So I want to run this passed you ?
A sketch of 3 possible transmission systems and how choosing one of the other further influences your control options ?
So drawing labeled Apollo cars is the most common system where the chain has to pass under the seat to reach a rear cassette on either a 1WD or 2WD axle.
Now this tends to increase the length of the car as there has to be room under and behind the seat for the chain to get back to axle height and have enough distance for the chain to shift along the cassette.
This also limits the seat height as pulleys maybe large in diameter and we still need about 3" of ground clearance [ if we drive real real carefully ]
It is usual to have side stick controls with this configuration [ this makes it easier to get in the car ]
So drawing labeled Royce cars is the next most popular system here there are 3 chains and a lay-shaft in front of the seat carrying the cassette.
This can result in a very short car and maybe a lower car if your body parts are not attacked by the cassette or chain.
These style of cars usually have a steering column running down the centre of the car and very short handle bars so there is no chain interference
however the handle bars sit close to the seat and so getting in and out means sitting on the seat OR making the column telescope inwards for getting in [ this is hard due to the cables , which generally are longer the the Apollo style controls ]
So drawing labeled ' Possible other way ' shows a sort of pedalo arrangement with custom pedals and bottom bracket and initial drive chain running down one side [ or the other ] of the chassis and inside or outside the chassis. Whilst it has been considered and examples built there are to many specialist parts for it to be considered now [ it would slow this whole build , and there have been more than it's far share of dead ends already ! ]
This shows how the differences outlined above can result in quite different looking cars.
My obsession with getting in and out of tight spaces draws me to the yellow Royce car [ although this is a little cheat as that car is to short for me by about 4" ] rather than the longer gray/black Apollo car [ my car 45 is more like this ]
My preferred option ? Royce transmission with Apollo steering , can it be done ? no idea yet
Paul