After watching the Elysium 21.6 take a pounding on the track, I was expecting something special when I finally had the chance to take a closer look …
BUILDING THE VISION
The van is built on a 6in hotdipped-galvanised chassis with an aluminium sub-frame, and independent airbag suspension with twin ARB shock absorbers per wheel. Having seen this van in all sorts of off-camber action, the suspension is clearly well sorted. Incidentally, ventilated disc brakes are used for better heat dissipation and overall better performance.
The chassis is also fitted with rear recovery points, and it’ s worth noting the chassis extension for the rear bar, which provides a better departure angle and space to mount accessories. The rear bar is equipped with a couple jerry can holders and a spare wheel, though you could option in a second spare.
A quick story that speaks to this van’ s pedigree. Chris Michel was on the Cape when his van did a wheel bearing. Clearly, not everyone travels with spare wheel bearings or has the ability to replace one, especially in a remote area. So, he needed a solution. The result: each wheel rolls on a fully replaceable stub axle. Provided you have a spare, swapping out the damaged for the new is a much more achievable DIY roadside task – and it can be done with ring spanners. It wouldn’ t be fun … but you’ d be relieved that you could get yourself going again.
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