Tatum "Wedge" FV found, sort of.

[R3Fab]

Just bought a mystery FV body and chassis from a guy in No. California.
Had no idea what it was until searching this site.
Appears to be a Tatum "Wedge" FV.
From what I was told it was the spare car for a Pharmacist who raced out of Paradise CA.
No name or dates given.
It was a roller when the seller acquired it but never raced before he stripped it for the VW parts.
I do not see any chassis tag and the body appears virtually new with no holes drilled for mounting.
Might be an excellent "Buck" to create new molds if they are needed?
Appears I may be missing the engine cover.
Came with a Z bar and two shocks for rear suspension so I knew it had to be "Vintage".

I set the parts together as the seller explained that they fit, which may not be correct.
I would like to find the missing engine cover so that I might have a complete shell.

Not sure what to do with it, no real history so may just build an Auto-X car from it.

Pics,

[R3Fab]

Just in case there is any interest here is the Tatum two-place version I have the molds and rights for.
It may be built in several configurations, as shown, without fenders, cycle fenders, or modified front fenders.
I do intend to build one and have been gathering parts for it.

[SteveG]

I believe Blake Tatum's father designed and built the Crusader back in the day. He may be able to answer your questions.

Blake is on the SFR BOD, you can find his email address at https://www.sfrscca.org/more/board-of-directors/

Steve

[Stan Clayton]

I can't help you with the vintage Crusader, but I am curious what is the gray nose section we see in the background?

[R3Fab]

I was going to try to contact Blake.
Plan for the two place street car is Porsche 901 trans and Suzuki G13B twin-cam 1.3.
Twice the power at half the cost of a VW engine.

The Crusader FV is up in the air.
Now that I know what it is I know what bodywork is missing.
Sat the body on the chassis and it seems to me that the upper chassis is much narrower than necessary.
If it's not being restored that can be modified.
No chassis plate so not sure "Restored" is even possible.
Maybe Blake will be able to confirm the chassis being original or not?

Grey nose is early Triumph GT6.
A spare for another car I am building.

EDIT to add, anyone know who owns the Blue No. 88 Crusader Wedge that shows up in a search?
Also saw mention of another that was being restored?
Maybe we can establish the smallest clique on the forum?

[Ken Lawrence]

Triumph Spitfire, 1961-1965

[R3Fab]

Triumph Spitfire, 1961-1965

'68 Triumph GT6 Mk. 1.
Notice the streamlined central bulge to clear the front of the six cylinder engine.

[R3Fab]

Looked at the chassis again today.
No sign of a Tatum chassis tag.
Frankly, the upper chassis rails seem a bit too strait and narrow for the body.

I have no idea how many Wedge Tatum's may be out there so also no idea if there is any desire that I use the never mounted pieces to create new molds. Does a set of these molds already exist currently?
If so it seems I am missing the engine cover.

With no chassis tag I do not see any possibility of it being an acceptable Vintage car to build.
From what I was told it never raced in period, just a spare car.

So unless someone pops up with a strong need/desire for it I think I will follow through on making it an Auto-X/Hill-Climb toy.
That means I get to re-use the Koni rear shocks and springs with an IRS rear and ball-joint front axle.
Bug box and Suzuki 1.0 three-cylinder of about 55HP and 6,000 RPM.
Also widen the chassis upper rails to better fit the bodies, both the cars and mine!

Thoughts?

[Garey Guzman]

Looked at the chassis again today.
No sign of a Tatum chassis tag.

With no chassis tag I do not see any possibility of it being an acceptable Vintage car to build....

Chassis tags weren't the "norm" back in the 60's. I'm not old enough to confirm that but even cars built more recently may not have chassis tags. If you have a desire to Vintage race it, I'd suggest you contact your local Vintage organization and they can tell you what you need to do. I would guess that if it's prepped properly, you could probably race with them. Here is the Monoposto rule set, although many organizations will adjust these rules to their members:
https://app.box.com/s/9be96i2ll5cbr451o16mnikwj0c9v69q

[R3Fab]

I have no certain date for this cars build.
When did the two shocks and a Z bar go out of style?
Body style should also be a clue.

I would probably be more interested in a Sports Racer for track time, wish I had my old Genie/Alfa back!
I'm currently building a dry-sump 2.0 Alfa powered "Street legal" faux sports-racer for road giggles and track time.
Really need our local road course to reopen.

[R3Fab]

Need to set my course for this project. It is one of fourteen.
I have ball-joint and IRS suspension I could use if it's to be an Auto-X/Street car.
Or find the pieces to make it a vintage Vee less engine?
Put it up on the classified section as a project/parts? (Probably the most sensible idea).

I have no idea of current value vs F-Vee vs Auto-X toy.
Still glad I rescued it from the woods of No. Cali.

[R3Fab]

Sent Blake Tatum an email.