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EP
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The CX3 has been with BRA for many years now and been very successful. You must have found it really hard to finally decide that the project would have to be sold?
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DW
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Of course. The CX3 is the car of which we are most proud. Since purchasing the CX3 project in 1996 we have made lots of modifications and the car is well respected throughout the kit car and classic car scenes. We did consider storing the jigs and maybe re-launching the car in a few years time, after a break, but we realise that once we ceased production the chances of bringing it back would be minimal. We have other things to do in this short life and so the decision was made to move on. We are keeping a couple of kits in storage though!
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EP
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BRA sold the CV3 & Leighton project earlier in the year. Did this have much impact on the business?
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DW
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We sold these projects to give us some breathing space. 2001 was a bad year for us. Business was good but we had an onslaught of problems. We had problems with a few members of staff, my business partner, James, decided that he wanted to pursue a new career in the legal profession and my wife had a nasty speedboat accident which resulted in a fractured spine. I had to have 5 months off work to stay at home with her. All this led to severe production delays and last September we decided that we could not accept any more orders as we simply had too many already. The decision to sell the CV3 and Leighton projects was made in November, the projects advertised in December and a sale was agreed in January. By late February the projects were in their new home. Since then we have caught up on our backlog of CX3 orders and have recently accepted new CX3 orders which we are currently working on.
Thankfully my wife made a remarkable and almost full recovery. The staff problems culminated in them leaving (forcibly!) and James has committed himself to his new career having confirmed his place in law college, starting in September.
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EP
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What happened to the MR3 and MG3 projects?
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DW
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The MG3 is simply a derivative of the CX3. We use the same main jig and modify the engine mountings, transmission, gear linkage and rear end. We did want to launch the MG3 as a turn key car but this never materialised, mainly due to the various problems last year.
The MR3… Mmmmm, now then. When James developed the first MR3 prototype it was brilliant. The acceleration, handling, and general performance were amazing. The problem was that the car simply did not look nice. So, using the same chassis and mechanical components we contracted a GRP company to re-shape the body work and manufacture new moulds. The GRP company took 12 months instead of 2 and the job was a mess when finally finished. The GRP company then went bust (no surprise there).
A few months later we were approached by another GRP company and contracted them to finish the job properly. They did small amounts of work but again major delays set in and we took the project back. The MR3 then stayed in our workshops for a while and then last year we placed the whole project in storage. We still have plans for the car though and maybe in a few months time, when our fingers twitch, the project will once again see the light of day!
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EP
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The motoring press have always had exceptional things to say about BRA vehicles and their handling but are there any other non-BRA 3-wheelers that you admire?
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DW
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I admire many, but for different reasons. The early Morgan’s, especially the F-Type, I admire because of their raw but good engineering and the great success they enjoyed (and still do). Of the more recent designs I have to admit that the styling of the Blackjack Avion is superb, although it would not be my choice of car (too slow!). The Grinnall Scorpian too is a superb piece of styling and engineering. There are also many “one offs” which have to be admired not only because they look good but because they represent many hours of dedication by their designer/owners.
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EP
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Out of all the vehicles BRA have created what was your personal favourite?
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DW
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I feel attached to the CV3 as James and I designed the car from scratch during cold winter nights in a small garage alongside James’s house. The result was a brilliant car which built easily, looked good, drove well and was well received by the press. The CX3 will always have a special place as I have built more of them than anything else. They are superb cars and yes, the CX3 is my favourite of ‘em all.
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EP
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Whats the funniest memory you have connected with BRA Cars.
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DW
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I have lots. The whole kit car scene can be funny. Whenever we have taken part in kit car shows we have always tried to make it a fun event. We meet up with friends and generally have a good time. Our camps at Stonleigh each year have always attracted a good turn out of BRA owners, many of whom have become friends. We have had many good times. Some of the funniest occasions have been at shows when we have had to deal with some very strange “kit car enthusiasts” who insist on asking the same questions at every show year after year. Finally losing grip and whispering swear words into their ears has given us great amusement! We have also derived great fun using up our spare time in the workshop manufacturing strange contraptions. It is amazing what you can do when you have a few bits of scrap metal and a full blown engineering workshop at your disposal!
I must say though that the funniest thing of all was watching David Lowe’s (Lomax) face twitch when we unveiled the CV3 at the Stafford show in 1998. Yes, that was fun!
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EP
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Your web site mentions that BRA Motor Works are going to retire from the kit car business to concentrate on other things. Do you think the company will ever return to make another 3-wheeler?
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DW
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When I’ve finished building my Cobra 289, built my new house, built (and flown) my Rotorway helicopter, and had a holiday I may consider doing another three wheeler.
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EP
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What other projects will BRA concentrate on once the CX3 is sold?
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DW
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The BRA web site at www.bra-cars.com will still be maintained by me and will hopefully become an information point for those considering building/buying a BRA. I will also remain contactable via the web site and will answer queries from builders/owners. Our company will still be there too, but will remain in the background – on the back burner…. watch this space!
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EP
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Thankyou for taking the time to take part in this interview and especially for all the support you have shown to 3-wheelers.com since it was launched. I wish you and the company all the best for the future.
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DW
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Thank’s. It’s been good. I’ll still be around, but lurking in the background.
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