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The
unusual lines of the F31 are clear in this overhead shot.
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The
digital tacho and warning lights feature in the narrow cockpit.
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The
F31's footbox and front suspension detail.
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Built
in late 1984, the F31 certainly looked the part with its flat rear
deck and abbreviated sidepods. Designed by Kees van der Grint, who
had previously designed the McGregor FF1600 and 2000 cars, the monocoque
employed a bonded and riveted sandwich construction to reinforce the
aluminium tub. Suspension was narrow track with pushrods at the front
and rocking levers at the rear, custom Koni dampers were fitted all-round.
Stopping was courtesy of AP/Lockheed single caliper outboard brakes
front and rear. Power was provided by a Toyota engine and a Hewland
Mk9 gearbox were fitted.
Unusually for the time a digital tachometer was fitted with the other
gauges; oil temperature and pressure, fuel pressure and water temperature,
replaced with a series of warning lights. "Green" meaning
OK, "amber" call in at the pits and "red" switch
the engine off immediately!
Due to compete in 1985 it seems that the car never actually raced,
at least in the UK or Germany. In June of that year it was reported
that Dutch FF2000 champion Lammy van der Heuvel would be testing the
car but presumably the demise of the F3000 team saw the end of any
F3 aspirations also. |