PRB Widebody

IMPORTANT - WIDEBODY DELIVERIES

PRB Australia has currently closed the Widebody Order Book, and is currently not constructing kits.

Background

Late in 2005, PRB was offering 2 distinct models - the PRB "Composite" and the PRB "Birkin S3". The former car was fully constructed in the PRB Greenacre factory, and was generally recognised as the most sophisticated clubman vehicle in the country (see separate link on this website). Complex production techniques needed meant that there was a 2-year waiting list for a Composite car, which for many buyers was just too long.

The Birkin S3 came from South Africa, with PRB providing many local parts, and was available on a much shorter delivery cycle; as such, it outsold the Composite about 5 to 1.

Both cars closely followed the dimensions of earlier Lotus 7 replicas, meaning that quite a high proportion of potential owners found them cramped. PRB recognised the need for a larger car, but with none in sight from Birkin Peter Bladwell decided to design and build a new larger model himself, hence the Widebody (imaginative name, is it not?). And here is a finished car!

Features of the PRB Widebody

All of PRBs 25-plus years of history in building great clubbies, and especially the lessons learned, have been put into our new car. Peter Bladwell wanted to produce a car that everyone could fit in comfortably, and drive in a relaxed fashion.So what is important?

• People of any size can fit in the car - deign is over 2" wider than earlier models
• The classic shape is not compromised - at the front it looks just the same as earlier cars (and in fact uses the same nosecone)
• The use of a computer-designed traditional spaceframe chassis is complemented by aluminium composite (honeycomb) material which provided additional strength and safety in the passenger compartment
• The car uses proven, high-strength components from road-cars; for example, steel uprights from Mazda and Subaru which have been proven in cars up to 3 times the Widebodys weight
• Other suspension components such as wishbones have been designed to utilise the cars width, to provide the best possible handling
• The car is "racetrack-ready", with standard features including a CAMS rollbar, Quik Rack, a bias-adjustable Tilton pedal box, and a fully adjustable front-end (incl caster); in addition, aircraft-quality spherical joints are used throughout
• Parts eg Subaru differential, or Mazda front brakes, can be purchased either new or secondhand, depending on the buyers preference; options such as different fiff ratios are easily obtained
• A rear diffuser is fitted to improve the airflow and handing (in addition to looking great)
• Two modern engines are supported
  • The 2-litre Mazda Duratec, which provides excellent torque at town speeds, for the most comfortable driving experience. Yet the Duratec is easily modified to achieve up to 280bhp
  • The Honda S2000 motor/6-speed box, a high horsepower (245bhp) standard engine giving supercar performance straight out of the box

The photo above shows the widebody stance of the new PRB, and the rear diffuser

The Widebody is available in kit form, with a fully-clad chassis and all panels; in addition, the base kit has the fuel tank installed, and the pedal box, the steering rack and steering column also in place. Or if you prefer PRB agents can assist with part or all of the assembly process.

The final photo shows one of the trim options, please check the order form on this site for what is available and what is coming.

Specifications table
 

Factory options
 

Motec Dashboard (Race cars only)	Motec digital dashboard. Bar graph tachometer, gear detection, speedometer, odometer and programmable warning system. Includes data logging and analysis software. User programmable for an extensive range of functions. Can be upgraded with lap timing beacon and car to pits telemetry
Koni dampers	Koni double adjustable (bump and rebound) dampers Allows for precise tuning of dampers to suit circuit conditions and driving style. Supplied with EIBACH race springs.

Model comparison