AutoPuzzles - The Internet's Museum of Rare Cars!
Puzzles, Games and Name That Car => Solved AutoPuzzles => 2010 => Topic started by: Carnut on September 02, 2010, 09:35:04 AM
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Identify this car for 1 point:
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This looks like a Leyland Clubman van, but the lefthand drive makes me wonder if it might be an Innocenti variant of the Leyland.
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This looks like a Leyland Clubman van, but the lefthand drive makes me wonder if it might be an Innocenti variant of the Leyland.
Not a Leyland or an Innocenti!
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Experts?
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Phoenix - a Mini-based estate from Phoenix Automotive?
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Phoenix - a Mini-based estate from Phoenix Automotive?
Yes it is. It was made by Paul Haussauer of Clan Crusader fame around 1983/6.
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Some more recent shots of one. There were several made, although i've never seen one in the wild
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Well, we know what it is. But why? It is just so so similar to a Mini Clubman estate that I can't see why anyone would want to make or buy one.
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Good question - why?
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Perhaps it was made of wood and plastic like the Clan, so didn't rust as fast as a real Mini. Might also have had a comfortable driving position.
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Description from The Book:
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An amazing collection of ex-Lotus people was involved with the Clan Crusader. On of the main movers was Paul Haussauer (pronounced 'osserway'), whose trade continued to be general glass-fibre work into the 1980's. His Phoenix was an ultra-worthy attempt to make a completely rust-free and practical car in kit form. It used untouched Mini subframes, reskinned doors and interior parts in a painted GRP monocoque body which was deliberately reminiscent of a Mini Clubman Estate (reminiscent?! - NEH). It was expensive but easy to build and more practical than a Mini thanks to a bigger interior and proper tailgate.
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Phoenix ad: