Dutton Melos classic cars for sale

History of the Dutton Melos

Produced by Dutton Cars in the UK, the Melos emerged in the late 1970s as an answer to growing interest in affordable kit cars. Dutton Cars, founded by Tim Dutton, became known for producing practical models that offered an accessible route into sports car ownership. The Melos was positioned within the Dutton lineup as a two-seater open roadster, utilising parts predominantly from Ford vehicles of the period. This allowed buyers to benefit from proven mechanicals while enjoying the customisable experience of building their own car.

Model history of the Dutton Melos

The Dutton Melos succeeded earlier Dutton models like the B-Type and Phaeton, adopting certain improvements in chassis and body rigidity, as well as a wider range of Ford mechanical components. The Melos’s production spanned the late 1970s and early 1980s; it was later succeeded in the Dutton family by the Legerra, which focused even more on streamlined bodywork and more refined handling. Each Dutton model reflected the evolving kit car scene of its era, with the Melos representing Dutton’s shift towards modern looks and practical everyday usability.

Highlights of the Dutton Melos

The Melos is characterised by its boxy, angular styling and removable doors, providing a distinctive presence compared to rounder contemporaries. It utilised a steel chassis, fibreglass body panels and a lightweight construction, resulting in nimble handling. With a standard layout based on Ford Escort Mk2 donor parts, mechanical servicing and parts purchase are simplified. The car's distinctive folding roof system and minimalist interior further distinguish the Melos among classic kit cars.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

There are no widely recognised special or limited editions of the Dutton Melos. However, due to the kit-based nature of the car, individual examples may have unique, owner-specified features or mechanical upgrades, making some Melos examples one-of-a-kind within the classic car community.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

With its lightweight structure and simple rear-wheel-drive setup, the Melos provides sharp and involving driving dynamics. Engine options, inherited from the Ford Escort, range from modest 1.1-litre to the punchier 1.6 and 2.0 Pinto units, with correspondingly varying performance levels. The manual gearbox contributes to a direct, mechanical driving feel, while the short wheelbase promotes responsive handling, albeit at the expense of high-speed stability compared to more refined sports cars. Popular Melos variants often come with the 1.6 Ford crossflow engine, balancing reliability and performance. Technical highlights include all-independent suspension in certain owner-upgraded cars, and some swapped models feature uprated brakes or period-correct modifications.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The Melos features distinctive, sharply edged fibreglass bodywork. Its utilitarian yet individualistic design echoes 1970s British kit car aesthetics. Inside, expect a minimal but purposeful cabin – low-backed seats, basic instrumentation (often donor-sourced), and uncluttered controls. Many cars use original Ford components for switches and dash. Customisation is common, with owners opting for alternative seat trims, alloy wheels, or special steering wheels. Some Melos are finished in period-correct bright colours, furthering the car’s quirky appeal. Accessories like detachable doors, alternative hood systems and roll bars appear in various owner-built examples.

Summary

The Dutton Melos occupies a special niche in British classic car culture. Its straightforward technology, unique style, and mechanical accessibility make it a compelling choice for hands-on enthusiasts. While not as common or recognised as mainstream classics, its charm lies in individualism and the satisfaction of hands-on assembly and maintenance. The Melos delivers an open-air driving experience with engaging road manners, best suited to those who appreciate raw motoring and the British kit car tradition.