Sorry, just too lazy to list all the cars I have driven but given the choice I would not hestitate to drive again:
Good 'ol Mini 850cc
Morris 1000
Turner Alexander Sports
Morris 1100
Austin 1800 (yes really)!!
As for HGV's which I know are not part of the Thread:
Albion
Scammel
ERF
Foden
AEC Mercury
and anything with either a crash gearbox or gated gears.......Those will sort out the men from the wimps!!!
To me it has become much more difficult to work on modern cars due to all the electronics and engine management systems as apposed to having simple things like SU Carburettors or even Weber ones to work on, even changing a headlight bulb in a modern car requires a lot of time and effort especially in the dark (depending on the model), whereas in the good old days it was just a case of opening up the access panel and dipping in, one case I heard was that a VW Dealership wanted £140 to change one as it involved in removing the front bumper!! I have found a site that may be helpful to you and it has mechanics on-line who will answer your questions if needed. http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/
Nigel.
I used to be an optimist but with age I am now a grumpy old pessimist.
Hmm, speaking Lucas I don't know what you're talking about. My British-built Escort Mk1 is fitted with prince-of-darkness-electrics.
And although this part of the car has never been restored, all works perfectly well after 40 yrs.
Another thing:
Just in case some of you have never clicked on this fabulous link -
It holds a fantastic and ever growing archive on "Best of British" (and many other cars).
WhisperJet wrote:My British-built Escort Mk1 is fitted with prince-of-darkness-electrics.
And although this part of the car has never been restored, all works perfectly well after 40 yrs.
Nick. I'm very concerned about this. I suspect that your car has at some stage been retrofitted with a non-genuine wiring harness. It certainly doesn't conform to the usual Lucas quality control standard. It worries me that you are not enjoying an authentic classic British driving experience. I doubt that any truly genuine Lucas wiring has survived this long as it will have either melted or perished many years ago
Hopefully, the problem is just that the wiring harness smoke has all been used and not replaced. An authentic Lucas system should have you leaping from your vehicle at irregular intervals with acrid smoke emitting from under the dashboard or the bonnet. See if your supplier can get you a smoke replacement kit so that you can better savour the Classic British experience!
Failing this, most Italian wiring looms of the 60s or 70s will do splendidly. It doesn't have to be a perfect fit as it won't last very long anyway
I agree entirely about Lucas. Last year, a 6RA alternator relay failed on my E type roadster, and , do you know, it was only 40 years old - disgraceful I say
WhisperJet wrote:My British-built Escort Mk1 is fitted with prince-of-darkness-electrics.
See if your supplier can get you a smoke replacement kit so that you can better savour the Classic British experience!
Failing this, most Italian wiring looms of the 60s or 70s will do splendidly. It doesn't have to be a perfect fit as it won't last very long anyway
Thank you Ian!!
I'll ask my local Ford dealer.
I will stick to classic British motoring anyway.
For I know the German answer to the old arabic saying "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
I have found a site that may be helpful to you and it has mechanics on-line who will answer your questions if needed.
