Dutton Melos Kit car

Overview
Manufacturer	Dutton Cars Ltd
Production	1981-1989
Body and chassis
Class	Sports
Layout	Kit car
Powertrain
Engine	Crosflow,pinto, essex
Transmission	Four-speed manual

Dutton Melos Launched by Europe's largest manufacturer of body/chassis kits, Dutton Cars Ltd W. Sussex.

Dutton Melos gives drivers an even greater choice in open-driving pleasure and has been designed specifically to deliver true sports car character with a practical 2 + 2 seating capacity.

Based on the proven success of the easy-to-build Dutton Sierra kit, the Melos is designed to accept all components from the Ford Escort Mks 1 and 2 saloon, estate and van models. As with all Dutton kits, the Melos represented excellent value for money.

The car was supplied as a complete, fully assembled unit for around  £2879 including VAT.

Ready mounted to the tough multi-tubular space-frame chassis, the body includes bonnet, radiator grille, front bumper, rear wrap-around bumper, dashboard and a completely sealed floorpan. Also included are the laminated screen and surround, two trimmed bucket seats, a matching rear bench seat plus all side lights and indicators.

Holes are ready cut in the shell in readiness for fitting the lights, heater, petrol tank, steering column etc., while the purpose-built chassis has all location points precision jig-drilled to ensure an assembly that leaves nothing to chance. And because the Ford McPherson struts are too high for the car's bodyline, the chassis is supplied complete with top wishbones and coil spring/shock absorbers.

The few modifications required to the Ford components are were done free of charge by Dutton staff ensuring a build-up that is exceptionally straightforward.

OPTIONS

Body colours include Pirate Red, Golden Sand, Teak, British Racing Green and Black.

Main items on the extras list are a black soft top complete with tubular framework, side screens with hinges, a tonneau cover, brake pipe set and an alternative chassis that accepts the ford V6 essex engine 

A series 2 introduced in 1986.