Flatmobile Jet Powered Car Set To Claim ‘World’s Lowest Vehicle’ Record

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Looking like the aftermath of passing the Batmobile through a rather large mangle, this jet powered Flatmobile, which even comes complete with Batmobile inspired missile tips placed either side of the front number plate and measures in at a mere 48cm (19”) in height, looks set to enter the Guinness record books as being the world’s flattest ever vehicle.

Designed and built by Perry Watkins using shells from two vintage Hillman Imps, the Flatmobile is powered by a jet engine (based on a gas turbine jet engine and a Holset 685 turbocharger from a Volvo FL10 truck) which, thanks to having its own custom afterburner, is capable of delivering 90lbs of thrust powering the Flatmobile to speeds in excess of 100mph (incidentally, from what we can gather, a second stage afterburner is also on the cards which will result in a flame of some 20ft in length when ignited – very cool).

When asked about the car’s handling, a cape-free Watkins, who claims that the Flatmobile ought to prove road legal though whether certification will ever actually be granted remains to be seen, remarked that ‘it handles fine but it’s only got a six-inch steering wheel so it’s a bit stiff…You’ve got to be wary of speed bumps. Other drivers look at you instead of the road.’

Flatmobile Technical Specifications:

• Donor car 1963 Hillman Imp
• 30″ height sectioned out from body
• Ground clearance 2″
• Height: 19″
• Length: 12’2″ (17″ longer than standard)
• Width: 5′ 5″
• Combustion Engine: Hillman Imp 875 Sport
• Jet engine: DIY gas turbine
• Suspension rear: standard springs and shocks on rear but cut down
• Suspension front: Avro shocks with adjustable height 4″ springs
• Wheels: Cosmic alloys 10x6J
• Tyres: Goodyear Eagles 205 x 50 x 10

The Flatmobile, which seems to bear more than a striking resemblance to the original Batmobile (which, incidentally, was based on a 1955 Lincoln Futura), is presently awaiting verification from Guinness World Records with respect to gaining the ‘World’s Flattest Vehicle’ record which, at the time of writing, is presently held by a vehicle called Flat Out measuring 56cm in height.

Interestingly Perry Watkins’ next project is already on the drawing board and is sure to prove just as distinctive in being modelled on the post van featured in the popular US TV children’s TV series, Postman cat (one word as jet whether a jet propelled Jees the cat will make an appearance).

Interested parties can find out more concerning the Flatmobile, its production and development via the official Flatmobile site as linked below.

Flatmobile [thanks for the tip, Paul]