The Navajo was built between 1984 and mid 1985 by Alan Langridge
at his work shop adjacent to the Goodwood race track. There were only ever approximately
12 kits built.
The Duke of Richmond was a big backer of the project, and worked with Alan Langridge
to get the Navajo off paper and on to the road. During the design process Alan asked himself
the following questions about the competition:
|
|
|
|
What sort of engineering standards are adhered to in the manufacture of the kit? |
|
|
What does the customer get in the basic kit and what are the "optional extras"? |
|
|
What does it all cost? |
|
|
How easy is it to build? |
|
|
What is a realistic building time? |
|
|
Does it handle properly and have adequate power? |
|
|
How do other people view the car? |
|
|
Is it practical, everyday transport or a summer fun car? |
|
|
Is it a product that enhances the reputation of the kit car industry? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Duke of Richmond takes a Navajo for a spin around the Goodwood racing circuit.
He commented "I could have a lot of fun around the estate with this car".
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Navajo was based on the 1100/1300 mechanics, but with Alan being used to building
racing cars, he couldn't stand the handling that Hydrolastic suspension gave, so it was replaced with coil
shock absorbers.
The body chassis unit is of monocoque construction, consisting of sheet Zintec (Zinc plated steel), folded
and shot, and MIG welded to form a very rigid structure. At 18 gauge, the Zintec is about twice as thick as that
used in conventional production cars and being zinc coated, it is corrosion resistant. The surface of Zintec is
also said to be self healing if it suffers minor damage.
So, what's required to turn your "rusty" 1100/1300 into the new Navajo? You'll need the following: wiring,
front lights, instruments, and windscreen wipers, engine and gearbox, front subframe, pedal assembly, steering
column, heater, rear hubs and suspension arms, front seats and wheels. Everything else you needed was supplied
with the "basic" kit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Navajo shows how much it resembles the Mini Moke. |
|
|
|
|
|
Despite the Navajo's good looks there were downsides. The kit car was open to the
elements, the passengers are very close to the wide sills, and there is very little hip support given
from the seats. All points which leave the occupants vulnerable in an accident.
In November 1984 a Kitcars & Specials Magazine reporter summed up the Navajo in this way
"I have to admit that it is very difficult to find any fault at all with the Navajo. The engineering
standards are first class, the car is fun and safe to drive and the build up should not be a problem
for the novice."
|
|
|
The basic Navajo kit
|
|
|
|
|
All steel monocoque body chassis unit (ready to spray) |
|
|
GRP bonnet with hinges and catches |
|
|
Windscreen and rubber surround |
|
|
Four shock absorbers |
|
|
Two front & two rear springs |
|
|
Two rear lights (including fog lamps and wiring) |
|
|
Number plate light and reflectors |
|
|
Two handbrake cables |
|
|
Complete set of metal brake pipes |
|
|
Two quarter lights (already fitted) |
|
|
All mountings, braces, adaptors, brackets, fixings, spacers and nuts and bolts etc |
|
|
|
So you know what you got in your kit, but what did it all cost? And what accessories were available?
|
|
Prices & Accessories |
|
|
Basic Kit (as above) |
£795.00 |
Two-pack acrylic paint finish |
£165.00 |
Full weather equipment |
£175.00 |
Roll-over hoop |
£45.00 |
Full weather equipment and roll over hoop |
£195.00 |
Bumpers front and rear |
£55.00 |
Special steel wheels (5j x 12) set of 5 |
£99.00 |
Special wheels each |
£22.50 |
Corbeau hi-back seats (including runners) each |
£48.00 |
|
|
|
Where are they now? |
|
|
It is not known, precisely, how many kits have survived. Alan Langridge moved to
South Africa in the late 1980's. The prototype was owned for many years by a next door neighbour,
Eugene Griessel until it was scrapped. Eugene supplied us with this photo of the prototype parked
up at Goodwood.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Navajo out on the Goodwood circuit.
|
|
|
|
Feedback: |
| |
|
| |
