It is a Challenger, a spec class buggy similar to a SCORE Class 1/2-1600 buggy. It is based on VW Beetle running gear, with the Type 1 swing axle and link pin front end. It has no additional suspension, coilovers etc, meaning it has limited suspension travel and driver comfort (definitely a young person's game and the reason I don't drive one any more). The engine is 1641cc max (87mm barrels and pistons) running avgas through a 34PICT 3 carb at 11:1 compression ratio. The carb limits the revs so there is not much chance of blowing up an engine (you do that by rolling it and dislodging the oil cooler and leaking oil during an enduro race, ask me how I know). Gearbox ratios are free and we fit close ratio gears eliminating the big gap between 2nd and 3rd. Disc brake conversion all round is the norm, with cutter brakes on the rear. With the bigger tyres fitted, on the wide open forest roads at the Woodhill 100 enduro race they will do about 90mph, which is pretty exhilarating, even more so when a big Class 1 passes you at that speed like you're parked.
Photo 1 - Naked - not long after I bought it. It still has drum brakes on the front. The Class 7 beside it is also a Cougar chassis buggy. Class 7 is 1200cc with standard gearbox
Photo 2 - Naked for cleaning after a race meeting
Photo 3 - My mate's Cougar chassis Challenger pretending to be my buggy so I could compete in the final round of a race series. I finished third on the day and second for the series
Photo 4 - If it is a rental, drive it lke you stole it!
