1922 GN Cyclecar

1922 GN Cyclecar by H.R. Godfrey and Archibald Frazer-Nash.
Motor is mostly period true, or evolved in the same way as other Cyclecars. The builder (driver) made this one from scratch, using parts from Vincent's, JAP motors, GM parts and even a Healey 3000 flywheel to cope with the torque that the 1.5l V kicks out.
Wooden frame, chain drive and no foot clutch. Power goes to the rear via a bevelled off drive shaft, onto a shaft running parallel to the fixed (no differential) axle. a series of 5 sprockets on the shaft and axle are joined by chains. Power is selected via a gear leaver going through a 'wriggly monkey' dog clutch selector. This is genius for the time, as it meant you changed gear with no clutch, no hesitation - one gear seamlessly took over from the other thanks to the dog clutch and wriggly monkey. Reverse was by means of an additional counter-rotating gear.
Pulling away is harsh, as you have no foot clutch to slip. You get ready to go, bang it into gear and you're off!
The rear axle is solid, with no differential, so to reduce drag/slip on turning, the rear wheels are much narrower spaced than the front wheels. This means on anything but gentle turns, the back end is breaking loose - making for an entertaining ride.
Whilst wrestling the steering and gears, the driver also needs to keep an eye on fuel pressure, and hand pump the tank to keep it pressurised as there is no fuel pump.
Absolutely gorgeous piece of machinery, with an owner who knows it inside and out, keeps it active and on the road, and was good enough to show me all the mechanicals of this amazing car, plus he let me sit behind the wheel (parked, mind you!).