Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 1116 Location: Chesterfield
Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:17 pm Post subject:
That engine is definitely the OHV forerunner of the A and B seies engines and maybe the C series.
The Story goes that during WW2 Austin were commissioned to design a British "jeep". I wonder if any of that know-how surfaced in the Austin Champ?
Shipping losses were so high that trans-Atlantic priorities had to be given to food and munitions.
As the tide began to turn against the U Boats, Willies Jeeps were ferried over in ever increasing numbers and the Austin project was scrapped.
The engine was however completed and re-appeared afte the war as the Austin 16.
The longevity of the engine was remarkable in those days and reliability exeptional in an age when most car engines needed re-ringing after about 30,000 miles and were clapped out before 60,000.
The VW Beetle gained most of its reputation at that time by being about the only family car which could relied on to keep going for as much as 100,000 miles.
I know, from the fact that we had a fleet of about ten FL1s (plus a hearse) all of which easily recorded over 100,000 miles without overhaul. The one I drove (the one I have now!) had a re-conditioned engine at 102,000. Not because of bore wear etc., but because an apprentice knocked out the big ends thrashing it up a Derbyshire hill with a heavy load while I was on holiday in the I.O.M watching the TT in 1958.
The experiences of car engine life here are not from reading about it.
I WAS THERE!
Jim. _________________ Quote from my late Dad:- You only need a woman and a car and you have all the problems you
are ever likely to want". Computers had not been invented then!
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