Domino (car)
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| Domino | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Fibretech GRP |
| Production | 1986-current |
| Predecessor | none |
| Successor | none |
| Body style | Dependent on model |
| Engine | Usually from the Mini range |
| Transmission | 4 speed manual |
Domino is a general name for a range of kit car bodies produced by Fibretech GRP Ltd, intended originally for use with components from the classic Mini, but adapted in some cases for use as electric vehicles.
The Domino range includes the Pimlico, the Premier, the HT Saloon and Pick-up models, each designed to echo the design of the classic Mini, but with modifications necessary both because of their fiberglass construction, and due to licensing issues.
Contents |
[edit] Domino / Mini differences
Unlike most Mini based kit cars, such as the Marcos and Midas, the Domino is intended to resemble the design of a traditional steel-shelled Mini. There are, however, several obvious styling differences that distinguish them:
All Dominos (as indeed is the case with most fibreglass car body shells) are seamless and thus have none of the distinctive guttering found on the Mini (though some owners choose to add gutters above the side windows).
The cars by default feature larger wheel arches than usual (similar to those found the later 'Sports Pack' Mini), and can accept wheels up to 13" (although 12" is recommended). All models feature a distinctive lower 'bulge' above the sill, giving the general appearance of a Mini fitted with a body kit. The design on this sill strip varies depending on the model of Domino.
The sills on all models are higher than those found on a steel shell, giving the fiberglass body extra strength, though having the adverse effect of making exit and entry into the vehicle slightly more awkward.
Finally, the rear lights (on models which allow the fitting of regular Mini clusters) are positioned higher than usually found on a Mini.
[edit] Current Domino Models
[edit] Pimlico
The Pimlico, designed in 1986, was the original car designed by Domino Cars. It has an open top, with a fabric hood. Where doors are fitted, hinges are usually external.
[edit] Premier
The Premier was developed from the Pimlico in 1988, featuring lowered doorsills which enabled double skinned, internally hinged doors to be fitted. It also allows a regular Mini bootlid to be used. A varient, the Premier Plus is identical other than being six inches longer.
[edit] HT
The HT (Hard Top) resembles more the traditional Mini, with its full roof. Wheel arches are slightly wider, and the car uses original Mini steel door inner skins, shortened by around five centimetres and bonded to a fibreglass outer skin.
[edit] Pick-up
A development of the HT Saloon, the two-seat Pick-up differs in obvious ways, but is also slightly longer, giving the driver more leg room.
[edit] Past & Future Domino Models
[edit] Cabrio
The Cabrio, superseded by the Premier, was an open-top design featuring doors of similar length to the HT and Pick-Up, as well a similar sill design.
[edit] Pick Up Crew Cab
This varient of the Pick-up features a back seat as found in a regular Domino. Availability is unknown.
[edit] HT-ES
The HT-ES (Evolution Sport) features the same design as the HT, but constructed from Carbon / Kevlar composite materials rather than purely fibreglass, and as such is lighter - its quoted shell weight is 50kg. Availability is unknown.
[edit] Race Shell
The Domino race shell has much removed, featuring only the bare minimum of a structure and a space frame chassis replacing the standard Mini subframes. Its quoted shell weight is 38kg. Availability is unknown.
