Page 11 - Sept 2024.cdr

Transforming Innovation: Allan Hingley's Six-

Wheeled Smart Car

version, though larger and more robust, still embodies
the same innovative spirit that defines the original
Smart Car design.

Hingley's work is emblematic of a broader trend in
automotive innovation, where traditional boundaries
are blurred, and new ideas are brought to life through
creative engineering. His project highlights the
potential of repurposing existing technology to meet
new needs, reflecting a growing awareness of
sustainability and resourcefulness in vehicle design.

The six-wheeled Smart Car is not just a novel creation; it
represents a shift in how we approach vehicle engineering
and functionality. By reimagining a well-known vehicle in
such an unconventional way, Allan Hingley challenges the
n the quaint suburb of Tableview near Cape Town, a status quo and opens the door to new possibilities in
remarkable transformation is taking place, driven by automotive design. His work stands as a reminder that
Ithe ingenuity and creativity of local innovator Allan innovation often arises from the courage to think differently
Hingley. What started as a humble Smart Car has and the determination to transform even the most
undergone a radical metamorphosis into a six- unexpected materials into something extraordinary. LHR
wheeled light delivery vehicle (LDV), challenging
conventional notions of automotive design and
functionality.

Allan Hingley's project is more than just a mechanical
overhaul; it is a testament to human ingenuity and
resourcefulness. The Smart Car, originally conceived
as a compact urban vehicle with a minimalist design,
serves as the canvas for Hingley's ambitious
transformation. By adding an additional set of wheels
and re-engineering the vehicle's chassis and
drivetrain, Hingley has created a new class of vehicle
that blends the compactness of a Smart Car with the
enhanced load-carrying capacity of a delivery truck.

The conversion process is intricate and meticulously
planned. Hingley begins by reinforcing the car's frame
to accommodate the additional weight and stress
imposed by the new wheels. This involves extensive
modifications to the car's suspension system and
axles. The next step is integrating the six-wheel
configuration, which requires precise alignment and
calibration to ensure the vehicle remains balanced and
functional. The final touch is outfitting the car with a
new cargo area, transforming it from a personal
vehicle into a practical LDV suitable for small-scale
deliveries and utility tasks.

One of the most significant challenges Hingley faces is
maintaining the vehicle's original charm and efficiency
while adapting it for a completely different purpose.
The Smart Car is renowned for its compactness and
fuel efficiency, qualities that Hingley strives to preserve
even as he enhances its utility. The six-wheeled

Editorial