Why didn't the Amon project succed?

H16 · 23 Jul 2001, 13:30 (Ref:120539)

I am a big Chris fan (it was just his birthday,

), and I have always wondered why his own team didn't work out. From the description of the car, it sounds like it might work well. I think it ran in (74?) and didn't do too hot. Didn't he get someone else to drive at the Nurburgring?

Keir · 24 Jul 2001, 01:59 (Ref:120848)

Money, money, money, mon-ney, mon.......ney!!!

Larry Perkins gave it a go at the 'Ring and promptly stuffed it!!

Good to see another Amon fan out there!!!

FORZA AMON

Felix Muelas · 24 Jul 2001, 20:13 (Ref:121272)

Felix

Felix Muelas · 24 Jul 2001, 20:24 (Ref:121275)

That was Jarama.
Now let´s see Perkins at the Ring :

(Monaco and Monza shots on demand...)
Felix

Keir · 25 Jul 2001, 00:39 (Ref:121347)

Nice shots, Felix!!!

Now, do you have any of Chris kicking the car!!!!

FORZA AMON

Kpy · 25 Jul 2001, 01:19 (Ref:121353)

Crikey ! I'd forgotten just how unaesthetic the thing was.

I was at Monaco and the 'ring that year and remember Amon and Perkins driving in practice. I'd forgotten that Chris had actually qualified (20/28) at Monaco , but elected not to start due to suspect hubs.

Incidentally Felix, you've captured both noses - the conventional one at Jarama (its only race) and the full-width job over the nose at the 'ring.

I had the cheeck to mention the car to Chris at Goodwood a few years ago. He just said it was something best forgotten.

H16 · 25 Jul 2001, 08:49 (Ref:121456)

Did Perkins crash at the Ring? I don't think he made the grid?

Didn't they use a front radiator after the first race in Spain?

Kpy · 25 Jul 2001, 09:20 (Ref:121464)

Perkins crashed in practice at the 'ring. Neither he nor Amon (who was unwell) made the grid. Their times were 30th (7' 46.2) and 31st (8' 26.2) respectively of 32 against Lauda's pole in the Ferrari of 7' 00.8. The only slower car was Howden Ganley's Maki which never set a time as it suddenly turned sharp right into the barrier at 160mph on what should have been it's first flying lap. Howden woke up in hospital.

No, I don't think there was ever a front radiator. The difference at the front was in the wing. The car was designed to carry a full-width shallow-strutted wing mounted on the nose (as in Felix' 'photo from the 'ring). The only time the car actually raced was at Jarama, with the conventional set-up you can also see thanks to Felix.

So Felix, which front wing did Chris use to qualify at Monaco ?

Keir · 25 Jul 2001, 19:28 (Ref:121694)

Yes indeed, boys, the Amon AF101 did run with a front radiator at Monaco with a full width nose ala MARCH. The car also went with outboard front brakes. If you check the Forix site and go to the Amon photo gallery, you will see the car in action, albeit in practice!!

Felix Muelas · 25 Jul 2001, 19:57 (Ref:121708)

Putting aside the fact that Forix is delighted to come to the Forum instead, here are the Monaco nose...

and another (!) one used in testing

Un abrazo

Felix

Keir · 25 Jul 2001, 20:25 (Ref:121720)

Very good, Felix to the rescue!!!

Those last two shots are of the pre-race Amon.
The car was never raced in anger using the high mounted wing.
More's the pity, I think they really had something there, but didn't have the cash to put it to the test.

Vitesse · 27 Jul 2001, 00:45 (Ref:122335)

H16: try this link too -

http://www.motorracingretro.i12.com/amon/amon.htm

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