7 replies to this topic

[David Kipling]

I'm posting some photos of a British machine that surely deserves some kind of prize for sheer ingenuity. The device, called JADE WARRIOR used a Ford Cosworth BDA motor. It was built and drag-raced in the late 1970's by Angus McPhail, and I believe still exists. The same dragster, or a similar design, also raced under the name WILD THING. The machine is a two-wheeler, but the extremely low c-o-g must have made it more obedient than most drag bikes. Since this thing stood up by itself, can we call it a "car"?

http://www.oldstox.c...ages/Jade 1.jpg
http://www.oldstox.c...mages/Jade2.jpg
http://www.oldstox.c...ages/Jade 3.jpg
http://www.oldstox.c...ages/Jade 4.jpg


I'd love to know if anyone has more specs or stories or photos of Jade Warrior. A similar (or the same?) device was raced under the name WILD THING, in the same era.

[Mistron]

In the name of God, what would possess you to go in such a thing?!?

Lunatics

[PMac]

OMG Imagine the traction that thing generates...

[David Kipling]

What would make anyone climb aboard and gas it?


ACCELERATION! --- the only truly modern thrill.
Next to NASA guinea pigs, this must be an awesome experience. More, more, more!

[exclubracer]

'BOTTLE' is the watchword here, I think.

It must have been like sitting on the tip of a bullet.

Angus was quite famous in the 2-wheeled drag racing world at the time.

[Macca]

I have an article from 'Performance Bikes' Nov '85 all about it:





What it achieved or how it was modified after this, I know not.....

Paul M

[David Kipling]

Thanks for posting those pages ---- wonderful stuff, another addition to the Great Book of British Back Yard Do-It-Yourself-Devices!

[metalshapes]

Didn't one of these Bikes use the Exhaust Stacks to create lower pressure under the bike, to generate more Traction?