Board logo

For those who missed this at Stafford
Snuggs - 16/9/08 at 01:19 PM

Is this FUGLY


Discuss


Description
Description


Picture stolen from PH forum

[Edited on 16/9/08 by Snuggs]


Paul TigerB6 - 16/9/08 at 01:26 PM

I was at the "spectacular launch" on Sunday and to say it was an embarrasment would be an understatement!!

Did anyone understand a single word of the speech?? When they unveiled it i was expecting a finished car - not one with painted on windows!!! Its got to be just about the most stupid, fugly, ridiculous, pointless "car" i have ever seen - and frankly i think its an embarrasment to the kit car industry!!!

I remember the stunned look of everyone around it when they pulled the sheet back, and then the numerous glances around to see who was giggling. I had to go to the MNR stand before carrying on laughing - and the guys on there were laughing about it too!!

Did i say i dont really like it at all??


emsfactory - 16/9/08 at 01:26 PM

Not small is it!


Guinness - 16/9/08 at 01:34 PM

I quite like it.

What is the donor? F-16? Mig 27? or Tornado?

I'd imagine getting a jet engine through the emissions part of the SVA might be a bit tricky.

Oh, hang on a minute, you mean it's got a CAR engine in it! Love to see that, a jet fighter pulling up at the traffic lights with the roar of a mighty Pinto underneath it.

On second thoughts, unless it can do 0-60 in 3 seconds and top out at 200mph plus, it's always going to be more show than go!

Mike


iank - 16/9/08 at 01:45 PM

Ah, that's the thing totalkitcar had a picture of under a sheet a few months back.


Paul TigerB6 - 16/9/08 at 01:46 PM

quote:
Originally posted by iank
Ah, that's the thing totalkitcar had a picture of under a sheet a few months back.



Wish they had left if under the sheet to be honest!! Better still, leave it under a Challenger 2 tank!!


Richard Quinn - 16/9/08 at 02:48 PM

Why don't you say what you are really thinking Paul?
Never mind the trying not to laugh, the simultaneous bemused/disbelieving expressions on yours and Ben's faces said it all.
I didn't think it was that bad but there again, my retinas were still scarred by the orange jumper!!


Paul TigerB6 - 16/9/08 at 02:58 PM

Oh yes - "the jumper". If the owner of the Dyno-rod orange jumper can please make himself known. Wow that was bright!!


Browser - 16/9/08 at 03:07 PM

It's, errm, it's, well it's, ermmmmmm, it'sunique!, yes, unique, that's what it is


adithorp - 16/9/08 at 03:10 PM

I'm disappointed that I didn't go over and "attend the great unvailing" now. I had a pretty good idea of what it was going to be from the notice and the shape of the sheet over it so didn't bother push through the crowd. Sound like it would have been worth it for the reactions.

Where do they intend to find a windscreen?

adrian


Paul TigerB6 - 16/9/08 at 03:14 PM

quote:
Originally posted by adithorp
Where do they intend to find a windscreen?

adrian



Funny you should mention that!! It was mentioned on Sunday as looking like it would be custom acrylic glass to go in it, but the windscreen itself needs to be proper laminated glass, and marked up to get through SVA doesn't it!!!


Jasper - 16/9/08 at 03:14 PM

Is it made by Vindicator?


Paul TigerB6 - 16/9/08 at 03:16 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Jasper
Is it made by Vindicator?


Yes - it is indeed!!


smart51 - 16/9/08 at 03:17 PM

It looked alright under the cover. A bit tall but quite curvy. Then they pulled the cover off. Its about 1.5 metres tall and so wide, its probably a 4 seater. A proper fighter plane inspired car should be a lot narrower and not nearly as high.

It was a nice idea to make a car that looks like a fighter jet, you just have to make it look like a fighter jet to make it work.


iank - 16/9/08 at 03:23 PM

Looks like it might be designed to take a glider canopy, though wash/wipe will be a challenge.

Like most 7's with windscreens I expect most will be bolted on post SVA/IVA.


splitrivet - 16/9/08 at 03:32 PM

You beat me to it Snugs I too was at the unveiling and was going to mention it. I would have taken a photo too but was in great fear of it bosting my camera.

Never have I seen anything so embarrassing, expected that white haired gadgee from danger ufo (is that what the series was called) to climb out of it.
Cheers,
Bob

[Edited on 16/9/08 by splitrivet]

[Edited on 16/9/08 by splitrivet]


yamapinto - 16/9/08 at 03:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Paul TigerB6
Oh yes - "the jumper". If the owner of the Dyno-rod orange jumper can please make himself known. Wow that was bright!!



Was it him that rescued that "thing" in the picture from the Sewer where it was lurking! .. not sure about a cover over it, it needs a lead box!


indykid - 16/9/08 at 04:16 PM

i thought the design brief of vindicator cars was 'take an existing design - uglify it'....

looks like i'm not wrong
tom


adithorp - 16/9/08 at 04:18 PM

I'm curious to see how the magazines cover this given that Vindicator advertise in them. Will they just say it's not to their taste or just slag it off?

Don't see how they can put it through SVA without a screen (has to be glass and marked properly) as it's obviously supposed to have one. I know it can only be tested as presented but that'd just be taking the wee. Then again they already are!

MEV's Sonic7 was nice though.

adrian


Agriv8 - 16/9/08 at 04:26 PM

Personally had to endure the unviling twice.

Personally I could not come up with anyrthing positive to say about it.

Personally it is my opinion ( and I belive that I am entitled to voice it ) that this will do the Kit car immage more bad than good but hopefully I will be proved wrong.

I may be wrong but the kit is likley to be expensive ( I would expect glass alone to = Big £ ) Volvo rear lights ( S80 ? )
I cant see being cheep front lights are going to add to the odd look.

And finally ( I apologise for this if you are eating your tea ) but is it only me that thinks it looks phallic ?

Sorry rant over and yes I have had a bad day.

regards

Agriv8


iank - 16/9/08 at 04:47 PM

<old joke> If you think that looks phallic you should see a good plastic surgeon </old joke>

It won't do the kit car image any good or bad as I seriously doubt they will sell more than a couple at best and most of those will never make it onto the road.


[Edited on 16/9/08 by iank]


Paul TigerB6 - 16/9/08 at 04:51 PM

quote:
Originally posted by iank
It won't do the kit car image any good or bad as I seriously doubt they will sell more than a couple at best and most of those will never make it onto the road.




I've got a really bad feeling that its going to end up on the front cover of Kit Car Magazine in a month or two though - and if that happens then it will bring ridicule to the industry!! The guys at Vindicator seemed genuinely proud of it!!


jollygreengiant - 16/9/08 at 05:11 PM

Some descriptions that were heard. :-

FFFugly.


Its the illegitimate spawning of of a Killer whale and Brumm.

Personally, if it wasn't for the looks on peoples faces, I might have thought that someone stole 10 minutes of my life.


chrisg - 16/9/08 at 05:35 PM

To be honest I feel sorry for them, no one had thel b*lls to say "no".

It's some undertaking to build a chassis and a buck for a new kit car and not cheap either, you would have thought someone would have taken a few steps back and said "It looks wrong"

Having said that, there's always some who likes every car, otherwise there'd be no Ford Ka!

Cheers

Chris


Richard Quinn - 16/9/08 at 06:08 PM

quote:
Originally posted by smart51
It looked alright under the cover. A bit tall but quite curvy. Then they pulled the cover off. Its about 1.5 metres tall and so wide, its probably a 4 seater. A proper fighter plane inspired car should be a lot narrower and not nearly as high.

It was a nice idea to make a car that looks like a fighter jet, you just have to make it look like a fighter jet to make it work.

Nope, one of the guys removed part of the front roof/canopy/window/door (whatever best describes it) later on as I was passing. There only appeared to be two seats, one behind the other, in there from what I could see (although it was more than a little gloomy given the innovative grp windows - I believe that in this case, there is no SVA requirement for a demister!!)


mistergrumpy - 16/9/08 at 06:14 PM

I saw it on the Saturday fully uncovered. There was a sign saying it was based around the Phantom jet.
To say it were ugly would be an understatement.


Steve Munster - 16/9/08 at 06:18 PM

Oh dear, there seems to be a lot of jealous people out there, just because you didn't think of designing this vehicle before!!!!!!!lol

I personally couldn't give 'two hoots' what it looks like as its not my car, but one thing I do know is this, Peter, who's car it is absolutly loves it and as for how fast it is? It goes like a rocket its got a 2.9 v6 from a mondeo.

He(Peter) has many ideas on the screens and interior etc. and if they work successfully then watchout cuz they could help push the kitcar industry into the 21st century.

Saying all that I'm having a family built by Vindicator and i'm having to be very patient with them as the F4 is taking up a lot of their time.

I have found that there are lots of people with opinions but very few with a grounded opinion. If you don't like it don't buy it! simple as that. I personally don't like a certain company from Kingswinford' cars because they are too small for ME, but one thing I've never done is slate them on these pages.

Well I've said my bit, we should all be in this industry as friends whether we've got a Vindicator, Robin Hood, Westfield, etc. etc. the kitcar industry is too small for some of the back stabbing that goes on.


Paul TigerB6 - 16/9/08 at 06:33 PM

Jellous!! hehehe - glad you put the lol at the end there!!

As you've seen, the general concensus is that the F4 really is ffffugly and ok, if your mate loves it then thats great and I hope he continues to love it and enjoy it for years to come.

Saying that though, and judging by the reaction of the vast majority of "Kit Car People" attending the show who obviously thought the same as many on the thread, using this car to promote the kit car industry to the general public would bring nothing but ridicule from 95%+ I feel. Thats what my worry would be here!!


Steve Munster - 16/9/08 at 06:54 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Paul TigerB6
Jellous!! hehehe - glad you put the lol at the end there!!

As you've seen, the general concensus is that the F4 really is ffffugly and ok, if your mate loves it then thats great and I hope he continues to love it and enjoy it for years to come.

Saying that though, and judging by the reaction of the vast majority of "Kit Car People" attending the show who obviously thought the same as many on the thread, using this car to promote the kit car industry to the general public would bring nothing but ridicule from 95%+ I feel. Thats what my worry would be here!!


Mate,

Take a step back and look at the kit car industry as a whole, isn't it for people who want to be different? When you pull into a petrol station to fill up in a Toyota or VW does the guy next to you give you a second look? NO. When you pull up in a kit car do you get the same reaction?


chris_smith - 16/9/08 at 07:09 PM

i was at the show with my dad on saturday could not understand a word that was said in the build up speech,and when the covers came off we just stood in silence, then turned to each other in awe and fell about laughing
to be fair i dare say alot of work has gone into the build but whom ever designs there cars really needs to change there thoughts as this really isnt the first ugly car they have built

chris

[Edited on 16/9/08 by chris_smith]


chrisg - 16/9/08 at 07:50 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Steve Munster
Oh dear, there seems to be a lot of jealous people out there, just because you didn't think of designing this vehicle before!!!!!!!lol

I personally couldn't give 'two hoots' what it looks like as its not my car, but one thing I do know is this, Peter, who's car it is absolutly loves it and as for how fast it is? It goes like a rocket its got a 2.9 v6 from a mondeo.

He(Peter) has many ideas on the screens and interior etc. and if they work successfully then watchout cuz they could help push the kitcar industry into the 21st century.

Saying all that I'm having a family built by Vindicator and i'm having to be very patient with them as the F4 is taking up a lot of their time.

I have found that there are lots of people with opinions but very few with a grounded opinion. If you don't like it don't buy it! simple as that. I personally don't like a certain company from Kingswinford' cars because they are too small for ME, but one thing I've never done is slate them on these pages.

Well I've said my bit, we should all be in this industry as friends whether we've got a Vindicator, Robin Hood, Westfield, etc. etc. the kitcar industry is too small for some of the back stabbing that goes on.


Some interesting points, it's interesting that you see it as "back stabbing", I certainly don't have any axe to grind with Vindicator, in fact I wish them well with it - it's more choice after all.

I don't like the styling and I won't be buying one, which is, as you say is my choice.

As for the grounding of the posters on here, some of them have been around kit cars for a long time, and you'll have to ask Andy Saunders about who first had the idea about basing a car on the jet fighter concept(G-WHIZ).

In the end the market will decide, and from the reaction of most people it isn't going to be a big seller.

Cheers

Chris

EDIT, appolgies, I got my car designers mixed up. It was Bill carter not Andy Saunders

G-WHIZ



[Edited on 16/9/08 by chrisg]


Steve Munster - 16/9/08 at 08:01 PM

quote:
Originally posted by chrisg
quote:
Originally posted by Steve Munster
Oh dear, there seems to be a lot of jealous people out there, just because you didn't think of designing this vehicle before!!!!!!!lol

I personally couldn't give 'two hoots' what it looks like as its not my car, but one thing I do know is this, Peter, who's car it is absolutly loves it and as for how fast it is? It goes like a rocket its got a 2.9 v6 from a mondeo.

He(Peter) has many ideas on the screens and interior etc. and if they work successfully then watchout cuz they could help push the kitcar industry into the 21st century.

Saying all that I'm having a family built by Vindicator and i'm having to be very patient with them as the F4 is taking up a lot of their time.

I have found that there are lots of people with opinions but very few with a grounded opinion. If you don't like it don't buy it! simple as that. I personally don't like a certain company from Kingswinford' cars because they are too small for ME, but one thing I've never done is slate them on these pages.

Well I've said my bit, we should all be in this industry as friends whether we've got a Vindicator, Robin Hood, Westfield, etc. etc. the kitcar industry is too small for some of the back stabbing that goes on.


Some interesting points, it's interesting that you see it as "back stabbing", I certainly don't have any axe to grind with Vindicator, in fact I wish them well with it - it's more choice after all.

I don't like the styling and I won't be buying one, which is, as you say my choice.

As for the grounding of the posters on here, some of them have been around kit cars for a long time, and you'll have to ask Andy Saunders about who first had the idea about basing a car on the jet fighter concept(G-WHIZ).

In the end the market will decide, and from the reaction of most people it isn't going to be a big seller.

Cheers

Chris


Hi Chris,
I will have to admit that I am a newbie and must say that it won't be a good or bad thing if the F4 sells, but I will say that its another option for anyone looking to build a kit car. The design etc has been generalised from an F4 Phantom, Peters own design and he has had dealings all along the build of the car.


Vindi_andy - 16/9/08 at 08:04 PM

I too am building a vindicator Sprint Family and that received a certain amount of ridicule when it was launched but for people like me who want to be in a kitcar but have 2 kids and a wife with a will of iron "you can have a kitcar as long as it has 4 seats" this was to my mind the only option as I didnt want an old fashioned roadster style or modern sportscar look.

Personally I dont like it but that said fair play to john for having the cahunas to put it out there and as I understand things the guy who it is being built for is actually the designer and john was happy to build it for him.

Cost will be significant I will say no more and the figure john gave me would make it prohibitive for some even if they liked the styling. personally if I had the money mentioned to spend on a kitcar I would buy a murtaya and have some change.

Just my 2 pen'orth


Steve Munster - 16/9/08 at 08:22 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Vindi_andy
I too am building a vindicator Sprint Family and that received a certain amount of ridicule when it was launched but for people like me who want to be in a kitcar but have 2 kids and a wife with a will of iron "you can have a kitcar as long as it has 4 seats" this was to my mind the only option as I didnt want an old fashioned roadster style or modern sportscar look.

Personally I dont like it but that said fair play to john for having the cahunas to put it out there and as I understand things the guy who it is being built for is actually the designer and john was happy to build it for him.

Cost will be significant I will say no more and the figure john gave me would make it prohibitive for some even if they liked the styling. personally if I had the money mentioned to spend on a kitcar I would buy a murtaya and have some change.

Just my 2 pen'orth


Hi Andy,
Isn't that why this industry is alive? You can spend a few hundred and build a kit car or spend a few thousand and get a kit car. Me personaly I'd have one of each but space,money,wife etc. prohibit me doing that, so we are having 1 kit car and will use it as much as possible to justify the cost laid down to get it.

Oh by the way, still looking at seats f.....g things.


Richard Quinn - 16/9/08 at 08:37 PM

There are a fair few people who try to make the move from kit car buyer/builder to kit car supplier in an attempt to supply their dream car to the market. No one else shares their passion for their particular dream car and the whole thing fails. I'm not knocking it as someone obviously likes it but I do believe that it would only appeal to a very limited sector of the overall market. I guess that the idea is that if they can sell a few kits then they will recover some of the costs incurred in the production of the original.


David Jenkins - 16/9/08 at 08:41 PM

I can only speak as someone who has no particular views about Vindicator cars - that new one is odd, I wouldn't ever consider building one - but it may 'improve' when a real one is built with proper windows etc. This would lighten up the whole shape and maybe make it acceptable.

For me, the jury is out...


mr henderson - 16/9/08 at 08:51 PM

I hate having a go at anyone who has obviously put a lot of time and effort into something, but I can only think, in this case, that the designer just doesn;t see this car the way the rest of the world does.

To combine a shape like that, with that front suspension and the cycle wings is just, just, I don't know, I'm not sure if there is a word in English for it.
If they had fared the front wheels into the body, somehow, then maybe they could have used it in a Space 1999 revival.

John


vindicator - 16/9/08 at 10:27 PM

Well I have waited to see what most people have said about the car. I do not work for Vindicator but do own one (yes ok I was the one in the orange sweater!!!!) as this matches the colour of my car.

As I see it, Peter had a dream when he was young and as time past he toured the kit car manufactures to see who would like the challange to build his car. Step forward only one company others said 'no way'.

Who said that this was going to be a new model for Vindicator for the masses. It is one persons dream and Vindicator is nearly there in completing it for Peter. Yes there are still some challenges to over come, but don't knock it just yet!!.

Some people like it some don't, some like day glow sweaters some don't, I don't get my hand stamped when walking out of a kit car show with the view of walking back in as everyone knows the jumper.

I like my Sprint and get a BIG grin when driving down the motorway, every one looks. I am sure that when Peter gets his dream on the road he will also have a BIG GRIN....

So if you have a dream car or design in mind, speak to Vindicator as the rest of the kit car manufactures don't won't to live dangerously.

Now where is my Orange sweater.....by the way SWMBO has one also.......and is a black belt in Judo, her twin sister is a 2nd dan....so I don't argue and am now ducking.....

[Edited on 16-9-2008 by vindicator]


Paul TigerB6 - 16/9/08 at 10:48 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Steve Munster
Mate,

Take a step back and look at the kit car industry as a whole, isn't it for people who want to be different? When you pull into a petrol station to fill up in a Toyota or VW does the guy next to you give you a second look? NO. When you pull up in a kit car do you get the same reaction?


Yes it is - but when the crowd that want to be different are all in hysterics - doesnt that say something?? This car i really do hope, stays a one off!! I have absolutely nothing against anyone wanting to be different at all - what i said was i really hope that car doesnt become a representation of the kit industry as a whole!!

Did someone mention martial arts?? I have black belts in two (Euro junior champs in karate) - so i do hope they weren't threats!!

ChrisG puts some interesting points over. None of us have anything against Vindicator - and i really dont see where the backstabbing is in voicing an opinion. After all this forum is all about opinion - and even if we dont always agree i think we all respect each other on the whole!! If we hate it we wont buy it - simple as that!! The danger comes (to me) from putting that over as a representation of the kit car industry as a whole!!) Beauford (whilst also not my cup of tea) produce cars used for weddings - and have done the kit industry a lot of good!! Same with CateringVan and Westfield - they are names that are well known and associated with kits!!

[Edited on 16/9/08 by Paul TigerB6]


Steve Munster - 16/9/08 at 10:57 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Paul TigerB6
quote:
Originally posted by Steve Munster
Mate,

Take a step back and look at the kit car industry as a whole, isn't it for people who want to be different? When you pull into a petrol station to fill up in a Toyota or VW does the guy next to you give you a second look? NO. When you pull up in a kit car do you get the same reaction?


Yes it is - but when the crowd that want to be different are all in hysterics - doesnt that say something?? This car i really do hope, stays a one off!!

Did someone mention martial arts?? I have black belts in two - so i do hope they weren't threats!!


Sorry mate but what realy gets me in hysterics is the 18yr old at the traffic lights in Merry Hill last night in a cream fiesta 1Ltr with no back seats but a great monsterous roll cage - the whole car, inc. wife and 2 daughters were laughing at some wanna be racer in his ikle car - step forward F4 and show the boy what to do!!!!


Paul TigerB6 - 16/9/08 at 11:16 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Steve MunsterSorry mate but what realy gets me in hysterics is the 18yr old at the traffic lights in Merry Hill last night in a cream fiesta 1Ltr with no back seats but a great monsterous roll cage - the whole car, inc. wife and 2 daughters were laughing at some wanna be racer in his ikle car - step forward F4 and show the boy what to do!!!!


How did the F4 manage that last night?? I saw it Sunday and it had fibreglass windscreen, no front lights, totally un-SVAable and i must have missed the numberplates!!

I've been taking the pi$$ out of so called fast cars for the last 8 years in a standard zetec Tiger 6. Your average 1L Fiesta is hardly a big scalp for my tintop - never mind a kit car - so whats your point???? Going out with my local Impreza club (when i had a WRX) and obliterating them with my Zetec Tiger was much more satisfying but still no surprise!!! Most kit cars no matter what the engine will obliterate the average tintop in a straight line and nigh on guaranteed to do so in the bends

[Edited on 16/9/08 by Paul TigerB6]

[Edited on 16/9/08 by Paul TigerB6]


Steve Munster - 16/9/08 at 11:39 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Paul TigerB6
quote:
Originally posted by Steve MunsterSorry mate but what realy gets me in hysterics is the 18yr old at the traffic lights in Merry Hill last night in a cream fiesta 1Ltr with no back seats but a great monsterous roll cage - the whole car, inc. wife and 2 daughters were laughing at some wanna be racer in his ikle car - step forward F4 and show the boy what to do!!!!


How did the F4 manage that last night?? I saw it Sunday and it had fibreglass windscreen!!

I've been taking the pi$$ out of so called fast cars for the last 8 years in a standard zetec Tiger 6. Your average 1L Fiesta is hardly a big scalp - so whats your point???? Going out with my local Impreza club (when i had a WRX) and obliterating them with my Zetec Tiger was much more satisfying but still no surprise!!! Most kit cars no matter what the engine will obliterate the average tintop in a straight line and nigh on guaranteed to do so in the bends

[Edited on 16/9/08 by Paul TigerB6]


Sorry mate but my point is that the F4 what ever people think about looks etc. is a very fast car, I know I've been in it - obviously before it had a body!!!!!!!
I remember my old 'g' reg Volvo 740 grandad mobile, the amount of xr2's and xr3's I've left behind at traffic lights is in the hundreds.


Paul TigerB6 - 16/9/08 at 11:49 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Steve Munster
quote:
Originally posted by Paul TigerB6
quote:
Originally posted by Steve MunsterSorry mate but what realy gets me in hysterics is the 18yr old at the traffic lights in Merry Hill last night in a cream fiesta 1Ltr with no back seats but a great monsterous roll cage - the whole car, inc. wife and 2 daughters were laughing at some wanna be racer in his ikle car - step forward F4 and show the boy what to do!!!!


How did the F4 manage that last night?? I saw it Sunday and it had fibreglass windscreen!!

I've been taking the pi$$ out of so called fast cars for the last 8 years in a standard zetec Tiger 6. Your average 1L Fiesta is hardly a big scalp - so whats your point???? Going out with my local Impreza club (when i had a WRX) and obliterating them with my Zetec Tiger was much more satisfying but still no surprise!!! Most kit cars no matter what the engine will obliterate the average tintop in a straight line and nigh on guaranteed to do so in the bends

[Edited on 16/9/08 by Paul TigerB6]


Sorry mate but my point is that the F4 what ever people think about looks etc. is a very fast car, I know I've been in it - obviously before it had a body!!!!!!!
I remember my old 'g' reg Volvo 740 grandad mobile, the amount of xr2's and xr3's I've left behind at traffic lights is in the hundreds.


Sorry - but what you might think of as fast might not be so fast to someone else!! What do you think the 0-60mph is?? I've driven RGB spec race cars and dont think they are so quick having been in a 600bhp/ton Tiger Z100WR doing 60 in well under 3 secs!! If it cant break 5s then to me its pretty slow. It it doesnt do sub 4s then nothing special - its all comparative. The majority on here will be used to sub 6's which is soooo fast to the general public!!


mr henderson - 17/9/08 at 07:47 AM

The windscreen has been mentioned a couple of times. If they solve that problem, which I personally think means they are going to have to get something specially made in laminated glass, the next problem will be the windscreen wiper. And that is going to be an even bigger problem.

I can't understand why they exhibited it at a kit car show, as it's never going to be any more than a conversation piece. As such it is a complete success, as this 5 page (so far) thread shows.

We've all met people who simply don't see things (usually themselves) the way other people do. I remember an old boss of mine who was in to tanning. Perfectly intelligent and normal person in every other way, but she had taken the tanning thing to ridiculous levels and couldn't see that there was anything wrong with it.

It's basically the same thing with this 'car'. Whoever is responsible for it is so obsessed by it that they have (I hate using cliches, but this one is especially apt) 'lost the plot'

John


Richard Quinn - 17/9/08 at 09:00 AM

Ok, I'm officially confused as to what the purpose/intent of this car is. There has been some talk of the whole thing being to fulfil one man's dream and Vindicator stepping up to the plate to do this for him. There has also been a mention of this being a pre-production prototype (as displayed on the stand IIRC) and talk on here of the projected costs being a little too rich for most of us.
Is this a one off to allow one individual to live his dream or is it something that will go into production with a view to selling to the great unwashed?
Putting all the emotional issues to one side, in strictly commercial terms, trying to market something that appeals to a handful of people (some of which, I feel, are defending this on this basis that it is a venture by Vindicator to which they have an element of loyalty) and is very expensive is not an ideal business model. Can I just ask whether the two people defending the F4 so far will be placing an order?


vindicator - 17/9/08 at 11:05 AM

quote:

Ok, I'm officially confused as to what the purpose/intent of this car is. There has been some talk of the whole thing being to fulfil one man's dream and Vindicator stepping up to the plate to do this for him. There has also been a mention of this being a pre-production prototype (as displayed on the stand IIRC) and talk on here of the projected costs being a little too rich for most of us.



Ok, Richard you are officially not confused. You are right on several points. Yes one mans dream to get the dream built (not quite done that yet, but nearly), to have it 'paraded' yes, peter's dream. Yes a pre production as Vindicator are marketing it.....ermmmm. If I was part of Vindicator I would do the same, if a few sales came from it (once it is finished!) then great. But if Vindicator don't get another sale then like any other manufacture, the F4 will quickly fade away. Main car manufacturers do this all the time.

Give it time to see the final outcome, then again after all that has been written here, you may not see it again at a show.....


vindicator - 17/9/08 at 11:27 AM

quote:

Can I just ask whether the two people defending the F4 so far will be placing an order?



Sorry Richard missed this on on the last post....which two defending the F4 as there has been 3 vindicator owner's that have replied.....

To put MHO forward, I love my Sprint, something a bit different than your common RH, W, C, T etc. Would I buy a F4, no as in the F4 the passenger sits behind the driver (really good if you have a nagging wife, but then again she would not have let you buy a kit car in the first place!!!) and I had enough of that when I was young and my brother used to take me to school in his Messersmit......never again....

messersmit
messersmit


RoadkillUK - 17/9/08 at 11:31 AM

Here we go. If you're gonna make a plane like car




Link Here

[Edited on 17/9/08 by RoadkillUK]


Vindi_andy - 17/9/08 at 11:32 AM

I am defending Vindicator not necessarily the car as I said Its not to my taste so no I wont be placing an order.

To respond to your comment about whther its is pre-production prototype or specific to one mans dreams, knowing john the way I do its both. It originally started as one mans dream and obviously there is quite a bit of cost involved taking it to production so i think john wants to sell a few at the same time.

quote:
Originally posted by Richard Quinn
Ok, I'm officially confused as to what the purpose/intent of this car is. There has been some talk of the whole thing being to fulfil one man's dream and Vindicator stepping up to the plate to do this for him. There has also been a mention of this being a pre-production prototype (as displayed on the stand IIRC) and talk on here of the projected costs being a little too rich for most of us.
Is this a one off to allow one individual to live his dream or is it something that will go into production with a view to selling to the great unwashed?
Putting all the emotional issues to one side, in strictly commercial terms, trying to market something that appeals to a handful of people (some of which, I feel, are defending this on this basis that it is a venture by Vindicator to which they have an element of loyalty) and is very expensive is not an ideal business model. Can I just ask whether the two people defending the F4 so far will be placing an order?


Richard Quinn - 17/9/08 at 01:20 PM

Sorry, I can't remember which two out of the three I was referring to and I don't want to go trawling back through the ramblings.
I think I understand the situation now and I completely understand the "one man's meat is another man's poison" side of things.
I hear what you are saying about recovering some of the costs of the one-off dream by trying to sell a few more but surely there is an additional cost of production tooling, jigs etc that would then also have to be recovered which has got to be a gamble with something that, as we have seen here, probably has a very limited market in the first place.


Paul TigerB6 - 17/9/08 at 01:24 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Richard Quinn
surely there is an additional cost of production tooling, jigs etc that would then also have to be recovered which has got to be a gamble with something that, as we have seen here, probably has a very limited market in the first place.


Maybe that's Vindicator's reasoning behind unveiling an unfinished car like that?? Gauging interest and reaction to it??? At the stage its at now i guess they could take some moulds off it before continuing with the build for the owner who's dream it is.

[Edited on 17/9/08 by Paul TigerB6]


Jubal - 17/9/08 at 01:35 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Steve MunsterSorry mate but what realy gets me in hysterics is the 18yr old at the traffic lights in Merry Hill last night in a cream fiesta 1Ltr with no back seats but a great monsterous roll cage - the whole car, inc. wife and 2 daughters were laughing at some wanna be racer in his ikle car - step forward F4 and show the boy what to do!!!!


Hold on, you have just ridiculed someone and their car for the way it looks and your perception of what you see. How is that different from the howls of laughter coming from everyone else about the F4 or whatever it's called? Hypocrite.


Paul TigerB6 - 17/9/08 at 01:37 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Jubal
Hold on, you have just ridiculed someone and their car for the way it looks and your perception of what you see. How is that different from the howls of laughter coming from everyone else about the F4 or whatever it's called? Hypocrite.



You do have a very good point there!!


Spyderman - 17/9/08 at 01:37 PM

Like a few others I was there for the unveiling with my two boys.
As already mentioned the commentary was undecipherable, but this was not just limited to the unveiling.

The great unveiling was a mixture of disappointment and amusement.
The disappointment came from the expectation that this was "supposedly" to be an innovative and stunning new vehicle.

The amusement was in the crowd reaction. I have never seen a crowd disperse as rapidly as that. (Maybe the Police could employ this car for crowd control!)
Both my boys said it was ugly and I had to agree. It was far too tall and the rear end too wide. I wonder what kind of seating will be used in it, Bar Stools?
It had the dimensions of a people carrier.

Before I get blasted for daring to dislike this monstrosity I will state that I am not mad keen on Lotus Sevens either. In fact I am not keen on open wheelers at all. (shock, horror)
This does not stop me from appreciating the benefits that these vehicles offer though.
Other than straight line sprints I can't see how the F4 can ever be a performance vehicle. It certainly has the room for a massive V8 mid mounted, but due to such a high body profile it is never going to be a high lateral 'G' handler.

Anyway this isn't meant to be an assassination attempt, just my observations of what I thought a ridiculously over hyped vehicle launch.
If the idea was just to measure the public response then it worked.
Let's just hope they took note don't produce any more.

In fairness I think the concerns expressed about such companies are for their sustained prosperity. I doubt any of us want any company to go bust and so are a little critical as to what we think are sound business adventures. It is for the benefit of all of us to have healthy competition and variety in the Kit Car market.
It is just a shame that everything is so PC these days that you are not allowed to express your criticisms whether good or bad!


gingerprince - 17/9/08 at 01:44 PM

Sounds like it had a similar reception to this: -



Go Homer


Paul TigerB6 - 17/9/08 at 01:55 PM

Seems like they're breeding!!

linky





[Edited on 17/9/08 by Paul TigerB6]


vindicator - 17/9/08 at 02:36 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Jubal
quote:
Originally posted by Steve MunsterSorry mate but what realy gets me in hysterics is the 18yr old at the traffic lights in Merry Hill last night in a cream fiesta 1Ltr with no back seats but a great monsterous roll cage - the whole car, inc. wife and 2 daughters were laughing at some wanna be racer in his ikle car - step forward F4 and show the boy what to do!!!!


Hold on, you have just ridiculed someone and their car for the way it looks and your perception of what you see. How is that different from the howls of laughter coming from everyone else about the F4 or whatever it's called? Hypocrite.


I think you will find that this was Steve's opinion on one car that had been transformed from an original manufacture to what the young drive thought would make it go faster (IMHO!!!!).

The original argument was that the F4 was a "disgrace on the kit car industry".

I have a kit car and I belong to the industry, albeit in a small way. But I don't see anyone's design / manufacturing as disturbing or a disgrace. If someone wants to push the boundries then let them, go a head, be my guest.......I did not like the Atom when it first came out and thought it bear without any panelling, but I did not stand up and say that is was an embarrassing car to put to market.

Can we all move on and think up ways to over come the (as someone else wrote!!) window screen (sure JB/Keith or Peter would have thought of this at the begining), window wiper (how about a up and down movement instead of left to right!!, I don't know!!) Lights (any one got any pics of some that would look ok), and last of all a number plate.....


Richard Quinn - 17/9/08 at 04:42 PM

Sorry, couldn't resist!
[img][/img]


Jubal - 17/9/08 at 04:45 PM

quote:
Originally posted by vindicator
Can we all move on and think up ways to over come the (as someone else wrote!!) window screen (sure JB/Keith or Peter would have thought of this at the begining), window wiper (how about a up and down movement instead of left to right!!, I don't know!!) Lights (any one got any pics of some that would look ok), and last of all a number plate.....


I'd have to care enough to put the thought in. Not gonna happen.


Paul TigerB6 - 17/9/08 at 04:56 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Jubal
quote:
Originally posted by vindicator
Can we all move on and think up ways to over come the (as someone else wrote!!) window screen (sure JB/Keith or Peter would have thought of this at the begining), window wiper (how about a up and down movement instead of left to right!!, I don't know!!) Lights (any one got any pics of some that would look ok), and last of all a number plate.....


I'd have to care enough to put the thought in. Not gonna happen.


I didnt even know the forum was supposed to now be designing the car for Vindicator myself!! I would really hope they would have spoken to screen suppliers before they started though!!


vindicator - 17/9/08 at 06:44 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Richard Quinn
Sorry, couldn't resist!
[img][/img]

oh Richard what are we going to do with you.....you have the windows in the back.....the small pointy bit was at the front (sorry!!!)


Richard Quinn - 17/9/08 at 07:14 PM

My bad!


Steve Munster - 17/9/08 at 08:24 PM

Well I'm sure if John, and all at Vindicator, were to read and see how much has been said about the F4 I'm sure he will be quite pleased that out of all that went on and everything else that has happened or not this last weekend, more has been said about the F4 and Vindicator cars than any other single situation.

I have all along defended Vindicator because of my affiliation to them via a) have known John for many Years and b) the fact that this time next year I and my family will be riding around in our Sprint Family and can see that Vindicator cars can and has done anyhting like this.

Back to the F4, The Windows/wipers are just another part/job on the list to be done and I can tell you that someone somewhere will be able to answer all the questions asked by people on this forum. A lot of the snags that have arisen during the development, many have been sorted within the industry. I applaud the kitcar industry for its knowledge and inginuity.

I am quite sad realy because no one has said anything about my car, it was on the Vindicator stand too, with no bodywork and no seats etc. So if you want to run my car down, feel free, I'd love to have 6 pages or so on this forum!!!!!

Right back to Vindicator - How many kit car companies have 5/6 different cars/van with various guises to go with?


Richard Quinn - 17/9/08 at 09:32 PM

Unfortunately your naked Sprint Family has been somewhat overshadowed on this occasion! There was a nice Ultima there and a very, very nice Cobra if they're your type of thing but even these have had very little mention by comparison!


Richard Quinn - 17/9/08 at 09:37 PM

Anyway, I wouldn't worry. Next week we'll all be back on the "Bec v Cec", "Indy handling" and "GTS customer service" topics.


Steve Munster - 17/9/08 at 09:56 PM

Yeh! and I still need F-----g seats!

Where can I get Cobra 7 seats cheaper than from cobra? They want £200.00 each!!!!!! Oh and I want Vindicator embroidered in the head panel


RoadkillUK - 19/9/08 at 10:03 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Richard Quinn
Sorry, couldn't resist!
[img][/img]


I saw this once on my way to Blackpool a long time ago


MakeEverything - 4/10/08 at 09:41 PM

I read the article in the kit car magazine, and it was the creator that approached Vindicator.
Personally, i join the majority on the thread, in that its not for me, but how many of us have had an opportunity to take one of our own designs to a well established kit car firm?

Fair play to the guy that designed it and had the nuts to look for a manufacturer, i say. I hope it does sell, and i dont think it will make any difference to the kit car industry whatsoever,

Trying to still stay on the fence but voice my view, i would say that if it werent for these guys and companies giving them an opportunity to push the boundaries of technology (even aesthetically), then we would all still be driving model T's and living in mud huts.

Evolution is a good thing, and best of luck to the designer and Vindicator with their new partnership. Dont let the negatives drag you down. Listen, Review and improve. - or as Gunny Highway would say - "Improvise, Adapt and Overcome".

Good Luck guys. I think people are entitled to their opinion, but overlook the time, money and effort that someone has put into an attempt to evolve the kit car market, and maybe shouldnt be so cruel in the way things are said. This isnt just a big company were talking about, and no i dont know the designer!!


MakeEverything - 4/10/08 at 10:03 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Jubal
quote:
Originally posted by Steve MunsterSorry mate but what realy gets me in hysterics is the 18yr old at the traffic lights in Merry Hill last night in a cream fiesta 1Ltr with no back seats but a great monsterous roll cage - the whole car, inc. wife and 2 daughters were laughing at some wanna be racer in his ikle car - step forward F4 and show the boy what to do!!!!


Hold on, you have just ridiculed someone and their car for the way it looks and your perception of what you see. How is that different from the howls of laughter coming from everyone else about the F4 or whatever it's called? Hypocrite.



Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight.....