Where is the confusion when it comes to finding information about the Burlington Arrow car? Many enthusiasts and classic car lovers often find themselves puzzled when researching this unique vehicle. It’s not always easy to piece together its history, with details scattered across various sources and sometimes, it feels overwhelming to locate precise manufacturing details.
The Burlington Arrow car was primarily manufactured in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, initially under Burlington Cars, and later in Northampton when the company transitioned to the Burlington Motor Company in 1988. This transition reflects the evolution of the company’s production processes and ambitions.
With over a decade of experience in the automotive industry, particularly in the realm of classic and kit cars, I’ve delved deep into the history of many unique vehicles. The Burlington Arrow stands out due to its distinctive approach to car manufacturing, relying on a build-it-yourself model that was quite revolutionary at the time. As you read on, you’ll discover the specific locations where the Arrow was made, the evolution of its production, and how its unique construction process allowed motoring enthusiasts to create their dream car. You’ll also find answers to some frequently asked questions, helping to clear up common points of confusion about this fascinating vehicle.
Key Facts:
* Origin: The Burlington Arrow was a British kit car, initially produced in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
* Production Shift: In 1988, production moved to Northampton when the company became the Burlington Motor Company.
* DIY Design: The Arrow was not sold as a complete car but was built from plans using a donor car, primarily the Triumph Herald or Vitesse.
* Production Volume: Around 120 SS kits were built at the Bath Place location in Leamington Spa, according to the Leamington History Group.
* Inspiration: The design of the Burlington Arrow was heavily inspired by the MG TC, a classic British sports car.
What was the Burlington Arrow and Who Created It?
Understanding the Origins of the Burlington Arrow
The Burlington Arrow represented a unique segment of the automotive market during the 1980s, flourishing as a kit car. The key concept was that individuals could purchase detailed plans, not a complete car, and construct the vehicle themselves using parts from a donor car. This innovative approach offered a cost-effective pathway to owning a classic-styled roadster. The Arrow’s design and production philosophy offered a unique alternative to traditional car manufacturing.
Hayden Davies: The Brain Behind the Burlington Arrow
Hayden Davies, the visionary behind the Burlington Arrow, conceived the idea of a build-it-yourself car that was accessible and customizable. Davies’ concept was revolutionary, enabling car enthusiasts to engage in the building process directly. It empowered individuals with the satisfaction of creating their vehicle, tailored to their preferences. His approach catered to a niche market of hands-on automotive enthusiasts, distinguishing the Burlington Arrow from other kit cars.
Where Was the Burlington Arrow Car Made?
The Role of Leamington Spa in Burlington Arrow Production
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, served as the initial production base for the Burlington Arrow. Burlington Cars operated from this location, specifically at Bath Place Railway Arch 39M, starting in 1980. According to the Leamington History Group, this site saw the production of around 120 SS kits, marking it as a significant location in the car’s history. The choice of Leamington Spa reflects the town’s rich industrial heritage and its connection to automotive manufacturing.
Transition to Northampton: Evolution of Burlington’s Manufacturing
In 1988, a significant shift occurred as the company moved to Northampton, rebranding as the Burlington Motor Company and later as the Burlington Design Group in 1989. This move marked an evolution in the company’s operations and possibly an expansion of its production capabilities. The transition to Northampton likely provided the company with new opportunities for growth and development within the kit car market. These changes are indicative of the dynamic nature of the kit car industry during that period.
What Made the Burlington Arrow Unique?
The DIY Aspect of the Burlington Arrow
The most distinctive feature of the Burlington Arrow was its DIY nature. Unlike traditional cars, the Arrow was not assembled in a factory and sold as a finished product. Instead, it was constructed by individuals using a set of plans. These plans guided builders through each step of the process, from preparing the donor chassis to assembling the bodywork. This approach allowed for a high degree of personalization, as builders could choose their engine, interior, and finishing details. For instance, the builder could decide to modify the chassis or upgrade certain components based on personal preference.
Design and Inspiration: The MG TC Influence
The Burlington Arrow’s design drew heavy inspiration from the classic MG TC, a beloved British sports car. The Arrow’s bodywork echoed the MG TC’s iconic lines, featuring a long bonnet, flowing wings, and a distinctive grille. However, the Arrow wasn’t a direct replica. As noted by ClassicCarWeekly.net, there were “significant differences,” allowing the Arrow to establish its own identity. This blend of classic styling and individual character made the Arrow a popular choice among kit car enthusiasts. For example, the Arrow might sport a different wheel design or a custom paint job that sets it apart from the MG TC.
How Was the Burlington Arrow Constructed?
The Importance of the Triumph Herald/Vitesse Chassis
The foundation of most Burlington Arrow builds was the chassis of a Triumph Herald or Vitesse. These donor cars provided a readily available and cost-effective base for the Arrow. The Triumph chassis was favored for its simple construction and ease of modification, making it an ideal starting point for amateur builders. According to H&H Classic Auctions, many Arrows were based on the Triumph Vitesse 2.0-litre model, known for its robust engine. The use of a donor chassis was a cornerstone of the Arrow’s design philosophy, allowing for resourcefulness and customization.
Utilizing Donor Parts: A Sustainable Approach
Beyond the chassis, the Burlington Arrow utilized a range of parts from the donor Triumph. This included the engine, gearbox, suspension, and other mechanical components. This approach was not only cost-effective but also sustainable, giving new life to older vehicles. Builders could source parts from scrapyards or use components from their own Triumph. For example, a builder might choose to rebuild the donor engine for improved performance or use the original seats to maintain a classic feel. As highlighted by Bonhams Cars, the engine for some Arrows was sourced from a Ford Cortina 1600. This mix-and-match approach was part of the Arrow’s appeal, allowing each car to be truly unique.
For those interested in understanding vehicle regulations, our article on Window Tinting Laws by State offers valuable insights.
What is the Legacy of the Burlington Arrow?
The Burlington Arrow’s Place in Kit Car History
The Burlington Arrow occupies a special place in the history of kit cars. It represents a time when the kit car industry was booming, offering individuals an alternative to mass-produced vehicles. The Arrow, with its classic design and DIY ethos, captured the imagination of many motoring enthusiasts. It demonstrated that building a car could be an accessible and rewarding experience. The Arrow’s legacy is one of innovation, individuality, and the democratization of car ownership.
Finding and Restoring a Burlington Arrow Today
Today, finding a Burlington Arrow can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Due to their unique nature, each Arrow is different, and many have been modified or customized over the years. Enthusiasts often search for Arrows that retain their original character or those that have been meticulously restored. Restoring an Arrow can be a labor of love, requiring sourcing parts, researching original specifications, and sometimes, undoing previous modifications. For example, a restorer might seek out period-correct wheels or recreate the original dashboard layout.
FAQs About Where Was The Burlington Arrow Car Made
What type of car was the Burlington Arrow based on?
The Burlington Arrow was primarily based on the chassis and mechanical components of the Triumph Herald or Vitesse. These donor cars provided a readily available and cost-effective foundation for the Arrow, making it easier for individuals to construct their own vehicles.
Who designed the Burlington Arrow?
Hayden Davies designed the Burlington Arrow. He conceived the idea of a kit car that could be built from plans, offering a unique and customizable motoring experience.
When was the Burlington Arrow produced?
The Burlington Arrow was produced between 1980 and 1990. During this period, the kit car industry experienced significant growth, and the Arrow became a notable model within this market.
How many Burlington Arrows were made in Leamington Spa?
Approximately 120 Burlington Arrow SS kits were made in Leamington Spa at the Bath Place Railway Arch location. This number highlights the significance of Leamington Spa in the early production of the Arrow.
What made the Burlington Arrow different from other kit cars?
The Burlington Arrow was unique because it was built from a set of construction plans rather than a pre-assembled kit. This DIY approach allowed for greater customization and a more personal connection between the builder and the vehicle.
Could the Burlington Arrow be built with different engines?
Yes, while many Burlington Arrows utilized engines from the donor Triumph Herald or Vitesse, some builders opted for different engines. For instance, some Arrows were constructed with a Ford Cortina 1600 engine, as mentioned by Bonhams Cars.
Was the Burlington Arrow a replica of another car?
The Burlington Arrow was heavily inspired by the MG TC, but it was not a direct replica. There were notable design differences that gave the Arrow its own distinct character, as highlighted by ClassicCarWeekly.net.
Why did Burlington move production to Northampton?
The exact reasons for the move to Northampton are not detailed in the available sources, but it likely represented an evolution in the company’s operations and potentially an expansion. This move coincided with the rebranding to Burlington Motor Company and later Burlington Design Group.
Is it difficult to find a Burlington Arrow today?
Yes, finding a Burlington Arrow today can be challenging due to their limited production and unique, customized nature. Each Arrow is different, and enthusiasts often seek out examples that retain their original character or have been meticulously restored.
What is involved in restoring a Burlington Arrow?
Restoring a Burlington Arrow involves sourcing parts, researching original specifications, and potentially undoing previous modifications. It can be a labor of love, requiring dedication and attention to detail to bring an Arrow back to its former glory.
Summary
The Burlington Arrow, a unique British kit car, was primarily manufactured in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, and later in Northampton. Designed by Hayden Davies, the Arrow was built from plans using a donor Triumph Herald or Vitesse, offering a DIY approach to car ownership. This method allowed for extensive customization, making each Arrow distinct. Inspired by the MG TC but with its own character, the Arrow holds a special place in kit car history. Today, finding and restoring these vehicles is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor for classic car enthusiasts.
