Neat handbuilt sports car

[Sherlock]

The owner of this car recently posted a bunch of pictures on Flickr:

In communication with him he told me that it's a one-of-a-kind built and designed by himself and another guy... Running a Cadillac Northstar V8, mounted in the rear...

Here's his website - https://breezeasy.com/carava/not-the-company-golf-car.html

And check out the videos on the webapage.

-

 

[Super 7]

Clever fellows

 

[Basil]

Not too shabby! Reminds me a little of the new Elise.

Basil

 

[rulle7]

McLaren F1 from the side, hints of Enzo in the hood treatment.
Seems well made and solid. Top Job!

 

[SilentUnicorn]

where are the head lites?



mark

 

[Guest]

Looks nice. I agree with Rulle7, really looks like McLaren F1 side strakes on the doors.

Those tailights look awefully familiar also, like a Chrysler Sebring maybe, something like that?

 

[Bugeye58]

The headlights are on the leading edges of the rearview mirrors, and those are indeed Sebring lights.
Jeff

 

[Sherlock]

If you look at the website, there are parts from various body panels and such from different (ordinary) cars combined to create this sports car.

When I first set eyes on the pictures I liked what I saw

 

[lesingepsycho]

I like it alright but there is something about the proportion front to rear that looks a little off. The way the nose drops down so violently on leaving a tiny bit of fender material above the front tires looks awkward next to the overly bulging rear. Everything in the front and sies back through the doors is crisp lines, definitely enzo inspired, but then the back is really bubbley. Perhaps a manual tranny would've been a little more sports car like as well. For a handbuilt car however, I can't be too critical. I'm sure the thing is a blast to drive and the pride that the owner must feel as he is cruising around town in his one-off. The bragging rights alone make the car worth it. I'm sure it turns alot of heads and has people looking for badges and insignias and anything that would indicate just who made the car. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
One question, anybody who looked at the photo-album on the webpage, what is that between the seats above the courtesy lights. Is that a stereo amp or an air box? I couldn't tell.

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]
One question, anybody who looked at the photo-album on the webpage, what is that between the seats above the courtesy lights. Is that a stereo amp or an air box? I couldn't tell.


[/ QUOTE ]

That's a good question. I was thinking, since the motor is directly behind that bulkhead, maybe it was the ECU or something like that. But then why would they leave something like that just hanging out there when everything else is so nicely done. Maybe it is a piece of stereo gear.

The only thing that I distinctly don't like about the car is the rear spoiler, it's way to large in proportion to the rest of the car and to "organically" shaped. It should be more angular and straight edged, sort of like a countach wing maybe, to go with all the other sharp creases in this car. I'm also not to crazy about the stearing wheel, looks just like the one I bought for my playstation 2, but that's a small detail.

 

[waltesefalcon]

I think its pretty cool myself, but mostly because the guy built it himself. I love the headlight placement. The silver thing between the seats is the air intake. Well I'm almost 100% sure it is anyway.

 

[Basil]

Thought you would all like to know that the fellow who built this just emailed me. Not sure why he didn't just post in the forum, but anyway, here's what he had to say:

[ QUOTE ]
Some answers to members questions.

The finned box between the seats is the engine management computer. It is
usually in the engine compartment. It's there for 3 reasons. It's got a ton
of wires connected to it and it is not wise to change their length. It's a
cooler spot. It looks high tech--like stereo amp stuff, etc. FYI, the cars
electronics are as a OEM Cadillac--security--A/C--limp home--the works.
Most people who use Nortstar's scrap all that stuff because it's very hard
to make it work. What we did is take the entire front cradle of a Cadillac
move it to the rear and build the frame from that point forward.

RE; length of over hang. I am not a big fan of long over hangs like Vettes
and some Ferraris--in my car there is nothing there, all the cooling stuff
is in the rear--it rubs on my driveway entry already. The front end of the
car is light and the front angles and scoops push it down at speed.

The big wing looks better in person. I have another idea for a wing which
could be changed easily to create a different look. The car has an obvious
rake which is emphasized by the wing. It has the wide Cadillac third tail
light in it, which really wakes you up. I've driven other cars I have owed
in parades and you would be surprised how many really nice cars get ass
ended. It's has to be deep because it serves as an air scoop as it sits atop
the radiator. I bought a used kit car, Lambo type with a V-8. It was very
hard to keep cool--I live in FL. This car runs cool as the proverbial
cucumber in 95 degree heat.

Steering wheel is a MOMO --- most people think the buttons are for nitrous
boost--actually horn.

I figure I have at least 2,000 hours of work in it. I am a retired college
administrator and anyone who does this ought to get a doctorate degree. I
learned so much--it was a great experience. Yes, it's great fun to own.
It's really great to share the car with others around the world and hear
what car enthusiasts have to say. Joe



[/ QUOTE ]

Basil

 

[Guest]

Wow, thats great info! He should be happy, he built a really nice little car, and it is utterly unique.

I was right about the silver box being the ECU, do I get a prize? At least a pat on the back? No? OK, whatever.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[lesingepsycho]

That's cool, I'm glad he responded. Ok, so my car isn't completely fabricated, maybe I could just get a Master's Degree? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif