Overview
Manufacturer	Dutton Cars Ltd
Production	1977-1989
Body and chassis
Class	Sports
Layout	Kit car
wheelbase	86 in, 218 cm
length:	139 in, 353 cm
width:	61 in, 155 cm
height:	42 in, 107 cm
ground clearance:	6 in, 15 cm
Powertrain
Engine	Crosflow,pinto, essex
Transmission	Four-speed manual

The very first Dutton roadster was produced in 1970, based on the Lotus Seven concept. Since then sales have made Dutton sports cars in the Phaeton tradition had been biggest and best-selling kit models in continuous production with a total of 4 series over the years. Whichever engine is fitted (Fords were the most popular), the lightweight Phaeton is an exciting chariot in the true, traditional sports car spirit. Offering unrivalled value, its styling combines all the qualities of handling and performance that have made the Dutton legend great.

The Phaeton body/chassis kit sold for around just £520 plus VAT they came fully assembled with the complete glassfibre body ready mounted to the purpose-built steel, space-frame chassis. 

Phaeton kit was supplied with many, including forward-hinging bonnet for free access to engine bay, whole bodyshell incorporating sides and rear end with boot, hinges and locks, front spoiler, rear bumper and lights, laminated screen and surround, removeable dashboard for really fast and easy wiring, completely sealed floorpan and two upholstered bucket seats

This made it all ready for quick, simple building. And based on an important innovation, unique to Dutton Cars, the later Series 3 was designed to accept Ford Escort parts throughout with almost endless scope to choose other power sources. With the building instructions provided and the mechanical components ready, the construction the Phaeton could be built a few weekends.

PERFORMANCE: Ford 1600cc

• max power (DIN): 72 hp (53 kW) at 5,500 rpm
• max torque (DIN): 87 1b ft, 12 kg m (118 Nm) at 3,000 rpm
• max engine rpm: 6,000
• Power: 45.2 hp/l (33.3 kW/l)
• power-weight ratio: 15.6 lb/hp (21.2 lb/kW). 7.1 kg/hp (9.6 kg/kW)
• fuel consumption: 31 m/imp gal, 25.8 m)US gal

PERFORMANCE: Ford Essex V6 3000cc

• max power (DIN) 142 hp (104 kW) at 5,100 rpm
• max torque (DIN) 174 1b ft, 24 kg m (235 Nm) at 3,000 rpm
• power: 47.4 hp/l (34.9 kW/l).
• power-weight ratio 7.9 lb/hp (10.8 lb/kW), 3.6 kg/hp (4.9 kg/kW).

OPTIONS

A black soft-top with a tubular steel framework essential option for Britain along with the hinged side screens and black tonneau. Also available was a GRP hardtop.