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Dave Baker's ASTRAnomical BMW

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Dave Baker's
ASTRAnomical BMW
(updated April 2012)

Not the first diesel powered sidecar outfit, but little doubt this vehicle is a tribute to the skill and workmanship of a long term sidecar enthusiast.
Much of this clever creation utilises mechanical elements from a Vauxhall Astra - wheels, suspension, brakes, instruments, and notably the 1.7 turbo diesel power unit.
The Isuzu engine and 5 speed gearbox reside in the rear of a modified Watsonian sidecar. The transmission provides drive to both the "bike" rear, and the sidecar wheels.
The bike element is courtesy of a BMW K model. The own design hub centre steering adds another special touch.
Several other elements originate from Dave's extensive shed collection, which as ever contains all those things, which "might be useful one day".



1. An innovative name derived from donor car,
a Vauxhall Astra



2. Plenty of power




3. Front offside view



4. Front near side view



5. From the offside. The fuel tank is where the bike engine used to be



6. Dave and his very special diesel outfit



7. Rear offside view



8. Rear nearside view



9. Hub centre steering front end



10. More detail of the front end



11. Gear lever in the dummy fuel tank.
Foot mounted clutch makes life easy



12. Another view of the pilot's perch



13. Astra instruments looking the part



14. Fuel filler for 9 gallon tank where
a motorcycle engine used to reside



15. Car door skins provide that faired in look




16. Sidecar suspension for driven sidecar wheel




17. Sidecar wheel is now driven



18. Engine accessed by a clever tilting sidecar body



19. However, best if passenger is not in sidecar



20. Additional load more than easily dealt with


Site last amended Mar 21 2023 | sidecarjohn@gmail.com

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