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Rocket Powered Unicycle – MG TF XPower 500 #SARRDWBGBWD034240

Just like I write “Gettin a li’l psycho on tyres”, because I find it quite irresistable it would appear when MG Rover got ditched by BMW MG went and built today’s unique, as in only one of, MG TF XPower 500 for exactly the same reason.

MG TF XPower 500, Silverstone Auctions, Race Retro, Stoneleigh

Sensational and equally outrageuous the MG TF XPower 500, was first shown to the public at Le Mans in 2001 alongside it’s Lola LM780 chassis Le Mans challenger.

MG TF XPower 500, Silverstone Auctions, Race Retro, Stoneleigh

Sitting on low profile 17″ road tyres and wheels the MG TF XPower 500 has a seam welded MG TF body which incorporates a racing standard survival cell, flared wheel arches and some aerodynamic aids to help keep the car on the ground.

MG TF XPower 500, Silverstone Auctions, Race Retro, Stoneleigh

Go for the MG TF XPower 500 comes from the same source as MG’s Lola MG Le Mans challenger namely a mid monunted Cosworth 2000 Le Mans XP20 2 litre / 122cui 4 cylinder turbo charged motor that produces 400 hp which transmits its power to the rear wheels through a 6 speed X-Trac sequential gearbox. Racing 4 pot AP disc brakes are used to slow the car down which has a ‘theoretical’ top speed in excess of 180 mph depending on the gear ratio’s used.

MG TF XPower 500, Silverstone Auctions, Race Retro, Stoneleigh

When Tony Dron tested the car with former Le Mans winner Mark Blundell he obseved the front wheels don’t do much in the corners and he was advised by Mark to suggest “Just think of the back end”. Tony noted “He’s right: imagine a rocket-powered unicycle and you get the idea.”

Thanks for joining me on this “Rocket Powered Unicycle” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres”, I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

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