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Tiger Jet Formula Junior

Started by Gerard Gamand , Nov 25 2007 09:37

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56 replies to this topic

#1 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 09:37

I find this very curious FJ car.

The pic was take at the Fribourg Schauinsland Hillclimb 1960 (European Championship) and it's said that this FJ was built by a Mr Fend (?).

The chassis is tubular and the engine a DKW with three Del Orto carbs.

Who know more ? and what became of this car ????

Posted Image

#2 Teapot

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 10:17

I've seen the same car listed as a "FRM" in the David Hodges' A-Z...It says that the car was built by a certain Heinz Maltz around a Hartmann-tuned DKW engine and it boasted VW-based suspensions attached to a multi-tubular chassis.

#3 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 10:38

It's the same car indeed.

Perhaps it's "FRM" logo in the small lozenges before the Tiger Jet inscription ??

Find another pic :

Posted Image

The fuel cell is just on top of engine !

#4 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 10:40

I think that Heinz Maltz was the driver, not the constructor ???

#5 Teapot

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 10:55

You're probably right..the book it's not very specific on the matter. On the other hand, both THIS site and THIS old post by Rainer Nyberg (scroll down to post no.9) list Heinz Maltz as the designer.

#6 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 11:03

You know, dear Teapot, I'm not a Formula Junior specialist...
Just find funny this little thing.
Who here can help us for the name of the constructor ??

#7 Teapot

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 11:10

I'm far from being a Fj specialist, too...

I've just happened to remember this strange contraption off the top of my head and I posted the few informations I got...

BTW, aren't those drilled suspensions arms lovely, if a little crude?

#8 r.atlos

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 12:47

Heinrich Maltz has been a wealthy lubricant producer based in Munich. He used to race FJ cars of the Hartmann-DKW team in 1959 but felt he was left high and dry when Hartmann dissolved his team for 1960 following DKW’s decision to no longer supply race engines.

Maltz now turned to Fritz Fend, known for having designed the Messerschmitt (later FMR) “Kabinenroller”, that funny little tri-cycle and its 4-wheel successor, the FMR Tg500 “Tiger”. Fend’s task was to design a very economic FJ car for 1960.

What came out was a well-designed space frame with rubber-suspended solid steel triangles acting on vertical inboard dampers. However, Fend used an awkward standard steering device from the Tiger with a handlebar instead of a steering wheel which would provide quite an unpredictable handling during the first couple of races. Another problem area were the brakes: In order to meet Maltz’ budget, Fend used two standard Tiger brake drums coupled together per wheel – a disaster for unsprung weight ! His initial idea to use much bigger inboard brakes had been refused by Maltz.

Maltz provided a Mitter-tuned DKW engine and a Porsche Carrera gearbox to complete the car. Its maiden race was the Rossfeld Hillclimb on 19/06/1960.

In its second race at Norisring on 03/07/1960 Maltz managed to lead the entire field until hit by brake troubles in the very last lap. Kurt Ahrens Sr. slipped by in his Fiat-powered Cooper T52 to take the win but in light of all these problems Maltz was still happy to come in on 2nd position.

He was now fired up and asked his mechanic to do a certain number of mods; one consisted of drilling holes in its solid triangles to reduce unsprung weight, another of replacing the strange handlebar steering with a real steering wheel.

This was the configuration we saw at its following outing at Schauinsland on 07/08/1960; however, Gérard’s picture must have been taken during practice as Maltz could not start in the race due to a distorted sliding spine on one of its half shaft.

Another race at the Sudelfeld Hillclimb on 08/10/1960 ended with a major shunt. Although Maltz had his Tiger Jet repaired, he never ever used it again.

Innsbruck on 08/10/1961 with someone under the “Hans Mann” pseudo and the Wallberg hill climb on 05/05/1962 under Ludwig Fischer have been its last outings before disappearing from the scene.

Hinrich Maltz' company Optimol has been absorbed by Castrol in 2000 and the site of its plant is now used for a couple of discos.

#9 GIGLEUX

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 13:10

Without wishing to contradict such a specialist as Lutz is, in The Motor the car was presented as being the FRM Tigerjet fitted with a Hartmann-tuned DKW engine and a modified VW gearbox. Maybe a first try?

#10 r.atlos

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 13:30

No offense taken, Jean-Maurice. Here is a small advert from "Auto Motor & Sport" N° 6/1961 (dated 11/03/1961) when Maltz tried to sell his FMR Tiger Jet:

I still will check other period publications of 1960 to see whether there has been any change in plans.

#11 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 14:58

r.atlos,

Thanks for your universal know.
And thanks for the Fritz Fend memory !

#12 ReWind

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 15:00

Originally posted by r.atlos
In its second race at Norisring on 03/07/1960 Maltz managed to lead the entire field

There's even a photo document of this feat on the internet: Posted Image

I have taken it from the Norisring website. Since its webmaster is a TNFer I hope he will approve its use.

#13 r.atlos

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 16:13

... so does the guy who provided Jürgen with the photo ! :rotfl:

:rotfl:

#14 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 16:28

How can work the suspensions ?

#15 r.atlos

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 16:35

Here is a works picture of the bare car in its first version. Unfortunately, there are not many details of the suspension lay-out visible. The solid triangles were first of all mounted with big rubber elements which virtually worked like a torsion bar. The upper triangles were then extended with a cantilever to the inboard-mounted vertical dampers.

And we can also admire the handlebar of the first version.

#16 David M. Kane

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 16:43

Major marks for creativity!

#17 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 17:00

Thanks r.atlos,

Better like that.

What a curious car !

Do you know what has happened to the builder Fritz Fend ???

Posted Image

#18 r.atlos

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 17:58

Fritz Fend was born on 12/04/1920 in Rosenheim and passed away on 22/11/2000 in Regensburg. He was still working on a new project at the time of his passing.

Here is a Canadian webpage which gives a good summary of his activities: http://www.promotex....01_article.html

#19 r.atlos

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 18:33

Following Jean-Maurice's comment I have gone through a couple of 1960 publications for details on engine and gearbox.

The first time we hear about this project is with a small remark in AMS (Auto Motor & Sport) N° 6/1960, dated 12/03/1960:

"We will see right from the start of the season the following cars on track: [....], a car that Munich-based DKW (and last year's Hartmann FJ) driver Maltz is building, [....]"

This may have been at the origin of the misinterpretation that Maltz had been the constructor.

Then in AMS N° 16/1960, dated 01/08/1960, a Gaisberg picture is shown with the following text:

"Tiger Jet is what Munich-based Heinrich Maltz is calling his new Junior race car which is equipped with an Auto Union engine; its chassis is using major components from Fend's Tiger 500. The gearbox comes off a VW." However, photo and probably text are coming from an occasional Austrian correspondant who may not have been too deep in the subject.

Motor Rundschau shows a picture in its Schauinsland summary in N° 16/1960, dated 25/08/1960, and reports:

"During practice days appeared Maltz from Munich with this new FMR Tiger Jet Junior racer. Constructor Fend - producer of Messerschmitt cabin scooters - has developped this car. A Mitter-DKW engine is installed in its rear. At race day, Maltz was unable to start due to engine problems (sic)."

Another point that crosses my mind: Did FJ regulations not require gearboxes to come off a mass-produced saloon car ? If so, the Carrera box may not have qualified and Maltz may have had quite some interest to diguise it as a Volkswagen box.

#20 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 19:02

You are a master !

#21 GIGLEUX

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Posted 25 November 2007 - 19:20

From FIA Regulations:

IV. Mechanical Parts.
B. The gearbox (casting or case) shall be that of a touring car approved by the FIA. Absolute freedom is allowed in the number of speeds and the choice of ratios. Either or both may be altered from the original.

About FIA approved Touring cars (1960): Volkswagen.

Comments by Harry Morrow in Formula Junior Guide (1961), about gearboxes: "...It should be noted, though, that this is only suitable for rear-engined machines, as would be a 5-speed box using Porsche RSK gears in a reworked Volkswagen casting. This letter jewel wouls probably cost you in the neighborhood of $750 to $850!"...
So using a VW gearbox cast and Carrera Porsche gears inside was legal.

#22 r.atlos

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Posted 26 November 2007 - 09:50

This is the FMR logo:

As mentioned elsewhere, it stands for Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH, Regensburg.

#23 Bonde

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Posted 26 November 2007 - 22:57

Offhand, I suspect the intention with the unusual suspension geometry was to locate the roll-axis at or near the centre of gravity axis. Thus, the car would have very little or no body roll on cornering, but it would also have had massive jacking, lifting the car due to cornering loads - or have I overlooked something?

It appears to me that the suspension arms (which were certainly not of VW origin) were fabricated from two opposing sheet steel channel sections welded together, so they wouldn't have been literally 'solid'. Drilling all those lightening holes must've taken ages - why they didn't just fabricate new arms with a thinner gage (or etch the existing ones) is beyond me. It's certainly the most intense "worm drilling" I've ever seen on suspension members - or anywhere else for that matter.

Although seat belts were a thing of the future, the properly triangulated crash pylon would have worked far better than what was normally fitted at the time - even if the chassis looks typically crashUNworthy as they were back then..

But like Dave said - creativity was very evident! And IMO it does lok kinda neat in its own quirky way - what with the aggressive stance of the suspension arms combined with pronounced negative camber (which may have countered some of the adverse effects of the jacking and limited camber recovery - and that tailfin! The two-stroke wail would have been very fitting!

#24 David Birchall

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 00:53

Originally posted by Bonde

It appears to me that the suspension arms (which were certainly not of VW origin) were fabricated from two opposing sheet steel channel sections welded together, so they wouldn't have been literally 'solid'. Drilling all those lightening holes must've taken ages - why they didn't just fabricate new arms with a thinner gage (or etch the existing ones) is beyond me. It's certainly the most intense "worm drilling" I've ever seen on suspension members - or anywhere else for that matter.

Alt

Especially with the 'Cordless drills' of the time!!

I think this is one of the most interesting FJ cars I have ever seen. We (read: You in Europe:)
should try to find out what happened to it and get it to the next Goodwood revival. :cool:

#25 adminj

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 08:04

Originally posted by ReWind

I have taken it from the Norisring website. Since its webmaster is a TNFer I hope he will approve its use. [/B]

You´re welcome ReWind!

And many thanks to r.atlos Lutz! :stoned:

Jürgen

#26 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 09:05

This thread is a good example of the irreplaceable interest of TNF !

And now, were is this incredible FMR ??

#27 HistoricMustang

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 10:00

Originally posted by ReWind
There's even a photo document of this feat on the internet:
I have taken it from the Norisring website. Since its webmaster is a TNFer I hope he will approve its use.

Great thread................refreshing.

Of course the competition is giving plenty of room....................especially at the rear.

Henry

#28 uechtel

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 17:31

Originally posted by HistoricMustang

Great thread................refreshing.

Of course the competition is giving plenty of room....................especially at the rear.

Henry

This is not the start, but well through a big part of the lap.

#29 uechtel

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 17:34

Originally posted by r.atlos
Maltz now turned to Fritz Fend, known for having designed the Messerschmitt (later FMR) “Kabinenroller”, that funny little tri-cycle and its 4-wheel successor, the FMR Tg500 “Tiger”.

Just for illustration purposes:

So you can see, the "Tigerjet" is quite conventional for Fend´s standards...

#30 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 17:52

Very interresting and creativ man, this Fritz Fend !
I'had never heard about before

Posted Image

#31 HistoricMustang

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 21:20

Originally posted by Gerard Gamand
Very interresting and creativ man, this Fritz Fend !
I'had never heard about before

Where is the location this photograph was taken?

Henry

#32 ReWind

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 21:27

A
venue
u
should know ;)

#33 HistoricMustang

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 21:43

Originally posted by ReWind
A
venue
u
should know ;)

Well, lets see.

It was after the boards and before the macadam.

Does that narrow it down a bit? :wave:

Henry

#34 r.atlos

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 22:18

Originally posted by Gerard Gamand
And now, were is this incredible FMR ??

I wished I knew, Gérard ! Probably hanging from a wall in forgotten barn somewhere in Bavaria ...

#35 uechtel

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 23:25

According to this page Fend had played a major role in the development of the Me-262 Jet during the war. In the layout of his cars it becomes quite clear that he came from the airplane design.

#36 David Birchall

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 00:34

Originally posted by HistoricMustang

Well, lets see.

It was after the boards and before the macadam.

Does that narrow it down a bit?

Henry

It's "The Wall of Death" at AVUS mate :wave:

#37 David Birchall

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 01:15

Originally posted by uechtel
According to this page Fend had played a major role in the development of the Me-262 Jet during the war. In the layout of his cars it becomes quite clear that he came from the airplane design.

The link on that page no longer works-possibly because Fend has died? He would be very elderly by now but if he is still alive he would be the best person to ask for the location of the FJ.....

#38 uechtel

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 07:17

Indeed he has died in 2000, so also his latest project of a reengineered "Kabinenroller" came to an end, too.

#39 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 07:38

Perhaps he had children ?

#40 Hugo Boecker

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 09:25

This is "Katastrophen-Fischer" at the Wallberg-Hillclimb at May 5th 1962 where he was a DNF

#41 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 10:21

Hugo, it's splendid !

#42 uechtel

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 10:35

Ah, Louis the fairy-tale king from Bavaria, greatest auto racer of all times and my personal favourite. I hoped something like that would come when I read his name in this thread.

No wonder he tried himself on a machine like this. Great photograph.

#43 ReWind

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 13:55

Originally posted by David Birchall
It's "The Wall of Death" at AVUS mate

That's what I said.

A
v enue
u
s hould know

;)

#44 adminj

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 14:00

Originally posted by uechtel
Ah, Louis the fairy-tale king from Bavaria, greatest auto racer of all times and my personal favourite. I hoped something like that would come when I read his name in this thread.

What is the story behind Ludwig Fischer?

#45 fines

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 16:44

Originally posted by Hugo Boecker
This is "Katastrophen-Fischer" at the Wallberg-Hillclimb at May 5th 1962 where he was a DNF

DNF? Perhaps the timekeepers simply didn't want to wait til after dark! :lol:

DFVL (did finish very late), or DFTL (did finish too late) more likely :rotfl:

to adminj: Fischer was, well, some would say a little bit crazy, others would not be so kind. I do not recall all the details off hand, but his story is entertaining, to say the least. Hmm, perhaps uechtel can come to the rescue here?

#46 Gerard Gamand

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 17:57

Yes, tell us the story of this "Katastrophen-Fischer"

We are impatient to know all about this curious man ???

#47 uechtel

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 19:16

Hugo is the expert, he has the holy bible of motorsport...

#48 uechtel

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 19:20

Originally posted by fines
[B]
DFVL (did finish very late)

Great abbreviation! I will include that for the future in my records... :rotfl:

#49 David Birchall

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 20:01

Originally posted by adminj

What is the story behind Ludwig Fischer?

There is an entry on him in Wikipedia but it is pretty dry.

Where is Hugo? :wave:

#50 Hugo Boecker

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 23:33

Ludwig Fischer was hindered to become a worksdriver for Porsche and Mercedes by Huschke von Hanstein. So he told us in his selfwritten memoirs, printed on copypaper by himself.
He started on minor races round the houses in Austria with a Denzel in 1950 the brought fhe first AFM F2 formerly driven by Falkenhausen, Stuck and Brauchitsch in 1951. He had some crashes with this car, loosing interest in 1953. During those years he raced 1100cc Denzel and VW-Porsche Specials in German races. On one occasion he was accused for dangerous driving at Chimay and his licence was nearly suspended.In 57 he acquiered the Porsche 550 from the late Peter Nöcker. He had some succses with this car in minor races and Hillclimbs. At Innsbruck 58 he was resposible for a multi-pile up and in the following he was suspended for International races. But that was not his fault only Hanstzein and his mafia was resposible for his unfair fate. After an accident at the Nürburgring in 62 he ended hi career. But not without accusing the one who had sold the crashed car to him for manslaughter. Well he was the Greaterst Racing Driver of all Times ... :rotfl:

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Tiger Jet Formula Junior

#1 Gerard Gamand

#2 Teapot

#3 Gerard Gamand

#4 Gerard Gamand

#5 Teapot

#6 Gerard Gamand

#7 Teapot

#8 r.atlos

#9 GIGLEUX

#10 r.atlos

#11 Gerard Gamand

#12 ReWind

#13 r.atlos

#14 Gerard Gamand

#15 r.atlos

#16 David M. Kane

#17 Gerard Gamand

#18 r.atlos

#19 r.atlos

#20 Gerard Gamand

#21 GIGLEUX

#22 r.atlos

#23 Bonde

#24 David Birchall

#25 adminj

#26 Gerard Gamand

#27 HistoricMustang

#28 uechtel

#29 uechtel

#30 Gerard Gamand

#31 HistoricMustang

#32 ReWind

#33 HistoricMustang

#34 r.atlos

#35 uechtel

#36 David Birchall

#37 David Birchall

#38 uechtel

#39 Gerard Gamand

#40 Hugo Boecker

#41 Gerard Gamand

#42 uechtel

#43 ReWind

#44 adminj

#45 fines

#46 Gerard Gamand

#47 uechtel

#48 uechtel

#49 David Birchall

#50 Hugo Boecker

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