Author Topic: Robinson Cyclecar  (Read 3505 times)

Barry

  • Prolific Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1207
Robinson Cyclecar
« on: December 20, 2013, 10:52:46 AM »

A freind mentioned thier friend Bob Derwitt in Rochford (my old area) who’s a collector/restorer of classic or  vintage cars in particular Amilcars. 

Recently he was on the trail of a one off cyclecar called a “Robinson” which apparently in the right circles was talked about a lot but thought to have been lost many years ago. 
By some bizarre coincidence he found himself in the area where this thing had been made and ended up talking to the Daughter of the man who designed it (Mr Robinson??) 
Turned out she had it all along but it hadn’t been moved since 1924!!

Bob has now got it running and has put two clips on You Tube.  Just go in and search on Robinson Cyclecar and you’ll see the clips from Bob Drewitt.  I think you’ll all enjoy them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dZFsEmchPU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RlKXqmk2js


http://shelf3d.com/Search/cyclecar

Bob Purton

  • Prolific Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5041
    • Inter microcar
Re: Robinson Cyclecar
« Reply #1 on: December 20, 2013, 11:03:31 AM »
Fabulous! 

marcus

  • Prolific Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 2676
    • http://marcusdemowbray.wordpress.com/
Re: Robinson Cyclecar
« Reply #2 on: December 20, 2013, 11:38:12 AM »
Superb, cheers for posting!
Just remember: as one door closes behind you, another slams in your face

richard

  • Rich
  • Prolific Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 4458
  • Bond ,Gordon,Bruetsch
Re: Robinson Cyclecar
« Reply #3 on: December 20, 2013, 03:48:28 PM »
great fun but it does look like an awful contraption - that steering is awfully twitchy !
outside of a dog a book is mans best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read .Groucho Marx 1895-1977

marcus

  • Prolific Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 2676
    • http://marcusdemowbray.wordpress.com/
Re: Robinson Cyclecar
« Reply #4 on: December 20, 2013, 04:12:20 PM »
Yes, you can even hear the owner commenting on how it drives!
Just remember: as one door closes behind you, another slams in your face

richard

  • Rich
  • Prolific Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 4458
  • Bond ,Gordon,Bruetsch
Re: Robinson Cyclecar
« Reply #5 on: December 20, 2013, 04:17:54 PM »
not sure he's the owner , the old lady may still own her dads car
outside of a dog a book is mans best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read .Groucho Marx 1895-1977

marcus

  • Prolific Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 2676
    • http://marcusdemowbray.wordpress.com/
Re: Robinson Cyclecar
« Reply #6 on: December 20, 2013, 04:33:45 PM »
Oh well, the driver then! I would love a go in it, but possibly not on a public road!
Just remember: as one door closes behind you, another slams in your face

Bob Purton

  • Prolific Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 5041
    • Inter microcar
Re: Robinson Cyclecar
« Reply #7 on: December 21, 2013, 11:39:30 AM »
I don't know much about cycle cars of that period but looking at the wheels when the drivers are twitching the steering from side to side, it doesn't look like there is any kingpin angle. Would that be the case of is it just not noticeable visually until the wheels are on a harder lock? It would explain why the handling is awful!

marcus

  • Prolific Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 2676
    • http://marcusdemowbray.wordpress.com/
Re: Robinson Cyclecar
« Reply #8 on: December 21, 2013, 12:21:31 PM »
From what I can tell it does not seem to have Ackerman-style steering geometry (where the inside steering wheel sets to a steeper angle for the tighter inner turning radius). That would not help it to corner accurately!

Morgans of that era had king-pins which should NEVER be oiled or the steering went totally wild, perhaps this car has an oil-less king pin too, but they have oiled it out of habit!

The c of g looks very high too and those spindly large diameter wheels are likely to flex a fair bit too, and the steering wheel seems to be fairly high geared, a la KR 200 perhaps.

A flawed design for sure*, but that does not detract at all from its character and appeal.

* Mind you, I would be dead chuffed if I could make something like that using 1920s parts and technology.
Just remember: as one door closes behind you, another slams in your face