Profile of the car
The original opportunity to build the Locost came with my HND. We needed a large project which to base many modules on. Since I can remember, I sat and watched racing on tv, always dreaming of being a racing driver. This project was my best opportunity to realise my childhood dream, and race!
Whilst building it, the project gained the ‘Hicost’ nickname - in reference to large amount of money spent on the car, getting the details right as apposed to sticking to the spirit of Locost. (For 2006 the number plates now read “hopefully Locost” in the hope that this will inspire the car!)
The car itself is now a minor celebrity within UK club racing (or infamous), appearing several times in leading motorsport publications.
The Hicost is primarily for racing in the 750 Motor Club Locost Championship. It is based on the book ‘How to build a sports car for as little as £250 – and race it’.
To be eligible for this championship the car has to conform to tight regulations and in doing so, be able to pass an MOT test. With this in mind, I built it to take passengers on track days and be able to pass an SVA test which allows one-off cars to be road legal.
(Photo courtesy of Reilly Studios)
Technical Specification:
Chassis
· Luego 1” square tubing space-frame chassis as shown in the book ‘how to build a sportscar for as little as £250’
· MSA certified full roll cage and side impact bar fabricated by TMC Motorsport.
· Front double unequal length wishbones with adjustable Avo shocks.
· Rear live axle (MK2 Ford Escort) with twin trailing arms and panhard rod, vertically mounted adjustable Avo shocks.
Engine
· 1.3 Kent crossflow as from Ford Mk2 Escort GT
· Full +90” re-bore
· Lightened/ balanced where allowed (basic blueprinting) by Brian Randall
· GT induction system with weber carb
· Custom free-flow side exit exhaust system
Transmission
· 4 speed gearbox (integral bellhousing) as off 1.3 Mk2 Escort GT
· Custom propshaft, using single section donor prop from 1.1 MK2 Escort.
Body
· Aluminium sheet panels, fibreglass wings, nosecone and scuttle.
· All finished in a lovely aqua blue (by TKS Motor Repairs Ltd) as seen on late 90’s Benetton F1 cars.
Braking System
· Front disks as off Mk4 Ford Cortina
· Rear Drums as off MK2 Escort
· Front/ rear split system with bias adjustment at pedals.
Wheels (most important)
· 13x6 Mk2 RS
· 13x6 Compomotive ML
Tyres
· Yokohama A539 (Road Spec.)
(Picture courtesy of Xtreme sports photography)
Whilst building it, the project gained the ‘Hicost’ nickname - in reference to large amount of money spent on the car, getting the details right as apposed to sticking to the spirit of Locost. (For 2006 the number plates now read “hopefully Locost” in the hope that this will inspire the car!)
The car itself is now a minor celebrity within UK club racing (or infamous), appearing several times in leading motorsport publications.
The Hicost is primarily for racing in the 750 Motor Club Locost Championship. It is based on the book ‘How to build a sports car for as little as £250 – and race it’.
To be eligible for this championship the car has to conform to tight regulations and in doing so, be able to pass an MOT test. With this in mind, I built it to take passengers on track days and be able to pass an SVA test which allows one-off cars to be road legal.
 |
(Photo courtesy of Reilly Studios)
Technical Specification:
Chassis
· Luego 1” square tubing space-frame chassis as shown in the book ‘how to build a sportscar for as little as £250’
· MSA certified full roll cage and side impact bar fabricated by TMC Motorsport.
· Front double unequal length wishbones with adjustable Avo shocks.
· Rear live axle (MK2 Ford Escort) with twin trailing arms and panhard rod, vertically mounted adjustable Avo shocks.
Engine
· 1.3 Kent crossflow as from Ford Mk2 Escort GT
· Full +90” re-bore
· Lightened/ balanced where allowed (basic blueprinting) by Brian Randall
· GT induction system with weber carb
· Custom free-flow side exit exhaust system
Transmission
· 4 speed gearbox (integral bellhousing) as off 1.3 Mk2 Escort GT
· Custom propshaft, using single section donor prop from 1.1 MK2 Escort.
Body
· Aluminium sheet panels, fibreglass wings, nosecone and scuttle.
· All finished in a lovely aqua blue (by TKS Motor Repairs Ltd) as seen on late 90’s Benetton F1 cars.
Braking System
· Front disks as off Mk4 Ford Cortina
· Rear Drums as off MK2 Escort
· Front/ rear split system with bias adjustment at pedals.
Wheels (most important)
· 13x6 Mk2 RS
· 13x6 Compomotive ML
Tyres
· Yokohama A539 (Road Spec.)
 |
(Picture courtesy of Xtreme sports photography)