4x4 Mag - Specialist Vehicle Feature

Specialist Vehicle Feature - October 1999

NCF Blitz "2"

In last month's Readers Rides we took a brief look at a single seat Blitz powered by a Fiat 650cc engine. Having seen this interesting machine in action we looked a little further and discovered that NCF, the company that make the Blitz, have developed a new, more powerful and versatile model. The Blitz 2 is an all new offering from the North East of England based company offering exhilerating performance and fun for two, yes, a two seater which is capable of being road registered too !

Although not a 4x4 this vehicle falls firmly into the off-road category with its space-frame construction and galvanised steel panelwork, staying away from GRP, even the mud-guards are cut down truck versions. Everything is designed to be durable with off-roading in mind.

Getting technical, the power is provided by a Mini engine which is mounted at the back. Now this is were it can get interesting, standard 998cc or up to 1400cc big bore conversions snorting out 120bhp, thats a power to weight ratio of over 225bhp per ton ! The engine remains in its original subframe (rubber suspension cone version essential) and the original innner section of the steering rack and arms are carefully bolted to the subframe with factory modified steering clamps. In this manner any steering capacity is lost but the geometry is retained. At the front of the Blitz is another Mini front subframe which is bolted to the Blitz chassis. To allow for increased suspension travel NCF uses coil over dampers. The steering column and the pedals and master cylinders are retained together with the gearchange linkage which is modified with a kit supplied by NCF. Wheels are mini rims and there is a wide choice of alloys in varying widths, and at 12 inch many tyre tread patterns derived from Quad bike applications ar availble.

For on-road applications NCF has put the car through the full Single Vehicle Approval test (SVA) and come away with a pass, that means you can register it with the DVLA. NCF can oblige with all pertinent information for road registration. It seems that around 50% of customers intend to put their Blitz on the road.

Now to costs. The basic frame costs £495, the front fairing £15, side panels £35 and coil over shock absorbers £128 a pair (all prices plus vat) and an estimated £1500 should put you ready for the rough stuff. Road registration add around another £500. Engine choice is probably were most of us will spend lots ! All in all, rather cheap fun and something to do over the winter.

If you're interested in this concept you can visit the companies website at : http://www.ncfblitz.freeserve.co.uk and further details by e-mail from blitz@ncfblitz.freeserve.co.uk don't forget to say we sent you.