Specials
This rare breed of kart engineers shaped karting with new and innovative ideas, many of which are hailed as the latest thing by the modern manufactures; the 1959 Progress Kart used an hollow axle and one kart in particular use technology that Formula 1 have only discovered in recent years.
The Meson Mk II “International” featured in Karting Magazine’s article “The Special Builders” Early March 1970 Issue 168. This kart would have been built in 1968/9, some forty five years ago; take a look and tell me if you don’t see the modern Formula 1 in the making, the material used may be a little better these day but the bare bones are there for all to see.
The Meson Mk II “International” featured in Karting Magazine’s article “The Special Builders” Early March 1970 Issue 168. This kart would have been built in 1968/9, some forty five years ago; take a look and tell me if you don’t see the modern Formula 1 in the making, the material used may be a little better these day but the bare bones are there for all to see.
A
Accompli
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
This kart was built by Mr Smith of Reading as a one-off.
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1969
Weight: 134 lb
Wheel Base: 41.1/2 in
Front Track: 34.1/2 in
Rear Track: 35 in
More Info: Page 254, Karting Magazine: Mid Feb 1970
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1969
Weight: 134 lb
Wheel Base: 41.1/2 in
Front Track: 34.1/2 in
Rear Track: 35 in
More Info: Page 254, Karting Magazine: Mid Feb 1970
ardmore
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
The Ardmore T67
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1967
Weight including driver: 360lb
Wheel Base: 46 in
Front Track: 35 in
Rear Track: 36.1/2 in
Engine: Villiers 9E 197cc
More Info: Page 17/18, Karting Magazine: April 1970
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1967
Weight including driver: 360lb
Wheel Base: 46 in
Front Track: 35 in
Rear Track: 36.1/2 in
Engine: Villiers 9E 197cc
More Info: Page 17/18, Karting Magazine: April 1970
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T 68
Vitals Date of Construction: 1968 Weight including driver: 360lb Wheel Base: 46 in Front Track: 36 in Rear Track: 37.1/4 in Engine: Frank Sheen tuned Bultaco 250cc More Info: Page 17/18, Karting Magazine: April 1970 
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
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T 69
Vitals Date of Construction: 1969 Weight including driver: 368lb Wheel Base: 47 in Front Track: 38 in Rear Track: 39.1/4 in Engine: Frank Sheen tuned Bultaco 250cc More Info: Page 17/18, Karting Magazine: April 1970 
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
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B
Barracuda
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
The Barracuda, built by Graham and Dennis Sheppard.
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1968/9
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: N/A
Front Track: N/A
Rear Track: N/A
Engine: Villiers 9E
More Info: Page 253, Karting Magazine: Mid Feb 1970
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1968/9
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: N/A
Front Track: N/A
Rear Track: N/A
Engine: Villiers 9E
More Info: Page 253, Karting Magazine: Mid Feb 1970
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
bicker
Courtesy: Richard Higgs
"The family of George Bicker have kindly given me old photos and a car bumper badge for 'The Hunts Kart Racing Club' so they go to a good home.
George built his own kart in 1960 with a Villiers 8E which he later changed to a Zundapp. He raced regularly throughout the 60's picking up a few trophies at local tracks."
I would like to thank Richard for sending me these pictures, it is a real privilege to be able to record the history of the "Special Builders" if you have any pictures you would like to see included in the Special Builders section please use the Contact Form.
Wyatt
"The family of George Bicker have kindly given me old photos and a car bumper badge for 'The Hunts Kart Racing Club' so they go to a good home.
George built his own kart in 1960 with a Villiers 8E which he later changed to a Zundapp. He raced regularly throughout the 60's picking up a few trophies at local tracks."
I would like to thank Richard for sending me these pictures, it is a real privilege to be able to record the history of the "Special Builders" if you have any pictures you would like to see included in the Special Builders section please use the Contact Form.
Wyatt
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biagi
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bird
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
Built by Donald Bird
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1969
Weight: 180 lb
Wheel Base: 43.1/2 in
Front Track: 35 in
Rear Track: 34.1/2 in
Engine: Villiers 9E 197cc
More Info: Page 278, Karting Magazine: Early March 1970
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1969
Weight: 180 lb
Wheel Base: 43.1/2 in
Front Track: 35 in
Rear Track: 34.1/2 in
Engine: Villiers 9E 197cc
More Info: Page 278, Karting Magazine: Early March 1970
bURGESS sPECIAL "the lay-down"
Photo Courtesy: Peter Burgess
Peter Burgess is one of the best known special kart builders, not least because he is one of the most successful.
During the late sixties and through seventies it was difficult to pick up any karting magazine that did not have some kind of a photograph or artical on Peter or one of his Burgess Special's.
Innovation and quaity of build were the trade make of the Burgess Creations, stunning good looks were a given.
To the best of my knowledge Peter never gave his karts a name or Mk number, for the purposes of this A/Z and to make it easy for the reader chart the evolution of these karts, I have given them names and Mk numbers.
During the late sixties and through seventies it was difficult to pick up any karting magazine that did not have some kind of a photograph or artical on Peter or one of his Burgess Special's.
Innovation and quaity of build were the trade make of the Burgess Creations, stunning good looks were a given.
To the best of my knowledge Peter never gave his karts a name or Mk number, for the purposes of this A/Z and to make it easy for the reader chart the evolution of these karts, I have given them names and Mk numbers.
Photo Courtesy: Peter Bugess
bURGESS Mk II
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
Burgess MkII
The Smi-Laydown style of this kart was quickly adoted by anyone who wanted to compete on long circuits, it wasn't until the mid 80s that the frame style was copied by the big manufactures.
Like the Lay-down it had four chassis rails and four axle bearings, the axle ran through the centre of the fuel tank; the engine sported twin Tillotsons and had no silencer. The brakes were Drum on the front and Disc at the rear and it ran with five inch wheels all round.
Peter also added a damper to the twin steering columns.
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1969
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: 43 in
Front Track: 32 in
Rear Track: 32 in
Engine: Frank Sheene tuned Bultaco D5 250cc
More Info: Page 12/13, Karting Magazine: April 1970
The Smi-Laydown style of this kart was quickly adoted by anyone who wanted to compete on long circuits, it wasn't until the mid 80s that the frame style was copied by the big manufactures.
Like the Lay-down it had four chassis rails and four axle bearings, the axle ran through the centre of the fuel tank; the engine sported twin Tillotsons and had no silencer. The brakes were Drum on the front and Disc at the rear and it ran with five inch wheels all round.
Peter also added a damper to the twin steering columns.
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1969
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: 43 in
Front Track: 32 in
Rear Track: 32 in
Engine: Frank Sheene tuned Bultaco D5 250cc
More Info: Page 12/13, Karting Magazine: April 1970
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
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Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
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Burgess mk III
Photo Courtesy: Peter Burgess
Vitals
Date of Construction:
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: 43 in
Front Track: 32 in
Rear Track: 32 in
Engine: Burgess tuned Bultaco 250cc
More Info: Page, Karting Magazine:
Date of Construction:
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: 43 in
Front Track: 32 in
Rear Track: 32 in
Engine: Burgess tuned Bultaco 250cc
More Info: Page, Karting Magazine:
D
Davey kart
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1959/60
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: N/A
Front Track: N/A
Rear Track: N/A
Engine: PUCH
Date of Construction: 1959/60
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: N/A
Front Track: N/A
Rear Track: N/A
Engine: PUCH
Del
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1969
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: 43 in
Front Track: 32 in
Rear Track: 32 in
Engine: Suzuki T200 200cc
More Info: Page 205, Karting Magazine: Mid January 1970
Purcased from the Donington Museum in 20?? this kart is now owned by the RHKC Museum
Date of Construction: 1969
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: 43 in
Front Track: 32 in
Rear Track: 32 in
Engine: Suzuki T200 200cc
More Info: Page 205, Karting Magazine: Mid January 1970
Purcased from the Donington Museum in 20?? this kart is now owned by the RHKC Museum
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
Monaco 2006
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Monaco 2006
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dent
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Vitals
Date of construction: Mid 60s Built by John Dent (See also Jet Kart) Weight: Not Available Wheel Base: Not Available Front Track: Not Available Rear Track: Not Available Engine: John Dent (water Cooled) Villiers 9E 197cc Thanks to Suzy Dent (Daughter) for information |
G
griffus
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1969
Weight: 180 lb
Wheel Base: 47 in
Front Track: 36 in
Rear Track: 36 in
Engine: Merlin Villiers 9E 197cc
More Info: Page 252/3, Karting Magazine: Mid February 1968
Bill Griffin and Bert Hoare built this amazing machine and by all accounts it was very successful.
Date of Construction: 1969
Weight: 180 lb
Wheel Base: 47 in
Front Track: 36 in
Rear Track: 36 in
Engine: Merlin Villiers 9E 197cc
More Info: Page 252/3, Karting Magazine: Mid February 1968
Bill Griffin and Bert Hoare built this amazing machine and by all accounts it was very successful.
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
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Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
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H
hay kart
j
jet kart
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The Jet Kart was the result of a collaboration between Alan Burgess and John Dent, I'm sure Alan had the Idea and the hard work converting a Fox Kart was done by John.
See DENT Kart. |
M
meson
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
The Meson mk II “International” featured in Karting Magazine’s article “The Special Builders” Early March 1970 Issue 168. This kart would have been built in 1968/9, some forty five years ago; take a look and tell me if you don’t see the modern Formula 1 in the making, the material used may be a little better these day but the bare bones are there for all to see.
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1968/9
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: N/A
Front Track: N/A
Rear Track: N/A
Engine: Villiers Starmaker 250cc
More Info: Page 277, Karting Magazine: Early March 1970
If anyone knows the whereabouts of this kart please get in-touch
Taken From Karting Magazine: Early March 1970
" The Meson mk II was built by C. Ross and B. Hawkins with the chassis, seat, foot tray, tank, pedal mounts and steering mount all integrally moulded in glass-fibre. The reinforcement is either satin weave glass cloth or chopped strand mat dependant on local stress levels and thickness ranges from 0.05" to 0.125" according to position. The independent front suspension utilises reinforced plastic spring links and these are also used at the rear for non-independent axle. The brakes are home-made and hydraulically operated. The wheels were made from glass-reinforced plastic in home produced matched aluminium tools under pressure. The engine is a Villiers Starmaker."
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1968/9
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: N/A
Front Track: N/A
Rear Track: N/A
Engine: Villiers Starmaker 250cc
More Info: Page 277, Karting Magazine: Early March 1970
If anyone knows the whereabouts of this kart please get in-touch
Taken From Karting Magazine: Early March 1970
" The Meson mk II was built by C. Ross and B. Hawkins with the chassis, seat, foot tray, tank, pedal mounts and steering mount all integrally moulded in glass-fibre. The reinforcement is either satin weave glass cloth or chopped strand mat dependant on local stress levels and thickness ranges from 0.05" to 0.125" according to position. The independent front suspension utilises reinforced plastic spring links and these are also used at the rear for non-independent axle. The brakes are home-made and hydraulically operated. The wheels were made from glass-reinforced plastic in home produced matched aluminium tools under pressure. The engine is a Villiers Starmaker."
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
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Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
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Designed in 1968 by Robin Herd and Gordon Coppuck the McLaren M7A was McLaren's best offering until 1971.
miles special/dkw
Below: Kart number 51 the MILES SPECIAL/DKW driven by R. Miles and P. Mercer at the 1968 Snetterton 9hour race.
Motus mk1
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1969
Weight: 220 lbs
Wheel Base: 45 in
Front Track: 33 in
Rear Track: 34.1/2 in
Engine: Villiers 9E 197cc
More Info: Page 204/205, Karting Magazine: Mid January 1970
Date of Construction: 1969
Weight: 220 lbs
Wheel Base: 45 in
Front Track: 33 in
Rear Track: 34.1/2 in
Engine: Villiers 9E 197cc
More Info: Page 204/205, Karting Magazine: Mid January 1970
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s
starfire/anzani
t
trident
I received an email today (1-3-15 see below) from Alec Brooks the son of the Trident Kart builder, if anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of this kart please email me.
Wyatt
"Regarding the A.N.OTHER kart, last on page of historic karts, I remember this kart with fantastic memories. It was called Trident and it was made by my dad Cyril Brooks in summer of 1969. It was sold to a man called George Worley from High Wycombe. Myself and George raced it at Snetterton 9 hour race, September 1969.
It was the best handling kart I have ever been on in my life. It held lap record of that day, as you could hold it flat out through the corners with no problem. Mind you, I was a very light 17 year old then, I'm now nearly 63."
Alec Brooks
twinster
U
U.G.L.Y these karts have no alibi, there ugly.
U.G.L.Y these karts have no alibi, there ugly.
Kart with no name
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
Vitals
Date of Construction: 1968/9
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: N/A
Front Track: N/A
Rear Track: N/A
Engine: Villiers Starmaker 250cc
More Info: Page 276, Karting Magazine: Early March 1970
Date of Construction: 1968/9
Weight: N/A
Wheel Base: N/A
Front Track: N/A
Rear Track: N/A
Engine: Villiers Starmaker 250cc
More Info: Page 276, Karting Magazine: Early March 1970
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
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Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
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