Canadians make 4-wheel version of teardrop Dymaxion car in 1938

[MetroMPG]

Most EcoModder members are familiar with the Dymaxion Car, built by Buckminster Fuller in 1933 - a teardrop shaped 3 wheeler with a reported coefficient of drag of just 0.25



I just found a web site about a pair of BC tinkerers who built a 4-wheel version of a teardrop car starting in 1938.

Like Harry Stephenson, who aeromodded (and modified the drivetrain of) a Model T car in the 30's, the builders had a strong interest in airplanes.

Some pics:



"The boys claim 35 miles per gallon (probably Imperial gallons) at the economical speed of thirty m.p.h."



The car is currently on display at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria.

web site: The Spirit of Tomorrow - Home

More info: http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Conte...ws_October.pdf

[shovel]

Think that vent just behind the headlight (present in color photo, absent in older photo) is their A/C? Or hot air exhaust from a front mounted radiator?

The 1942 article claims it is "air conditioned" ... that wasn't a common option on factory built cars of the day, from what I gather.

[donee]

Hi All,

You know, if they put those rear wheel out on struts and with wheel pants like the Apterra, it would probably be quite a bit more stable and aerodynamic.

The problem with shapes like this is cross-wind steer. The Center of Pressure, Cp is well forward, and if its in front of the Cg (Center of Gravity/Mass), the car will cross-wind steer. This is why its common to see center vertical fins on the rear of shapes like this. The fin pulls the Cp backward near the Cg. Front wheel drive, forward mounted -traverse oriented engine, would pull the Cg foward and minimize the size needed for the rear fin.

The rear mounted engine in the Dynaxion was probably the reason its prototypes crashed in high speed driving.

[cfg83]

MetroMPG -

That looks like a template for a classic VW Bus mod.

CarloSW2

[MetroMPG]

Shovel - no idea about that vent. Good eye though!

Donee - I'd read about crosswind instability in the Dymaxion. Makes sense.

cfg83 - Hmmm... Anyone got a bus they want to mod??

[LUVMY02CREW]

Very nice looking ride!!! I would love to be driving that around. Thanks for bringing this vehicle to our attention...I don't think I can recall seeing it before.

Another picture saved so I can change my wallpapers to keep inspired

[Spirit]

Hi guys

I am the guy that made the website from my wife's uncle Basil's old pictures. I also rode shotgun this past Monday with Rob when we brought it home from the Royal BC Museum.

Next we are headed to Reno for "Hot August Nights" the first week in August. 5,500 cars in one spot.

To answer your question there is no AC, the vents were installed to cool the mid engine. This car will make you sweat on a hot day.

I enjoy giving out more information if you want to post.

If you happen to be in Reno......look me up and I will give you a VIP tour of the car.

Regards

Tim Lindsay......AKA Spirit

[MetroMPG]

Hi, Tim - thanks for posting the site. It's a fascinating car.

Have fun in Reno!