A THREE WHEELER CALLED ‘DEREK, ROBERT & KEITH’ – AKA THE D.R.K

D.R.K THREE-WHEELER by STEVE HOLE Pix from TKC MAG Archive

What a great little car the D.R.K was, originally intended as a fun one-off but met with such critical acclaim that it went into series built-to-order production.

Its origins date back to the mid-eighties when friends, Derek Callister and Keith Hamer from Ellesmere Port, decided that after many years of messing around with cars it would be a real hoot to build their own.

They discussed ideas and came up with a short-list of requirements that the car needed to have such as front wheel drive, air-cooled four-cylinder engine, two-seater sports and aluminium More >

NOT A KIT, OBVIOUSLY, BUT DEAD GOOD

I realise it’s not a kitcar, but it is very specialist and I like it so it was always going in. It helps that I have always had a passion for proper French sportscars and the new Alpine A110 R is delicious.

The most hardcore – thus far – version of the new version of A110 has a suffixed ‘R’ which Alpine say stands for ‘radical’.

Featuring revised styling for the bonnet, rear window and diffuser it is also 34kg lighter than the hitherto rangetopper, the A110 S not to mention around £12,000 more expensive, too.

The 1.8-litre Renault-built engine delivers a healthy More >

GIVE IT THE BEANS

Burton Power has produced a reproduction of the aluminium sump, especially for use on the Ford SOHC Pinto engine. As can be seen from the photograph additional clearance has been provided around the cross member and steering rack.

In the process of reproducing this sump, Burton Power has also redesigned the baffle so that it provides far more protection from oil surge than the original version. The modified baffle has been configured to keep oil surrounding the pick-up at all times, especially under much more extreme conditions than those for which the original sump was created. The new Burton Power sump More >

SUPER SLICK SHIFT

Quaife, the renowned manufacturer and supplier of performance transmission solutions, will be unveiling a brand-new sequential gearbox for the Ford Focus RS Mk3 and other FWD applications as part of its presence at MotorsportDays LIVE, which takes place at Silverstone on November 4-5.

The long-established brand will make a welcome return to the show circuit, with an eye-catching stand that does justice to its products and the esteemed venue that is widely regarded as the home of British motorsport.

Quaife will be showcasing two cars that are synonymous with high performance and exhilarating driving dynamics – the Ford Focus RS Mk3 and More >

MERLIN’S KNOW-HOW

Merlin Motorsport has a dedicated Goodridge ‘G-Tech’ Workshop with all the know-how, proper machinery and equipment to make bespoke brake, clutch, oil and fuel lines, air jacks and vacuum lines very quickly.

For DIY assemblies at home, they also stock a vast range of GOODRIDGE UNIONS AND HOSES. If you’ve got a project that they can help you with just get in touch.

Call them on 01249 782 101 or visit www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk ENDS.

DON’T GET DEPRESSED

New from Laser Tools is this universal pedal depressor (part number 8381). It is an extremely versatile, extendable stay that can be adjusted and set to depress and hold down a vehicle’s brake, clutch or throttle pedal.

The stepless, extendable design allows the operator to adjust the tool to the required position – it is then held in place by wedging the U-shaped bracket against the back of the steering wheel or against the edge of the driver’s seat.

The range of extension is 521 – 851mm and the rubber foot and vinyl-dipped bracket provide excellent grip and avoid marking the vehicle More >

DEVIL’S IN THE DETAIL

This one is a proper little devil of a hard paste wax and one that I rate highly and hails from the marvellous Infinity Wax brand. An underrated car care company that blends its own products in-house at its Glenrothes HQ.

The PTFE part of this product gives it the ability to repel water and thus provide a good level of beading or hydrophobicity, to be more correct.

It has a fruity smell, but I can also detect back notes of methylated spirit and dare I say Windolene (younger readers – ask your mum!).

A little goes a long way, as ever with More >

EUROPEAN TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Ring Automotive has launched a useful kit of the essential items required by UK motorists travelling by road into Europe, with thousands expected to travel over the school half-term holiday.

When driving across Europe there are essential pieces of equipment that drivers must take with them on board their vehicles, with different countries having different requirements on what must be taken.

The RK002 Essential European Travel Kit contains all the vital equipment legally required on the continent for UK motorists making trips abroad. With many holidaymakers making the trip across the Channel or through the Eurotunnel to popular half-term holiday destinations such More >

COOLANT FLUSH

Winter is on its way. Time to check or change your antifreeze! Before you do, though, make sure your cooling system is in tip-top condition by flushing out all the rust debris and mineral deposits left behind from the radiator core and hose lines with DEI’s Radiator Relief™ Cooling System Flush.

This is a concentrated cleansing agent that effectively removes rust and mineral deposits left behind in the radiator core and hose lines. This advanced treatment also dissolves oily residue build-up left behind in old anti-freeze and coolant mixtures due to external contaminants.

The product helps maintain optimum efficiency and prevent cylinder More >

IT’S A HEATER BUT NOT A RADIATOR

The Clarke IT1500 is an easy-to-use portable induction heater kit suitable for use in garages and workshop environments.

This tool kit offers an energy-efficient design providing a safer and more economical alternative to brazing torches or similar heating methods. This product is supplied with a convenient carry case and an assortment of coils.

20mm, 26mm and 32mm Tubular Heating Coils: For heating nuts, fasteners, bolts, 02 sensors etc.

55mm Flat Heating Coil: For removing stickers, graphics, emblems, body mouldings etc.

295mm U-Shaped Coil: For performing the work of other coils but can be customised to remove and repair dents.

1000mm Flexible Coil: For clearing race More >

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