Discussion
Hello
I'm a big fan of Morgans and have an S1 Aero 8 (lhd) and 1935 MX2 Super Sports.
However about 15 years ago I test drove a Skunk Malone and was most impressed. I'd now like to buy one secondhand if possible but haven't come across any for sale. If someone knows of one please would they email me at the address in my profile.
Cheers
Philip
I'm a big fan of Morgans and have an S1 Aero 8 (lhd) and 1935 MX2 Super Sports.
However about 15 years ago I test drove a Skunk Malone and was most impressed. I'd now like to buy one secondhand if possible but haven't come across any for sale. If someone knows of one please would they email me at the address in my profile.
Cheers
Philip
I have never seen one for sale either - and I keep pretty up to date with what's on the market most of the time.
There is currently a Blackjack Zero for sale - and Mark Grinnall has several Scorpions in that he has for sale (really nice guy and I'd recommend visiting his workshop).
There are usually several citroen varients on the market too - Pembleton, Lomax, Blackjack Avion etc.
Then there's the ford engined Buckland B3 - which are now built by John Wilcox of Penguin Speed Shop in Flintshire - Again, a thoroughly decent chap and id recommend a visit if you're ever in that part of the world.
A member on here has a Malone - Mike Veal (not sure if it's a Skunk or f1000).
If you're set on a Malone, I'd try to contact the manufacturer and buy a kit/complete car direct - otherwise you might have a very long wait...
There is currently a Blackjack Zero for sale - and Mark Grinnall has several Scorpions in that he has for sale (really nice guy and I'd recommend visiting his workshop).
There are usually several citroen varients on the market too - Pembleton, Lomax, Blackjack Avion etc.
Then there's the ford engined Buckland B3 - which are now built by John Wilcox of Penguin Speed Shop in Flintshire - Again, a thoroughly decent chap and id recommend a visit if you're ever in that part of the world.
A member on here has a Malone - Mike Veal (not sure if it's a Skunk or f1000).
If you're set on a Malone, I'd try to contact the manufacturer and buy a kit/complete car direct - otherwise you might have a very long wait...
Philippo said:
Building one myself not ideal as I live in France and it would be impossible to register here.
Does it just have to have been MSVA'd and registered to its first owner here in the UK?If so, I'm sure that the manufacturer would be receptive to selling you an ex-demonstrator.
Well, as you've already discovered, there are few to no Malones on the market, and they have an excellent reputation, so the likelihood is that when one does come up, it will be very strongly priced.
I wouldn't be surprised to find that - like Westfield Elevens and Trikings - the asking price for a secondhand example will be higher than the cost of building one new.
You'll be in for a long wait, I fear.
I wouldn't be surprised to find that - like Westfield Elevens and Trikings - the asking price for a secondhand example will be higher than the cost of building one new.
You'll be in for a long wait, I fear.
Just come across this.
As far as I'm aware the Malones are not currently making any kits.
There are roughly ten completed cars, and a few incomplete cars (not finished and possibly not a full set of parts available).
There is a very quiet Yahoo group called Skunk_Owners that I still administer. The last post was 4 years ago.
If you want to join, sort out a yahoo login, apply and I'll approve. This is your best chance of reaching out to current owners. I've no idea how many are still using their email addresses from four years ago, but you're welcome to try.
ETA, I'm not selling. Sorry. And if memory serves, I think Stefan has bagged first place in the queue if I ever do.
As far as I'm aware the Malones are not currently making any kits.
There are roughly ten completed cars, and a few incomplete cars (not finished and possibly not a full set of parts available).
There is a very quiet Yahoo group called Skunk_Owners that I still administer. The last post was 4 years ago.
If you want to join, sort out a yahoo login, apply and I'll approve. This is your best chance of reaching out to current owners. I've no idea how many are still using their email addresses from four years ago, but you're welcome to try.
ETA, I'm not selling. Sorry. And if memory serves, I think Stefan has bagged first place in the queue if I ever do.
You could be in luck!
I started building a Malone ST-F1000 some years ago - and to a very high standard. I'm a Chartered Engineer, and normally work in aviation. Indeed, if you look hard enough you'll find quite a few aerospace spec fixtures and fastenings included in the build.
As ever, life throws up a few changes along the way. I've now got a family and am finishing off an extension to the house, that has required a detached double garage to be removed. So I've got nowhere to finish the build, and with 2 young kids my other fun cars (Noble M12 GTO 3R, Maserati GranSport LE, E61 M5, Clio Trophy etc) have been replaced by a Japanese camper van!
So realistically the build is not going to get finished. It's at about 95% completion, requiring the engine/instruments loom, rollover bar and manifold/exhaust to be fabricated and installed, before prep and paint. Boot/bonnet, windshield and rear lights have been fitted, so not too much bodywork required. It's built to a high specification; the engine is a low miles Fazer 1000, it's got Image billet wheels, Protech shocks, Aim Mychron dash, Quaife reverse box etc. All mechanicals are connected, the fluids have been in for a few years (!) and rotable parts are exercised regularly.
While it's not yet registered, you could feasibly pay a company to finish the build, MSVA and register then pop over from France and drive it back. And let's face it, there aren't a lot of alternative options if you're set on one of these!
I've got loads of photos, though the car is in an ISO off-site while the house build is progressed, so these are from during the build.
Get in touch if you're serious about getting your hands on one of these awesome trikes. And before you ask, given I'd not previously considered selling I've no idea what to ask - make me an offer!
Dom.
I started building a Malone ST-F1000 some years ago - and to a very high standard. I'm a Chartered Engineer, and normally work in aviation. Indeed, if you look hard enough you'll find quite a few aerospace spec fixtures and fastenings included in the build.
As ever, life throws up a few changes along the way. I've now got a family and am finishing off an extension to the house, that has required a detached double garage to be removed. So I've got nowhere to finish the build, and with 2 young kids my other fun cars (Noble M12 GTO 3R, Maserati GranSport LE, E61 M5, Clio Trophy etc) have been replaced by a Japanese camper van!
So realistically the build is not going to get finished. It's at about 95% completion, requiring the engine/instruments loom, rollover bar and manifold/exhaust to be fabricated and installed, before prep and paint. Boot/bonnet, windshield and rear lights have been fitted, so not too much bodywork required. It's built to a high specification; the engine is a low miles Fazer 1000, it's got Image billet wheels, Protech shocks, Aim Mychron dash, Quaife reverse box etc. All mechanicals are connected, the fluids have been in for a few years (!) and rotable parts are exercised regularly.
While it's not yet registered, you could feasibly pay a company to finish the build, MSVA and register then pop over from France and drive it back. And let's face it, there aren't a lot of alternative options if you're set on one of these!
I've got loads of photos, though the car is in an ISO off-site while the house build is progressed, so these are from during the build.
Get in touch if you're serious about getting your hands on one of these awesome trikes. And before you ask, given I'd not previously considered selling I've no idea what to ask - make me an offer!
Dom.
Hey Mike. Hope all is well with you.
Work has finally allowed me to return to live at home again, but as my earlier post some extensive building work will make finishing the Skunk quite a challenge. AB Performance are about 8 miles away, and I know they've completed one of these previously. Could be an option, as Philip is only after a registered example - and there's not many of those to be had!
Dom.
Work has finally allowed me to return to live at home again, but as my earlier post some extensive building work will make finishing the Skunk quite a challenge. AB Performance are about 8 miles away, and I know they've completed one of these previously. Could be an option, as Philip is only after a registered example - and there's not many of those to be had!
Dom.
Yeah all good this end, great to hear from you. Congrats on getting chartered. I should do that, I've filled the forms in half a dozen times.
My Skunk is currently off the road with a poorly engine. I know it's one or more valve on #4. I know it's not the seats, so it's stem oil seals or guides... Just need some garage time.
I trimmed it a couple of years ago, making it "complete" at last. I did the cockpit and had the seats done professionally in leather. Expensive, but it looks the part.
Shame to hear that you won't be finishing yours, I hope you find it a home.
My Skunk is currently off the road with a poorly engine. I know it's one or more valve on #4. I know it's not the seats, so it's stem oil seals or guides... Just need some garage time.
I trimmed it a couple of years ago, making it "complete" at last. I did the cockpit and had the seats done professionally in leather. Expensive, but it looks the part.
Shame to hear that you won't be finishing yours, I hope you find it a home.
We'll see, the Skunk may yet get finished. The house build has been going on for about a year, but we're soon to start decorating and the end is in sight. I've done nothing to actively try and sell the car; I just saw Philip's thread and thought it may be sensible at this juncture. Of course, if I came to regret it (as I do selling my Noble) then I'd never find another one!
Hi Gary,
Long time no squeak, all good with you?
So, do you have all the parts to finish? If so, what's the excuse?
I'm back on the road again. Valve stem oil seals on #4 exhaust had gone. I replaced them and it still burnt oil, but only when overfilled, which is weird. It's dropped to half full on the sight glass and just stayed there. About to move to a project house (I hope) so tinkering time will become a rare commodity. Going to have to build a new double garage too.
Hi folks, I've just found this post. At last found some owners of some Skunks! I am part way through a build of an XJ900F version. It's got the body on in primer and suspension etc all fitted. I'm struggling to obtain any info on wheel specs. I can see most seem to fit image wheels but can't find any information on offsets etc. If anyone could help me out it would be much appreciated! The only main bits I need to sort out are the wheels, get an exhaust and roll bar made and the normal trimming and wiring etc. I intend to msva it before I paint it incase I need to alter bits to pass! Any help would really be appreciated and spur me on to get it finished!!!
Hi,
Where are you based? Sounds like you have purchased an unfinished kit, mind if I ask who's kit you acquired?
Wheels (like everything on a Skunk) are a bit complicated.
EDIT: Front wheels.
The prototype was designed to run on 16" motorcycle wheels. The Malones decided this was too small, and to be best of my knowledge, all chassis built since the proto are designed to take 17" wheels. The original idea was to put motorcycle tyres on. Jon Malone's car runs on 17" motorcycle tyres, using custom rims built by Image wheels.
However, these custom rims required special tooling from Image. A 17" car tyre rim is actually 17.1" whereas the motorcycle rim is 17.0". It's impossible to get a 17" motorcycle tyre onto a 17" car rim. Believe me, I tried.
When Image realised that they weren't getting any orders for these specials, they scrapped the tooling to make the 17.0" rims.
So there is no source of rims to run the tyre that the car was designed for.
There are three options:
1/ Revert to 16" rims, fit motorcycle tyre. To maintain ground clearance you will need to increase ride height. This will limit droop in suspension and isn't a good option.
2/ Move to 18" rims, fit motorcycle tyre. This is what I have. Works fine.
3/ Stay at 17" rims, fit car tyre. This is what Jerome Malone runs, he says it's fine too.
Technically 3/ is the best solution. Motorcycle tyre side walls are not designed to take the loads present in a cornering car.
I know of one guy in Devon who wasn't happy with the ride height at 17". He tried to wind the car up in the air and had issues with droop. Eventually he redesigned the front suspension entirely. That's why I say option 1/ won't be good.
When I asked Jerome about roll centres, he told me that they notionally hit the ground a long way outside the track, so you don't have to worry too much about offset.
You will also need to think about mudguards. Jerome still has the moulds for my 18" motorcycle guards (I don't expect he even remembers.) Guards for 17" car wheels should be easier to get hold of.
That help?
EDIT REAR WHEEL:
Is a 15.0. I run a 195/55/15, which is the biggest you can fit (without modding the bodywork). I know that I don't have the offset figures for this wheel. Sorry.
Where are you based? Sounds like you have purchased an unfinished kit, mind if I ask who's kit you acquired?
Wheels (like everything on a Skunk) are a bit complicated.
EDIT: Front wheels.
The prototype was designed to run on 16" motorcycle wheels. The Malones decided this was too small, and to be best of my knowledge, all chassis built since the proto are designed to take 17" wheels. The original idea was to put motorcycle tyres on. Jon Malone's car runs on 17" motorcycle tyres, using custom rims built by Image wheels.
However, these custom rims required special tooling from Image. A 17" car tyre rim is actually 17.1" whereas the motorcycle rim is 17.0". It's impossible to get a 17" motorcycle tyre onto a 17" car rim. Believe me, I tried.
When Image realised that they weren't getting any orders for these specials, they scrapped the tooling to make the 17.0" rims.
So there is no source of rims to run the tyre that the car was designed for.
There are three options:
1/ Revert to 16" rims, fit motorcycle tyre. To maintain ground clearance you will need to increase ride height. This will limit droop in suspension and isn't a good option.
2/ Move to 18" rims, fit motorcycle tyre. This is what I have. Works fine.
3/ Stay at 17" rims, fit car tyre. This is what Jerome Malone runs, he says it's fine too.
Technically 3/ is the best solution. Motorcycle tyre side walls are not designed to take the loads present in a cornering car.
I know of one guy in Devon who wasn't happy with the ride height at 17". He tried to wind the car up in the air and had issues with droop. Eventually he redesigned the front suspension entirely. That's why I say option 1/ won't be good.
When I asked Jerome about roll centres, he told me that they notionally hit the ground a long way outside the track, so you don't have to worry too much about offset.
You will also need to think about mudguards. Jerome still has the moulds for my 18" motorcycle guards (I don't expect he even remembers.) Guards for 17" car wheels should be easier to get hold of.
That help?
EDIT REAR WHEEL:
Is a 15.0. I run a 195/55/15, which is the biggest you can fit (without modding the bodywork). I know that I don't have the offset figures for this wheel. Sorry.
Edited by mikeveal on Thursday 9th November 14:35
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