Mardave Apache No III
I have just taken delivery of my third Mardave Apache this year. As I have explained before, I really like Apaches and have a big soft spot for them. An Apache was the first buggy I raced (back in the 80s), and they were really competitive (especially considering the price). So, these are just pure nostalgia for me. As this was an auction win I didn't know what it would be like until it arrived today. Would it be a runner, a spare parts donor or a shelf queen? Well, it is in great condition. Only the damaged bumper lets it down slightly, so I will be on the lookout for one of those. It has the stickers on the shell still, the original specially shaped battery pack, a Reedy / Ripmax motor and (unbelievably) the original CV joints in the rear axles! These usually perish. I might keep it as a display model - not sure yet. I have one runner, one semi-runner (it looks original but has an ESC and updated electrics as well as the original MSC for show but spends most of its days on the shelf) and this one could happily stay on the shelf. Not sure yet. I did consider breaking them all to make one perfect shelf queen and two runners, but I think I like the fact they all have their own (lengthy) history, dating back to the mid 80s. I think it may well end up being my daughter's in any case. She loves my other two, and was thrilled to drive one recently (she knows that they are old and mean a lot to me).Enjoy the pictures.
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Mardave Apache No III
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Under the skin
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With its new family
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You don't see many together like this
If you liked those pictures, you should see these...
Mardave Apache - Completed
Comments
hammerstien
another great apache think i must have got quite a few myself in bits shame none of my msc worked on mine . old battery :S fixed mine with a new saddle pack and gaffer tape
and she is all done and ready to race next year :S
OrangeSport
Not got a spare bumper, have you?
hammerstien
nope that is the one bit i only have one of and its on car. took me 3 junkers just to get one whole one
OrangeSport
I guessed as much. Pretty hard to find, and obviously the first thing to break too!
hammerstien
rear sus arms are another part that takes a bashing only got 3 sets that have not had pins broken off
KEV THE REV
Great line up !!
OrangeSport
Thanks - they do look pretty good together....
MAD-BEE
Just awesome OrangeSport!!!
A very nice trio buddy!
qatmix
Indeed, Loverly car. Its my favourite 80's buggy. It took me an age to get a shelfer. they are still good strong runners. I do take mine out and give it a run from time to time
OrangeSport
Thanks guys. Yes, these are great runners. Good fun, and simple and reliable. They blew many more expensive competitors away on the track too, including Tamiyas from that period. I think it was the Grasshopper and the Hornet which changed that slightly, mainly due to their light weight and high speed (once the 'Hopper had a larger motor installed). These things were only about £40 new, if I remember correctly, and had better front suspension than most other buggies. They were cheap to race and great fun.
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