Friday 4 January 2013

Stimson Scorcher lot doesn't sell

If you have been scouring the web for interesting vehicles between Christmas and New Year, you may have come across one unusual advertisement on eBay. A rare Stimson Scorcher made it to the auction website. "It's not a car. It's a motorbike/trike without the risk of sliding off or high-siding", said the seller, trading from a Gloucestershire airport hangar. And he offered not just one of those crazy Barry Stimson designed creatures for sale, but also the complete moulds, jigs, a finished frame with engine and suspension plus some more bits and pieces. Colin Baines, who previously owned the whole lot, wrote to me: "I used to own these moulds about 15 years ago and sold them to this chap in Cirencester. I had all the moulds, chassis and a new body. The chap I delivered them to had three of these 'things' in a barn in various stages of completion. Even Barry Stimson said they were dangerous!" But perhaps just because of that the Scorcher managed to acquire a bit of a legendary status and so, with a starting price of just 2,000 pounds, I was disappointed to see the complete lot didn't sell. And I assume the seller too. "What's a unique vehicle production setup worth? - You tell me", he wrote in his ad. The answer was deceiving. Perhaps the Scorcher is a bit too unique?

This Stimson Scorcher was part of the lot. It's almost complete but had no MOT
Picture courtesy ebay.co.uk 
Rear seat is missing, but perhaps it's healthier to drive (or ride?) without passengers?
Picture courtesy ebay.co.uk
Set of moulds is said to be complete, even the front spoiler - often not fitted - is there
Picture courtesy ebay.co.uk 
And that's the jig to make the chassis frame. No one seemed interested, unfortunately
Picture courtesy ebay.co.uk


9 comments:

  1. Although interesting, it seems to me that £2k is way too much. £600 to £800 might temp someone, but that's really for the complete car with a Stimson V5.

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    1. is it sill for sale if so how much

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    2. These were featured in "BIKE" magazine when they came out. Reviews were less than flattering.

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  2. I'm rebuilding one of these! If anyone has the vendor's contact details could they send them to me at wilmingtonkent@yahoo.co.uk ? Thanks.

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  3. Problem now is sourcing cheap minis to convert.When I built mine in 1980 you could pick a complete donor up for £30 !!

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    1. Any photos of your build. Doing one myself. Wildy_uk2000@hotmail.co.uk

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  4. Hi, I have a complete Stimson Scorcher, all up and running, never been registered and I am looking for a buyer who will offer me a decent return. Any offers will be considered.
    Brian. Mobile: 07880 738147
    Nov 2015.

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    Replies
    1. Hi, bit of a long shot,but do you still have scorcher for sale?

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    2. Any photos brian. Wildy_uk2000@hotmail.co.uk

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