RUMCars Forum

General Category => Sales & Auctions => Topic started by: blob on December 05, 2009, 12:48:36 pm

Title: Minikat
Post by: blob on December 05, 2009, 12:48:36 pm
Now for something very odd...not seen one before!

http://cgi.ebay.fr/2-voiture-ancienne-sans-permis-MINICAT-SUPER-COMTESSE_W0QQitemZ200413033778QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_71?hash=item2ea98c3532
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: AndrewG on December 05, 2009, 08:51:19 pm
So is that really a four-wheeler - the front and back Peugeot moped wheels on the centreline, plus the two little stabiliser wheels either side? 

Actually quite a rational arrangement which avoids assymetric drive and uses off-the-shelf mechanicals, though the height of the driver is a bit undesirable for stability.

Andrew
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: blob on December 08, 2009, 12:15:03 pm
I hadn't realized the 4 wheel configuration on this particular machine, I suppose it's a similar setup to the American Pulsar then.
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: Barry on May 20, 2010, 08:13:24 am
Now the owner of the Minicat - soon to arrive in England.
I wonder what the MOT people will think of this one!
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: Chris Thomas on May 20, 2010, 08:26:18 am
Dear Issetta Owner

Good to hear that you hae secured the MiniKat

Will you be bringing it along to the open day at the farm in July. I am sure we would all love to see it, and you driving it.

Chris Thomas (Insight)
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: Barry on July 06, 2010, 10:04:01 am
Dear Issetta Owner

Good to hear that you hae secured the MiniKat

Will you be bringing it along to the open day at the farm in July. I am sure we would all love to see it, and you driving it.

Chris Thomas (Insight)

The Minicat is now with me in Suffolk.
It took a long time to get it back from France but we got there in the end.
I will try to bring it to the open day on 25th
If anyone has any information on the Minicat, I would love to hear from them.
I think this model was only made in 1978.

Barry Lee 
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: Peelpower on July 07, 2010, 12:09:25 am
I really love these ugly ducklings !   ;D
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: Stuart Cyphus on July 07, 2010, 12:51:14 am
 I have a single-sided brousure for the Minicat which I'll happily do you a good copy of if you absulutly promice to bring it to the Open Day so I can get a really good look at a vehicle which has always been right up there in my list of favourites but which I never thought I'd ever get a chance to see for real.....     :)
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: marcus on July 07, 2010, 08:25:51 am
That is one of the few Sans Permit cars which actually looks OK to me, an ugly duckling for sure, but quite appealing, would like to see it in the flesh.
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: Barry on July 07, 2010, 09:29:27 am
I have a single-sided brochure for the Minicat which I'll happily do you a good copy of if you absolutely promice to bring it to the Open Day so I can get a really good look at a vehicle which has always been right up there in my list of favourites but which I never thought I'd ever get a chance to see for real.....     :)

I would love to have a copy of the brochure and will try my best to get the Minicat to Jeans.  Not 100% sure that I will be going but better than 50% at the moment.
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: Big Al on July 07, 2010, 09:30:31 am
I can see the attraction. Pity Root removed his Fourth and Fifth wheel. Interesting collection would be to go for all the differing wheel arrangements but would be a rare and large collection. The Minikat puts a new meaning on caster angle.
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: Barry on July 07, 2010, 09:45:14 am
That is one of the few Sans Permit cars which actually looks OK to me, an ugly duckling for sure, but quite appealing, would like to see it in the flesh.

Marcus
I wanted the Minicat because it is so unusual.  The photo makes it look in much better condition than it actually is but its not too bad.
The construction is really quite interesting - especially things like the moped rack being used as an important support for the body.
I wish I could have been a fly on the wall when they were designing and building this one!
The two outrigger (stabiliser) wheels are connected to each other via a tortion bar spring running behind the seat.
Engine has spluttered into life but I need to sort out a few things before it runs properly.
I can't wait until the time when I will be able to hit the A12 at Ipswich for a high speed cruise!

I wonder what the chances are of getting it registered in the UK - perhaps as a moped?

Barry
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: marcus on July 07, 2010, 10:05:25 am
I guess it will be classed as a moped.
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: Bob Purton on July 07, 2010, 02:25:51 pm
You will be able to join us on the classic moped runs! At least you would have the last laugh when it rained!
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: Barry on July 07, 2010, 04:30:59 pm
You will be able to join us on the classic moped runs! At least you would have the last laugh when it rained!
I look forward to the day - black tinted windows are on order.
I am reliably informed that it will achieve 50mph with a very strong tail wind (100mph recommended) Not as easy to get home again though.
I wondered why the seat was the full width of the cockpit I think I know now. 
You don't have to lean around corners like a proper moped, you can simply transfer your whole body weight over the 4" stabiliser wheel on fast bends!
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: Bob Purton on July 08, 2010, 07:43:55 am
Second thoughts, not suited for the moped runs as we average 25mph!
Title: Re: Minikat
Post by: Stuart Cyphus on July 12, 2010, 12:05:35 pm
 What's your email address Barry, & I'll send you a scan of the Minicat brousure.....    :)