Dialogue between one of the world's most experienced racing car designers and a technical author-graduate engineer on the theory and technique of racing car design and development.
Contents include:
The anatomy of a racing car designerLen Terry - A Biographical SketchDescription of nearly 30 Terry designs from clubman's sports car to Indianapolis winnerA blank sheet of paper - Len Terry explains his procedure for advancing a new design from the sketch pad to the race trackHandling characteristics - The theoretical aspects; oversteer and understeer; practical implicationsStructural considerations - Space-frames and monocoques; the cockpit area; the structural engine; progress and legislationSuspension - Changing needs and layouts; the torsion bar; self-levelling systems; anti-dive and anti-squat; progressive-rate springing; stiffness/weight ratioBrakes, wheels and tires - Influence of smaller wheels; twin-disc brake systems; attention to details; low-profile tire phenomenaAerodynamics - Basic considerations; wings and things; intake ram effect; 'ground effect' vehiclesThe cooling system - Radiator location; cooling the oilSafety and comfort; primary and secondary safety; driver comfortMaterialsComponents - Ball joints, batteries, brakes, clutches, dampers, driveshafts, electrics, flexible bearings, flexible fuel cells, gearshift linkages, instruments, non-return valves, nonspill fuel fillers, oil and fuel pipes, Perspex mouldings, radiators, springs and steering gear; design versus developmentThe competition - nine other racing car designers discussedFuture developments
