market: "Can't afford a Bugatti Veyron? Then how about a Type 32?"
The radii of the fillets are as per Hucho, ditto the boat tail (15 degree top slope and side slopes, 4 degree bottom slope), the area of the stern is approx. 2 ft sq and the frontal area of the body approx. 10 ft sq. It's long (176") for a sports car but it's four feet shorter than a Coupe De Ville so it'll still fit in parking spaces. I haven't modeled the chassis (since I already have one), just put wheels and a cockpit where they should go, but I've checked the legal bits (e.g. headlight centers at least 22" from the ground and as widely separated as possible, taillight centers at least 15" from the ground) and the fit bits (the headlight buckets won't interfere with steering, they're clear of the radiator, and hey, Officer, they're as far apart as possible, so there!) and don't see any deal-breaker challenges. Of course if you see a problem, please advise.
