Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Transportation Alternatives, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Santa Monica Alt Car Expo
Alt Car Expo: Movie prop maker builds an electric sprint car for the street? Cool!
Paul Pearson finished this diamond in the rough just a couple days before the show, and now he wants to see if it's street legal. A longtime fan of sprint cars, Pearson was adamant about building a vehicle "that didn't look like a golf cart." In his day job, Pearson runs a shop that builds movie props, so he has the equipment to fabricate the sturdy, race-style frame.
"Living in LA, I wanted to make sure it was something that could take a hit," he said of the structure.
Pearson learned to build cars before getting his driver's license, working for famed movie-car builder George Barris. He helped with such TV icons as the Monkeymobile, the early Batmobiles and Kitt.
Read more and see another photo after the break.
Power for his sprint car comes from golf-cart motor and drive axle, although he has rewired the motor for more power. Six 12-volt batteries supply the juice. The car is fully wired with lights and brakes (front disc, rear drum). The body is based on a USAC midget sprint car. Top speed is around 50 mph but Pearson isn't sure he can get away from a NEV classification.
"I'm going to load it up on a trailer and take it to CHP and ask, 'what do I need?' That's why I haven't painted the frame because they may have some welding or design issues," said Pearson.
I just wonder when Pearson will install a World of Outlaws wing. That would be a really cool location for a solar panel!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Phil L. 9:16AM (12/11/2006)
Am I the only one who notices that the parking brake is the last thing to be done on these projects? Note the roll of duct tape performing this role in the first picture.
At least the Mini EV featured earlier:
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/09/01/640-horses-hubbed-to-a-mini-hybrid/
used *two* blocks of wood...
Reply
Mike Magda 4:32AM (12/12/2006)
When you build the wing, Paul, be sure to dress it up with an AutoblogGreen.com decal! When its' finished, let's go over to the Perris Speedway and see if the tail hangs out in the turns.
Reply
Paul Pearson 4:29PM (12/12/2006)
You have a sharp eye!I was rushing to get the car ready for the show and wanted to drive in under It's own power so brakes were the last item.I recall once using one of the very early cell phones for the same purpose on an Indy car at Laguna Seca rceway.And the wing/solar panel is already in the works.Paul Pearson
Reply
Paul Pearson 11:19PM (12/12/2006)
Perris's dirt track might be a little rough for a car with 3 inches of ground clerance.But how about Kasey Kahne in a couple of demo laps at Irwindales ashphalt track at next years Turkey nite classic.His dad,Kelly is freinds with my inlaws in Enumclaw,Wa.I will be there at Chrismas and give it a shot!Kasey drives in the Turkey nite most years.Paul
Reply
gary starr 3:48PM (11/19/2007)
Paul Pearson
contact me asap
707-525-8658x224
Reply