Grinnall Scorpion III

Grinnall Scorpion III is a reverse trike, with two wheels at the front and one at the rear which is a better handling configuration than one wheel at the front. The Scorpion III features a GRP body tub which is bonded to a space frame chassis underneath, and employes a BMW K-series motorcycle engine as its power plant. The engine, gearbox and final drive from the motorcycle are utilised with a special rear wheel which is fitted with a car tyre, as are the front wheels. It has a very good power-to-weight ratio which endows it with excellent performance. The rear wheel is of a smaller circumference than the bike's wheel so the gearing is optimised for a lower top speed of around Auto mph|125|0 with 0-60 mph taking around 6 seconds when using a K1100 engine. Any K series can be used from a 750 cc, 3 cylinder, to a 1200 cc, 4 cylinder giving power outputs from Auto bhp|75|0 to Auto bhp|130|0.

The motorcycle sequential gearchange is retained and operated via a gear shift inside the cockpit and requires a forward or backward movement to change gear. The brake, accelerator and clutch operate as per a car and are adjustable for reach to accommodate drivers of different size. The seat and steering wheel are fixed in position.

Handling is generally considered to be good due to the low centre of gravity and wide front track (approx convert|6|ft|m|abbr=on) although care is needed when roads are wet.

A turbo charged engine kit is available from BBR racing which increases power to around 300 bhp for an 1100cc engine.

There are two seats, and there is provision above the engine to accommodate some luggage which is roughly equivalent to two sports bags.

The trikes are sold as complete kits which everything needed to finsh including washers, ty-wraps etc or as completed vehicles. They are essentially recreational vehicles which offer high performance but lack the practicality of a conventional car.

Trivia

The Scorpion III also featured in the TOCA touring car game for PlayStation 2 and also in the Road & Track video '0-100-0 Sportscar Shootout' video as driven by Phil Hill who reviews it alongside other sportscars.

Roger Cook, who is a Grinnall III owner, was annoyed when Top Gear magazine showed the car cornering on two wheels.

External links

* [http://www.grinnallcars.com Grinnall Specialist Cars Ltd.] official website.
* [http://www.scorpionownersclub.co.uk Grinnall Scorpion Owners Club]