Opus 1 - The Concept

The Concept - Requirements

The introduction of a radically new approach to manufacturing and production of a motor vehicle.

By reintroduction of a good classical design in a new vehicle by subtly modernising its lines, but in the same time not losing the overall aesthetics of the original. Fitting modern suspension, brakes, engine and transmission. Manufacturing the vehicle using modern materials and manufacturing techniques. But instead of using a Monocoque body shell, a specialised chassis and roll frame made of galvanised steel would make the core structure of this exciting vehicle

At the same time the build requires removal of built in obsolescence which is a major fault with vehicles of today.

The proposed vehicle would attain immediate collectability status, because of its unique design concept and dramatic impact onto the market place with its launch.

Enter OPUS 1

A new way of thinking in today’s fast track world

Opus is an approach in designing a really attractive aesthetically pleasing vehicle by a remake on the old design of the Morris Minor, at the same time the removal of its previous built in obsolescence and inherent faults.

What are the rudimentary steps required in the design concept of such a vehicle? It is to make a vehicle that will not self destruct, will not corrode or degrade in condition but is easy to maintain and is versatile in its usage, and last but not least will keep its value in the market place.

These problems are met by the design parameters as follows: The Opus is based upon a lightweight chassis comprising jig welded electro galvanised steel tube, and containing all fixtures, fitting brackets and locators required to fit optional suspension, brakes, engines and transmissions.

The vehicle is in fact several vehicles in one and can be changed to any configuration as and when required. This revolutionises thinking in vehicle design.

Opus embodies co-ordination as well as pick and mix options, of which the latter option will allow exclusive personalisation (customising).

The core structure of the vehicle is the tubular chassis together with the very strong roll-frame, this anchors directly to the chassis and allows additional strengthening by adding a tie bar between the frame and windscreen. This maximises the centre safety cage and allows extra torsional and longitudinal strengthening.

The body parts are made in modules in Glass Fibre and Kevlar, which is a very strong man made composite used widely in specialist construction, such as yacht building or load bearing covers etc. These modules bolt directly to the chassis and rollframe giving added strength in place. In general there are four modules which make up a two door Opus. The modules are front section, rear section, floor and roof. The latter having a built in sunshine roof. Added to the basic structure are the panels such as bonnet, boot, doors, wings and front grille. In addition other specialised units can also be obtained for specific tasks required, eg.: Hood unit; Pickup back and window panel; Van back; Traveller back.

In the working principal of the design it figures that because this vehicle is a modular concept it can be changed by removal and replacement of various modules. For example:

The vehicle is at present a two door saloon and it is required to be changed into a pickup truck. The operator with help removes the roof module and then the rear saloon module. The pickup back unit is then fitted and bolted to the chassis frame together with a special additional back panel incorporating a small window which fits to the roll frame. Later on it is require that the vehicle is made into a Cabriolet. Again with some help the back pickup module and back panel is removed. The previous back saloon module is refitted and a special hood is then fitted to the rear module. Hey presto! You now have a Cabriolet ready for the summer sun. If, as in England, winter approaches then it is quick and easy to refit the roof module, returning the vehicle to a two door saloon.

The permutations are several, and this is what makes this vehicle a revolution vehicle design.

Another revolution in design is with the engine and transmission which, with several combinations of power plant and gearbox, is fitted directly to two portable extra chassis rails. These, when housed are bolted directly to the main chassis rails. If maintenance is required to be carried out then by means of quick release points on the front grille, radiator, engine and gearbox, and by release of the portable rails the engine and transmission can be drawn out of the vehicle to the front allowing unrestricted access to work and maintenance etc.

Other specialised designs are incoporated in this very advanced concept vehicle. It also allows many more future innovations to be developed.

The concept will also allow survival for the ageing fleet of standard Morris Minors which in effect can be re bodied by use of the core structure of Opus.