Highlights
- The fourth DRK ever made
- Wonderful experience out on the road
- Coach built body using aluminium skinned plywood
The Appeal
The DRK is a great example of what happens when you gather together a group of enthusiastic engineers in a workshop in the North of England. Although the internet would describe these as a ‘kit-car’ this is somewhat un-flattering to the production process.
DRK would provide you will a fully coach-built timber framed body constituting of plywood panels that were then skinned with aluminium all placed on a traditional steel chassis. The cars were then delivered to the customer fully upholstered, painted, and wired with lights and instruments. The only thing left for the owner to do was to install the engine and gearbox of their choice.
DRK would provide you will a fully coach-built timber framed body constituting of plywood panels that were then skinned with aluminium all placed on a traditional steel chassis. The cars were then delivered to the customer fully upholstered, painted, and wired with lights and instruments. The only thing left for the owner to do was to install the engine and gearbox of their choice.
Of all the 59 cars that were built and sold, 308 ATC is in fact number 4 to be built. For the past few years, this car has been owned by a true enthusiast who has even used it to tour the stunning sights of Europe. Now it is your turn to own an extremely rare and incredibly fun car.
The History and Paperwork
- As has previously been mentioned this car was built in 1990 and was only the fourth car to be finished
- A few old negatives and prints have been kept as part of the cars history folder which documents the car being built in Ellesmere Port
- The first owner decided to have the Renault 4 engine and gearbox fitted to this DRK which has more than enough power to provide a sporty drive
- Within the history file, there are also a lot of MOT certificates with the most recent one finding no advisories
- The current owner has had this car for a very long time, and they have enjoyed it properly
- Creating a tow bar section at the rear they have been able to attach a small trailer and go out touring with this three-wheeler across Europe with some excellent stories (trailer can be included at no cost should the bidder be interested)
- As you can imagine it has been looked after properly by the current owner and as such, it is a great car to get out and about in.
- It is now your chance to get in and take this DRK on a lot more adventures around the globe
The Interior
- Great condition
- The seats have no apparent damage
- More than comfortable enough for two people
More akin to a cockpit the interior of this DRK is presented very well. With an interior colour scheme to match that of the exterior it is possibly one of the best places to sit and feel the wind in your hair.
The two person bench style seat fitted is in very good condition. The hard wearing material fitted had stood up to the test of time, even more, remarkable when you work out that part of the getting in procedure involves stepping on the seat. Once you have done this and have lowered yourself into the tub you feel nice and secure in the seat ready for any adventure.
This DRK comes with its original soft top section too, with this fitted it really does feel more like the cockpit of a WW2 fighter plane, with the split racked windscreen and low roofline make it feel even more sporty.
There is not much of a boot per se, but the current owner has come up with some ingenious solutions to combat this. They now store the tonneau cover in-between the passengers, and the tool to take off the wire wheels under the seat. Should you need even more space the vendor can include a little trailer, should the buyer be interested, which mounts securely to a towbar that has fully working electronics too.
Even though this three-wheeler is now over 30 years old the interior still feels nice and comfortable. The ride is comfortable mainly because of the torsion bar suspension which provides a smooth ride on the far from idle English roads.
The Exterior
- Fitted with the correct wire wheels
- Paintwork is in great condition
- It will always turn a head or two
You won’t be losing this car in a car park anytime soon that’s for sure. With unique styling and a paint job that stands out nicely wherever you go. Not only is the exterior appearance well designed but it has also been constructed in a way that is built to last, unlike other three-wheelers you may come across it has a lightweight wooden frame wrapped in aluminium skinned plywood.
Presented in good exterior condition this will look great when proudly displayed in your collection. As the body panels are constructed from aluminium it means that it will not rust like a normal car would. The only real area of noticeable damage on the exterior is some crazing on the front mudguards, constructed from fibreglass they too won't rust away.
One item that will always set a classic car apart from a modern car are the wheels, you’ll be happy to see that this DRK is fitted with the correct wire wheels. These always look a lot better than standard steel wheels. These wheels don’t seem to show any major damage and are shod with some nice Firestone rubber.
A great feature on the exterior of this DRK is the removable roof section, with the roof removed it looks amazing and the lines are not ruined when you fit the roof either. It also comes with a tonneau cover, should you wish to pop into the shops you can quickly cover it up and leave it without worrying about it.
Overall, the exterior of this DRK is in rather good condition. If you like unique and different cars then this is the one for you, with interesting looks it is one you will always smile at when you see it.
The Mechanics
- Amazing to drive
- Torsion bar suspension setup
- The Renault 4 engine is nice and smooth
The suspension and running gear were supplied by the customer to DRK where it was serviced and fitted to the chassis, the car was then delivered to the customer who would fit the engine and gearbox or employ a motor mechanic to do it.
This car has been looked after well throughout its life, especially with the current owner, and as such, it runs and drives beautifully. It is when you get it out on the road that it comes alive, pulling nicely in all gears and riding well with its torsion bar suspension it will always leave a smile on your face. The driving experience is made even better with the inclusion of a side exhaust that will fill the open cabin with glorious noise.
This car has been looked after well throughout its life, especially with the current owner, and as such, it runs and drives beautifully. It is when you get it out on the road that it comes alive, pulling nicely in all gears and riding well with its torsion bar suspension it will always leave a smile on your face. The driving experience is made even better with the inclusion of a side exhaust that will fill the open cabin with glorious noise.
When you come to pick up your new classic three-wheeler it should be as easy as turning the key and driving away happy.
Summary
What a unique motor this is, if that is what you’re into then this is the car for you. With a lovely story of how the DRK’s were made and their all-round rarity, it is a great proposition for you. The current owner has loved using this car taking it to many nice places and now it is time for you to do the same.
Don’t miss out on this eccentric classic they seldom come up for sale.
Notice to bidders
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