Merlin 2+2:CKC Guide 2009
12/10/10
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Merlin 2+2
THE MERLIN FIRST appeared in the 1980s and there are several hundred examples in circulation. Initially Volkswagen Beetle based, the car quickly moved to Ford components and a more suitable front engine, rear-wheeldrive layout. Having changed from Cortina to Sierra donor, and also benefitted from 2+2 seating later in its life, the Merlin went out of production in the late 1990s. For a 2011 launch, the car is being revived with modern underpinnings. While the core product will remain the same, it will use the components from the Vauxhall/Opel Omega. It’s the first kit car to use this as a donor, and it’s a surprisingly good choice. They are cheaply available and, with the later 3.2-litre V6, produce 245bhp in standard form. Find an ex-police car as a donor and you’ll be assured that it has been well maintained, too. If you like your traditional roadsters to be V8 powered, you can fit a Rover engine. That said, Merlin’s philosophy is to use as much as possible from the Omega. Not only does this simplify the build, but it also helps to keep the build cost down. For that reason, it retains the rear suspension, brakes, steering and engine and gearbox in standard form. The revised and refreshed Merlin will make a welcome return to the industry. It was always regarded highly for its attractive classic styling and the addition of modern donor parts will give it a whole new lease of life.
SPECIFICATION CHASSIS: Steel ladderframe available in right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive. BODYWORK: Single-piece body in heavy gauge GRP. 2+2 layout. DONOR CAR: Vauxhall Omega. ENGINE OPTIONS: 2-litre and later 2.2-litre inline fours and V6s from 2.5 to 3.2litre. Rover V8 and other engines can be adapted to fit. SUSPENSION: Front – Merlin double wishbone. Rear – Omega axle. STEERING: Omega. BRAKES: Omega. KIT PRICE: TBC. Estimated £8000 for body/chassis kit. BUDGET BUILD COST: From £15,000.
SUMMARY – Interesting donor vehicle choice brings this well known traditional roadster up to date. Attractive, timesless styling remains unchanged.
Recycling a Vauxhall Omega
Merlin Sportscars E: gb@merlinsportscars.co.uk W: www.merlinsportscars.co.uk
THE COMPLETE KIT CAR GUIDE 2011
www.completekitcar.co.uk
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