SlotForum banner
Cancel

Wasp

Jump to Latest Follow
1 - 20 of 36 Posts
JAK

· Registered
Joined
·
286 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Do any of you historians know anything about a car called the MG Wasp.

I have a vac. shell of this car purchased from Pattos but other than the name he knows nothing about it. I've searched my reference books and the web but can find no information about it (it was mentioned on a 1960's American magazine cover but the owner of the site hasn't replied to my emails).

The shell appears to have been deformed to make it wider but length and wheel base suggest that it might be a kit car or special built on a AH Sprite/MG Midget in the 60's.

I'd be grateful for any information, especially pictures of the actual car.
 
Mooster

· Ric Woods
Joined
·
800 Posts
#2 ·
I don't suppose they've got it confused with the MG Bee have they?


(MGB - see what I've done there?)

Oh, there's me coat! I'll just get it.

Mooster
 
Save Share
Reply Quote
P

· Phil Smith
Joined
·
4,487 Posts
#3 ·
I'm sure Model Cars did a plan of this.

Mark Gussins site used to have an index of every plan from Model Cars but it does not seem to be on his site any more!
So without trawling through every copy I don't know which copy it would be in.
 
Race-Jan

· Jan Groosmuller
Joined
·
831 Posts
#4 ·
QUOTE (Mooster @ 24 Nov 2004, 10:09)I don't suppose they've got it confused with the MG Bee have they?


(MGB - see what I've done there?)

Oh, there's me coat! I'll just get it.

Mooster
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually I think you're right, maybee
it has something to do with copyrights... if you check out all the names on Patto's list are at least spelled incorrectly, probably on purpose...
 
Save Share
Reply Quote
C

· Registered
Joined
·
59 Posts
#6 ·
About Patto's vac-bodies, wouldn't be possible to list anywhere which bodies are known to be "good-values" in his lists, while it seems that others could be outscaled.
I ask this because a lot of people around here seem to have tested these bodies.
 
Coopdevil

· Premium Member
Joined
·
2,477 Posts
#7 ·
QUOTE (chofar @ 24 Nov 2004, 14:09)About Patto's vac-bodies, wouldn't be possible to list anywhere which bodies are known to be "good-values" in his lists, while it seems that others could be outscaled.
I ask this because a lot of people around here seem to have tested these bodies.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In theory the 1:32 shells that are deformed for 2 1/2" chassis have (2 1/2") noted in their description, 1:24 shells are marked with 80mm (for 80mm width), Handling and Wedge if they meet these descriptions. However I don't know how well Patto's lists stick to that rule.

Coop
 
C

· Registered
Joined
·
59 Posts
#8 ·
QUOTE (Coopdevil @ 24 Nov 2004, 14:35)QUOTE (chofar @ 24 Nov 2004, 14:09)About Patto's vac-bodies, wouldn't be possible to list anywhere which bodies are known to be "good-values" in his lists, while it seems that others could be outscaled.
I ask this because a lot of people around here seem to have tested these bodies.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In theory the 1:32 shells that are deformed for 2 1/2" chassis have (2 1/2") noted in their description, 1:24 shells are marked with 80mm (for 80mm width), Handling and Wedge if they meet these descriptions. However I don't know how well Patto's lists stick to that rule.

Coop
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>


My idea was to set a list of "correct" bodies already tested by the knowledgeable people around here, without offending Patto, of course. It seems many people have ordered some of his bodies, but built fewer than they own.
 
H

· Registered
Joined
·
4,591 Posts
#9 ·
I'm with you in principle, Chofar.

I've ordered several, a good proportion of which have gone straight into the bits box, but then others have turned into nice little models. They're so cheap I don't mind it being a bit hit-and-miss, and I'm very happy to support Patto- a very helpful and industrious chap. On the other hand, I've seen a few of my 'discards' worked up into good looking cars by more patient souls on this forum.
Just to set a ball tottering, the last one I got that was completely beyond the pail as far as size, resemblance to any full-size car or even mould quality and finish were concerned was the 'Lotus 19'. Very pleased with my Shelby King Cobra though. After a fair bit of modding.
 
C

· Registered
Joined
·
59 Posts
#10 ·
Ok Howmet, I don't miss the point.
So, I'll try this method of random choice. It's a pity I wanted a Lotus 19 though. I had in mind that bubble-shaped cars would be more accurate.
Was also tempted to try the Jag XJS, the Jag Mk2 and some early can-am/usrrc cars. Anyone with advice anyway ?
Thanks in advance.
And I agree, Mr Patterson is a very kind chap.
 
D

· Registered
Joined
·
223 Posts
#16 ·
NOVEMBER 6, 1954: Two East Londoners are preparing for next year's East London Winter Handicap. Mr Frank Holder and Mr John van der Merwe have produced the MG Wasp. Working in their spare time, Mr Holder and Mr Van der Merwe built the car in four months and they expect the "Wasp" - the name formed from the initial letters of Wolsley, Austin, Studebaker and Plymouth - to attain a speed in excess of 100 mph. Other models that contributed to Wasp's composite assembly were the MG, DKW, Chevrolet, Ford, Morris, Buick, Fiat and a hoard of minor parts from other makes of cars.

c & p from Google search,
 
JAK

· Registered
Joined
·
286 Posts
Discussion Starter · #17 ·
Graham

Thanks for the ebay link. I've written to the seller to see if he'll scan the article for me.

In the mean time if anyone has a copy of the American magazine "SPORTS CAR GRAPHIC" from March 1964 there is an article about this car in that. I would appreciate a copy of the article.

Failing that I've got just under a week to save my pocket money to try to win in the auction.

Phil

Thanks for your comments. I think the plans from Mark Gussins site went here.

Daryl

Thanks - the vac form however does look like a Spriget based car which would put this 1954 wasp a little early- I think the frogeye can out in the late fifties.
 
JAK

· Registered
Joined
·
286 Posts
Discussion Starter · #19 ·
Just had a reply from the Ebay seller. He says the car is a coupe and is an aluminium monocoque and tube construction with a rear transverse engine.

Also that the article is only one from a series that ran through a number of issues of this magazine. Unfortunately he doesn't have the others. Sounds like it was a one off.

So if anyone has any copies of the American magazine "SPORTS CAR GRAPHIC" from 1964 I'd appreciate it if they could check for articles about this car.

The South African newspaper with the 1954 car article appears to be having a problem with its email. I've tried all their listed ones and just get a "SMTP "MAIL FROM" command. Response was "501 Bad address syntax ".
 
1 - 20 of 36 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
About this Discussion
35 Replies
13 Participants
Last post:
JAK
SlotForum
A forum community dedicated to slot car owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about collections, racing, displays, models, track layouts, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
1:32 scale Cars Tracks & Scenery Scratch building Scalextric Digital (APB, ARC PRO) The Pit Lane
Top