Blackjack Zero:CKC Guide 2009
11/10/10
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Blackjack Zero
DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED by Richard Oakes, the man responsible for the popular Avion three-wheeler, the Zero moves the concept up a level or two, especially in terms of aggressive styling and high performance. Indeed, this car is something quite radical and completely fresh in the world of trikes – its low, wide stance immediately giving the impression of speed and excitement. Contributing to this is the exposed engine, mounted at the front, as a strong traditional feature. The Moto Guzzi Vee Twin engine, combined with the VW transaxle driving the front wheels, gives the Zero the best in precise and predictable handling with performance and fuel economy. The 360deg fibreglass body is a substantial component with internal stiffening and, when combined with the chassis, completes the structure. The chassis is made from CDS tube with laser cut front yokes and many comprehensive brackets. The suspension is uniquely designed for the Zero’s special front-wheel-drive requirements of fast flat cornering; it keeps the rear wheel vertical whilst maintaining good ride quality. With all-up weight at around 450kg and engines of up to nearly 1200cc, flexible, torquey, long-legged power is a strong characteristic of the Blackjack Zero.
SPECIFICATION CHASSIS: Tubular steel full length subframe. BODYWORK: GRP main bodytub is a stressed semi-monocoque assembly contributing to overall structure. DONOR CAR: No single donor car. ENGINE OPTIONS: Big Moto Guzzi Vee Twin. Engine capacities from 850 to 1200cc. SUSPENSION: Front – Unique double wishbones with Golf GTI uprights, AVO dampers and springs and a 22mm bulkhead-mounted anti-roll bar. Rear – Unique swing arm with AVO damper and spring. STEERING: Rack and pinion – two and a half turns lock to lock. BRAKES: Front – 280mm cross-drilled discs with four-piston aluminium calipers. Rear – Golf GTI discs with Bendix aluminium handbrake caliper. BUDGET BUILD COST: From £13,000.
SUMMARY – The car is a huge and radical advance of the trike theme, matching fine engineering with superb detail finish and high performance. Outrageous looks and huge fun.
Recycling various components
Blackjack Trikes, Unit 5, Water-Ma-Trout Industrial Estate, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0LW T: 01326 574464 E: info@blackjackzero.com W: www.blackjackzero.com
THE COMPLETE KIT CAR GUIDE 2011
www.completekitcar.co.uk
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