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1959 Frisky Family Three

British businessman and racing driver Caption Raymond Flowers was based in Cairo. While there, he developed a sports racer and an odd-looking microcar. Back in Britain during the Suez crisis, he collaborated with Henry Meadows Limited of Wolverhampton, a well-known engine builder. The body was restyled as a gullwing by Michelotti and built by the nearby Guy truck works. Judged as impractical for production, the Frisky was once again restyled with open bodywork and conventional doors.

The 249cc Villiers engine ran backwards for reverse, à la Messerschmitt, and the front suspension was Dubonnet-type independent. A 324cc Villiers engine was optional. Sold both as a coupe and a convertible the Frisky sport was able to touch 65 mph. The name was appropriate for its lively performance and delightful styling.

Next came the Frisky sprint, which was sold as an unrealized project to Australia as the Zeta Sports. Captain Flowers then pressed ahead with a more basic Frisky, called the Family Three.

For lower production costs and tax savings for the customer, this was a three-wheeler that was stretched by 18 cm in order to accommodate two very small seats behind the front bench. Initially using a feeble 197cc, 9.5 hp motor it quickly became obvious that a 250cc two cylinder engine was required. This 11 hp motor still failed to excite the customers.

The following model, called the Prince, used larger motors but the graceful Michelotti lines were lost in the coarse, clumsy factory restyle as a heavy-pillared coupe.

After its fourth change of premises, Meadows abandoned production in 1964.

Manufacturer: Frisky Cars Ltd. England

Model: Family Three Motor: Excelsior 2-stroke Body: Fiberglass
Years Built: 1958 - 1964 No. Cylinders: 2 Chassis: Tube
No. Produced: 300 Displacement: 248 cc Suspension Front: Dubonnet
No. Surviving: Horsepower: 12 Suspension Rear: Coil
Length: 10' 2" Gearbox: 4 speed Steering: Cam Gear
Width: 4' 9" Starter: Dynastart Brakes: Hydraulic
Weight: 6.5 cwt Electrics: 12 v 3 Wheels: 4.40 x 10"
Interior: 2 + 2 Ignition: Coil Top Speed: 50 mph

© 2002