Gemini
Gemini
Launched by Autotune in 1987 the Gemini is a fine handling sports car that takes its aesthetic influences from the 1950’s Falcon and Elva Sports racing cars.
Launched by Autotune in 1987 the Gemini is a fine handling sports car that takes its aesthetic influences from the 1950’s Falcon and Elva Sports racing cars.
The Gemini uses mechanical components from the classic rear wheel drive Ford Escort fitted onto an Autotune designed steel spaceframe chassis. The Escort rear axle is modified with brackets added to mount four radius arms and a panhard rod. At the front Ford uprights are used with fabricated double wishbones. Over 30 years of production, the large engine bay has seen many engines fitted. Following the classic influence, the Ford Crossflow, Pinto and V6s, various Twin Cams from Lotus, Lancia, Fiat plus several Triumph, Vauxhall, and Volvo four cylinders have all been used alongside the ageless Rover V8 for those looking for the V8 exhaust note. In more recent years, builders have made use of the later 16 valve Vauxhall, Rover K-Series, Ford Zetec and Duratec motors whilst several incredible modern Motorbike engines have been installed into Gemini chassis to create very exciting motor cars.
Continuing the racing pedigree of the original Elva shape, the Gemini has proven its excellent road holding on the race circuits of Europe including dominating the very first European Kit Car race held in treacherous conditions at Zandvoort in Holland. In the UK the Gemini was a regular race and class championship winner in the 750 Motor Club Kit Car Championship and the BRSCC Historic Replicar Championship.
As with the Autotune Aristocat, when Autotune joined the SMMT, the Gemini completed most of the criteria required by the current IVA testing back in 1992. TUV (UK) Ltd. on behalf of the SMMTalso tested the Gemini from all aspects, including:
- Design,
- Production methods,
- Quality of chassis materials,
- Welding,
- GRP strength and quality,
- Surface area mouldings,
- Component fit and accessibility,
- Body fit,
- Road holding,
- Continuity of maintenance,
- Premises, and those of sub contractors,
- Assembly illustrations,
- Back-up and service,
- Company integrity.
It was also necessary to submit a chassis for testing to the EC Directive, Regulation 14, for seat belt anchorages, having a pull test to a load of three tons. The Gemini passed first time on the Rig at Manchester Metropolitan University, organised by STATUS.
Designed to suit the budget builder, the Gemini can be built using many of the Escort components which are still readily available. Alternatively, the Gemini can be built using the many aftermarket parts that have been developed specifically for the Classic Ford and Kit Car marketplace.
Continuous production and exports in most European countries, New Zealand, Scandinavia, etc. The Gemini has shown itself to be a practical, budget sports car with excellent performance and handling.