Gold Cirrus

2023-10-29T13:52:13Z

213.31.43.57: engine layout

{{Infobox Vehicle
|article = {{PAGENAME}}
|image = [[File:Gold_Cirrus_Main_Image.jpg|300px]]The Gold Cirrus.
|manu = Gold Motor Company
|model = Cirrus
|origin = British
|drivetrain = 4WD
|adj = sports
|type = car
|litre = 3
|decl = 5
|design = V
|cyl = 8
|bhp = 200
|year1 = 1989
|year2 = 1991
|show = Top Gear (1977 TV series)/Series 26/Episode 5
|showshort = Top Gear: Series 26, Episode 5
|year3 = 1991
}}
''Not to be confused with the [[Chrysler Cirrus]].''

The '''Gold Cirrus''' was a lightweight sports car built around a logitudinally-mounted Rover V8 engine with four wheel drive by the shortlived [[Gold Motor Company]] as an all-British alternative to various European sports car marques such as [[Porsche]] and [[Ferrari]]. The car was designed by Nick Butler, who founded the company around 1984<ref>[http://www.nsra.org.uk/newforum/showthread.php?2099-Happy-Eater-Cruise-Nights-1983-84&p=14119&viewfull=1#post14119 National Street Rod Association forum post mentioning the founding of Nick Butler's company.]</ref> after his success at building hot rods. An initial gold prototype was built around 1989, and a more production-ready example built in 1991, where it was shown at that year's Motorfair exhibition at [[Earl's Court]]. The car was featured on the cover of the [[Performance Car Magazine/August 1991|August 1991 issue]] of ''Performance Car'', before appearing on ''[[Top Gear (1977 TV series)|Top Gear]]'' later that same year.

==Appearance==
The Cirrus made its sole ''Top Gear'' appearance as part of the programme's coverage on Motorfair '91, and was driven by [[Tiff Needell]]. Needell complimented the car on its resourcefulness, ability to convert between a coupé and cabriolet design, and its handling, but criticised its lack of power and hefty projected £45,000 price tag. Moving towards the interior, Needell particularly liked the usage of Connolly Leather for the upholstery and Recaro seats, in addition to how the entire cockpit binnacle adjusted when one moves the steering rack as opposed to just the wheel, but didn't like the foot pedal arrangement and felt the brake needed a servo for more accurate application. From a mechanical perspective, Needell also felt the gear changes were rougher than necessary. He remarked that the concept of the Cirrus was a bit of an "indulgence", but a nice one.

Unfortunately, the Cirrus never hit widespread manufacture, and the company regressed<ref>[https://www.goldrv.co.uk/motor_home.htm Gold RV - About Us.]</ref> into building and selling recreational vehicles. Supposedly numerous attempts were made up until 1996<ref>[https://m.facebook.com/classicandrecreationsportscars/posts/1745778318932945/ Facebook post talking about the Gold Cirrus.]</ref> through a second company called Scornhill Motors in order for the car to enter mass production, but in the end, 2 finished examples were ever built.

==References==

GearKnob Wiki - User contributions [en]

Gold Cirrus