Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 5:24 am Post subject: My 1960 Nobel 200 microcar project.
Hi everyone I’m new here, so here is a brief introduction to my current project.
The Nobel 200 is based on the German Fuldamobil S7 and built under license in Great Britain between 1958-61. It has a chain driven single rear wheel powered by a Sachs 200, 191cc engine, brakes are cable operated drums, steering is of rack type and very direct. The chassis is made from steel welded box section, with a single leaf spring and double acting hydraulic shock absorbers for suspension.
There is no reverse gear and car relies on a ‘change-over switch’ which stops the engine and changes it's direction, the advantage being it could be driven on a motorcycle license and you were eligible for cheaper road tax, though all forward gears are in reverse. Overall dimensions are: length 320cm, width 140cm and height 130cm with a ground clearance of 9”, quite large in microcar terms and the vehicle is often referred to as ‘the limousine’.
My car is known as the Model ‘A’. The dash layout differs to that of early models, which were reminiscent of the S7, whilst forward mounted indicators replace those originally mounted to the roofline. It’s actually missing an engine, black box containing the coil, changeover switch (to enable reverse) and regulator. The speedometer wasn’t connected, the interior is only fit for reference and the electrics are incomplete.
As it’s an Anglo German car, I found vehicles such as Lloyd using some components. Other parts have been sourced from Uruguay because the Nobel is native to that country too. I’ve yet to fabricate a new fuel tank, rear screen or replace various cables etc, though somehow the more work I do, the more hooked I become.
Fabulous! - and I continue to learn. That's a really interesting restoration you've got there, I've always liked the "guppy" look these little micro-cars have, not to mention getting so relevant in these days of huge vehicle costs. Bet you won't find a single computer in it!
I've never heard of an "interpolation switch" before, but it (almost) makes sense to me. When you say it "send it backwards", and forgive me for being thick, do you mean it sent the engine running backwards or it sent the car rolling backwards?
Its still early, too much single malt & curry, and that's my defence!
Rick, I'm in possession of the original rear screen only it's badly damaged, so I'll fabricate a new one by taking a glass fibre or plaster mould from the original, then make a former from that. This will be taken to a company that makes plastic road signs; I've been given this tip by a friend who works with glass fibre and says these companies can apparently produce an item like this at a relatively low price, the screen itself is only concaved in one direction so simplifies the whole procedure.
Scotty, interpolation! Well I knew this would pop up, the truth is I couldn’t think of the correct terminology at 4am this morning, I think I was trying to describe it as a switch that turns the current from one direction to another. I’ve renamed it having dug out some hand books and it’s actually referred to as a ‘cut-out starter reversing contactor’, in the Nobel instruction book, which changes the current in the engine and allows it to run in either direction, so in effect you have 4 forward gears and 4 in reverse, if you’re mad enough to use them.
Hi Mark, the Nobel 200 was assembled by Belfast based company Short Brothers & Harland Ltd, with a history in aircraft manufacture and ship building, though this is the only aero connection as the initial Fuldamobil design, was built by Electromaschinenbau Fulda who’s origins have only ever been associated with the manufacture of cars.
Top speed is thought to be around 40mph, says 60 on the speedo but the chassis’s quite heavy, which is an underlining flaw. I do have a spare chassis and have often wondered if I might lighten it somewhat by drilling holes in some less structural areas, as I‘ve seen this done on hot rods. As for mpg the original advert for this car actually stated, ‘The British super economy car makes motoring almost as cheap as breathing’.
Hi Uncle Joe, Yes you're correct the Siba Dynastart (fig.276,276a) does enable the engine to turn in reverse, however I was refering to the contents of the black box, 'cut-out starter reversing contactor' is according to the Nobel instruction book (fig.299) though labeled as 'change-over switch' in the Sachs engine manual, no wonder it's confusing.
Last edited by roundcars on Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:39 pm; edited 3 times in total
roundcars, I can say one thing about the Nobel. I last had a ride in one nearly 40 years ago, and I still laugh when I think of it! I mean that in a positive way as well....
Don't worry Uncle Joe; I know for a fact the brakes are a flawed, needing constant adjustment. The gearbox has a tendency to slip from 1st to 4th, not to mention the horrendous steering. In the Nobel instruction book under 'driving hints' it mentions: "be sure to hold the steering wheel loosely" which doesn't bode well for confidence.
Oh,I don't know ,Mike.It seems to me you're brave enough,tackling this project.
Btw.,I wonder if the Fulda that made these cars is the same Fulda that now makes tires?
Hi Poodge, I'm not sure about the Fulda question. Fulda is a region in Germany where the first cars were produced so it could just be a coincidence concerning the name.
This project looks bad, but it's not as technically demanding as a conventional car. It’s a great problem solving exercise with a little bit of everything, technique wise, which is a good learning curve considering I'm a novice.
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