out of this world: the LCC Rocket

Many automobiles have claimed to be Formula 1 cars for the road. While a handful of marques such as Caparo and Hulme can stay true to their goal, none are as original and distinctive as the Rocket - which, in the early 1990's, was the first car to be built around this concept. Produced by an obscure marque in England called Light Car Company, the Rocket was very light indeed - weighing only 848 lb. The driving experience was identical to that of an F1 car - climb into the car and the cockpit surrounds you. There is no roof, no doors and a tiny windshield. The Rocket's wheels and suspension were external, which meant it could handle hills and corners better, again like an F1 car. Right behind the driver in the fiberglass body was the engine - a 4 cylinder Yamaha motorcycle motor that produced 143 hp. The Rocket had a top speed of 145 mph, and although that is not enough to keep up with Ferrari and Lamborghini, it still meant plenty of G forces for the lucky driver. The way I see it, this is the SR-71 Blackbird of cars. Sometimes I think if I could own any one car in the world, this would be the one, and that is really, really saying something. Only 55 were made, making it even more desirable, but prices are dropping, making me hopeful. The Rocket was designed by Gordon Murray, a couple years later he was the architect of another "F1" project - the McLaren F1.

There is nothing like this in 1:18 scale, but I'm lining up already...