Rolls Royce Phantom VI Replica

[dprox]

Mbiege's ride made me think of the Mercedes 300D Type W123's 5-cylinder diesel engine and how it could be an excellent engine to put in a retro styled vehicle. Low tech compared to present diesels but robust. I'm not suggesting that a good W123 be cannibalized. I'm saying that a similar engine in the Ssangyong Istana (Mercedes MB100) van can be used.

*Dprox,
What platform were you planning to base the Urduja on? What does Study nos. 1 to 5 look like?

Urduja was supposed to be mounted on an AUV platform (Toyota or Mitsu) - scaled down to a 2400 mm wheelbase, since my client was only about 5'3" petite.

Studies #1-5 were just rudimentary versions of Study #6.

[mbeige]

Mbiege's ride made me think of the Mercedes 300D Type W123's 5-cylinder diesel engine and how it could be an excellent engine to put in a retro styled vehicle. Low tech compared to present diesels but robust. I'm not suggesting that a good W123 be cannibalized. I'm saying that a similar engine in the Ssangyong Istana (Mercedes MB100) van can be used.

The OM617 family of diesel engines has been used in several swaps already so I heard. Most of it is geared for biodiesel use. I've seen a diesel Mercury Cougar, Ford F-150, heck even a 380SEC converted into diesel!

The OM617 non turbo is more common over there, though.

[donbuggy]

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_OM617_engine :

"The OM617 engine family was a straight-5 Diesel automobile engine from Mercedes-Benz used in the 1970s and 1980s. With some Mercedes-Benz 300D/300SD diesels already exceeding 500,000 or 1,000,000 miles, it's considered to be the one of the most reliable engines ever produced."

That's German engineering. Magnificent engine!

[mbeige]

I frequently see owners racking up above 350k miles. We used to own a wagon that had 369k miles, bought it with that mileage, still ran albeit a bit rougher than mine. It could still achieve 75mph on the freeway.

So far I know one who has 600k miles, one with 500k miles and more members with 400k miles - all original engine as far as I know.

[donbuggy]

Urduja was supposed to be mounted on an AUV platform (Toyota or Mitsu) - scaled down to a 2400 mm wheelbase, since my client was only about 5'3" petite.

Studies #1-5 were just rudimentary versions of Study #6.

A luxury vehicle with a sedan body on a ladder chassis might not go down well with car enthusiasts like the Tsikoteers. And we know how noisy they can be when displeased. However, if said vehicle were to have a retro styling it might be able to get away with having a body on frame.

Perhaps what Urduja needed was a little flamboyance in the styling. And retro touches like a flat V-shaped windshield, prominent fenders and...white side wall tires. ("Black walls, they blend into the pavement.", sabi ni Luigi sa "Cars"). Okay maybe that's a bit too retro.