Off Topic: Driving the van den Brink Carver | FerrariChat
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Off Topic: Driving the van den Brink Carver

Discussion in 'Europe' started by Malfark, Mar 25, 2006.

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  1. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

    Oct 31, 2002
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    Markem
    #1 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Today I was lucky to be among a small group op people invited to test drive the Carver One that was originally conceived by Anton van den Brink in the early-90's. Many of you may have seen it on the BBC's Top Gear in 2003. If I'm not mistaken, Jeremy Clarkson voted it his "Car of the Year" in that year. Another of the videos that you may have seen features Jenson Button having fun in one.

    The Carver has just come to the UK with the formation of Carver UK. Carver Europe is planning to make just 500 vehicles a year with production due to start in April. The UK operation has two "pre-production" demonstrator vehicles and today offered test drives to "serious enthusiasts". The venue was the prestigious Grove Hotel (and Spa), just outside Watford in Hertfordshire. As that's really close to where Debs Karl and I stay, I gratefully accepted the offer and we went to The Grove at 14h00 as arranged.

    When my turn came up, one of the team first took me for a short ride as a passenger, and then handed the vehicle over to me. I can't tell you how much fun it was! As a Ferrari driver, motorcyclist and glider pilot, I must say that it brings together aspects of each of those worlds. It's an exclusive vehicle like a Ferrari, and it attracts attention like you won't believe. It has a rider and pillion configuration like a motorcycle, and the responsiveness of a bike. The cockpit is not unlike being in an aircraft, and the visibility is amazing. Of course the fact that you have yaw like a car and roll like a motorcycle and glider, make this a truly unique experience! Well, maybe not totally unique, but very special nonetheless. The carver can lean a full 45 degrees, but (as a beginner) I certainly did not test those limits today!

    How was the ride? Well, keep in mind that this is a pre-production vehicle - the final product is likely to be smoother and better finished. The steering is incredibly light to the touch, and it's really easy to fling the Carver around, enjoying the impressive body roll! At first I felt that it was under-steering, but I think that was just me getting used to the feel and sensitivity of the ride, and by the end of my 30 minutes, I had moved beyond that.

    Sure, it lacks creature comforts, but the production version will come with all the optional bells and whistles. But, as far as I'm concerned, that's not what it's all about. This is a toy to have endless fun with over the weekend. It feels a bit like a kit-car (remember - this was a pre-production model), but that's fine too....it is what it is....and you know you're not buying a Ferrari when you go shopping for one of these! You're buying back your youth!! For me the thrill of the ride made up for any weaknesses and the lack of creature comforts certainly flashed me back to my "primary glider" days. I had a smile from ear to ear!

    I would have liked it to have a 1300cc Suzuki Hyabusa engine as opposed to the 660cc Daihatsu, and I did not want to think of the consequences of an accident...but that did not put me off. In a year or two's time when we're in a bigger house with more garage space, I would have no hesitation in adding the Carver One to my collection of quirky motorcycles. It's going to be an exclusive club, and I'd love to be a part of it!

    Here are some photos from our fine afternoon's Carving...

    Cheers, MARK
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  2. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #2 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  3. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #3 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  4. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #4 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  5. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #5 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  6. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #6 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  7. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #7 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  8. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #8 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  9. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #9 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  10. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #10 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  11. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #11 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  12. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #12 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  13. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #13 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  14. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #14 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  15. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #15 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  16. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #16 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  17. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #17 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  18. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #18 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  19. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #19 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  20. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #20 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  21. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #21 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  22. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #22 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  23. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #23 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  24. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #24 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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  25. Malfark

    Malfark F1 Veteran

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    #25 Malfark, Mar 25, 2006
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