Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

They ALL had crappie electrical systems. Oh, and the TDs and TFs had one other big BIG problem. The "engine freeze plugs would pop out." Especially the one at the back of the engine next to the firewall. That was an expensive repair!!! Because it was the hardest to get to.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You didn't mention the automatic anti-rust system - the oil leaks.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Now there's an idea for a movie!

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

While in college, I owned a ‘59 Vauxhall. Nothing fancy, but got me there & back. Drove an Austin-Healy 3000 with right-hand drive once while in high school; what a trip. By the time I figured out how to shift gears with my left hand the drive was over:-). Now I have a VW trike that you have to shift left-handed since throttle is on the right handle bar grip.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

The issue with the Tiger in competition was brakes. Perfectly adequate with the original engine, but overheating on the track with the Ford V8 was a different story. You’re correct about the lack of a suitable Chrysler engine for the Alpine. The Ford 260/289 was the smallest American V8 in terms of width from valve cover to valve cover (I measured a number of V8s at the time, as I was considering transplanting one into my series 2 Alpine), allowing it to fit in the Alpine’s engine compartment.

Btw, you are also correct about RR. BMW ended up with Rolls Royce, while VW got Bentley. It was Tata in India that bought Jaguar.

allan catt Loc: gillingham,kent,uk

I also had a1965 Cortina GT,Red.and also a 1966 Cortina GT Estate which was rare,both were driven from the uk down to Spain for holidays,great cars,one restored was sold for nearly £30.000.

cdayton

Lucas was known as the Prince of Darkness. We’ve owned lots of British cars: 8 Jags, 3 Minis, Morris Minor, TR250, TR7, MG Midget. Currently - Mini Countryman S All4 and Jag XK8 roadster. My favorite is a 1969 XKE roadster that was my autocross car during the 1970s.

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

There are far to many things that could and did go wrong with the MGs. Half the time I had to push the car and then jump in and start it. Not to mention always having to work on the carbs... But no matter what went wrong with the car, IT WAS STILL FUN OWNING AN MG!!!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

MGAs were lots of fun and a pretty design (when they ran). The Bs with the rubber noses/safety bumpers were beyond ugly. We managed to transplant a B engine into an MGA, but clearance between the B’s twin manifold and the steering was an issue as I recall. What were really rare and very cool were the twin overhead cam MGAs. All the ones I’ve seen were coupes. Here’s an image of the engine of one:

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

I never did like the MGAs, or the Bs, or the Midget. I loved the TCs,TDs, and TFs.

I owned a 52TDMarkII, and a 55TF1500.

Amielee Loc: Eastern Washington State

I had two MG TDs a 1951 and 1953. A Jaguar XK120 and a MG B. I am quite familiar with Lucas electronics. By the way you know why the English drink warm beer? Lucas make refrigerators. Wish I had any one of the four now.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

When I was in the Navy I was briefly stationed in Quonset Point, Rhode Island and dated a girl who owned a Hillman Minx. It always broke down when the rubber band powering the wheels snapped.

KillroyII Loc: Middle Georgia

Stationed in England for 3 years. Owned a 74 Morris Marina 2-door and a 66 Jaguar 420 Sedan.

The Marina had common, to Brit cars, electrical problems… worst part was the lack of a reliable ground on lights… they trusted the metal light fixture attachment to the body for a ground repair path. I put wire from light sockets to frame and ended problems. The lever type shock absorbers are expensive to repair or replace.

Loved driving the Jag & family liked it… that model was when it was still a “Jaguar”. It sat, undriven, in a barn for over 4 years when I bought it… so the seals and gaskets had dried out. Had thoughts of bringing it back to the states but a guy offered me over 4 times what I paid for it… so it was sold. Jag had 2 fuel tanks, filled separately… and a switch selected which fuel pump was on and that one showed on the fuel gauge.

Both cars had multiple side draft carbs… which I learned to oil the reservoir on… to avoid issues.

Gas was expensive there. Military got a ration, for much cheaper gas, based on any vehicle you owned, your choice, and 7 round trips to work each week. I got rations for the Jag and rode a Honda motorcycle to work… well any time the roads were not icy… even with snow on ground if roads were clear. That way, in addition to liking the bike ride, I had cheap gas for some family driving.

By the way, in Germany (for 4 years) the gas ration was more generous. It is negotiated in a Status of Forces Agreement” with each country.

limey

Actually Lucas had 3 positions - Off, Dim and Flicker

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

You are soooooo right!!!