Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

clan chieftain · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 2041 Location: Motherwell

Good points.
Easy to work on.
Spares new and second hand are still gettable.
Plenty room inside.

Bad points.....here goes Laughing

Terrible understeer. mine isnt too bad as it has the Ital front shockers fitted.
Leaking windscreen rubbers. Again ok as I have a new BL windscreen rubber fitted.
The dreaded rust. Mine needs back arches.
Petrol tanks rot. I have a new one to fit and have given it a couple of coats of Hammerite.
Body panels are getting more scarce as are exhausts.
Propshaft centre bearing rubber breaks up. They are about £50.
Rear spring front hangers rot. Mine were plated before I got it.
No doubt I will have missed a few but I love my big estate anyway and wouldnt part with it Cool

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The Clan Chieftain

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22838 Location: UK

Can we include a photo of the car(s) we're referring to?

'30s Minor:

Good:
- quite rare
- I like the styling
- it's in decent condition
- there's a good online forum to help with running it
- wasn't too pricey to buy, cheaper than an equivalent A7

Bad:
- often confused with the Austin 7 Smile

- parts aren't as easy to find as for the baby Austins
- the VSCC don't accept sidevalve Minors as eligible for competitive events (whereas OHC Minors and contemporary pre-Ruby 7s are)
- a bit cramped inside (but not bad for a small car)
- not that quick (but ok for a tiny engine)

I like it Smile

RJ
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Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4880 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

clan chieftain · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 2041 Location: Motherwell

Mine is my avatar. Must try and remember how to post photos. Embarassed

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The Clan Chieftain

Jason · Joined: 12 Nov 2008 Posts: 623 Location: Todmorden, Lancs.

good points...

easy to work on
drives fantastic
keeps up with modern traffic easily

bad points....

fuel consumption (18 mpg) which isn't too bad I suppose Confused

I'm not 100% happy with the paintwork
parts are very expensive
needs chrome doing when funds allow

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"people with money buy a Rolls Royce, people with taste buy an Alvis".

clan chieftain · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 2041 Location: Motherwell

Suppose this could be a handy thread if anyone is thinking about buying another classic.
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The Clan Chieftain

BigJohn · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 954 Location: Wem, Shropshire

Good Points

Comfortable, easy to drive and park due to PAS and auto, parts supply excellent, bolt on panels, tax free low insurance, V8 sounds beautiful, very good club and internet support.

Bad Points

Base unit can rust badly, bolt on panels can hide this, thirsty, inboard rear disc brakes a nightmare to get to and work on, cooling system is borderline but benefits from easy upgrades. Did I say it was thirsty? Well it is.

mikeC · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2012 8:31 pm Post subject:

Good Points:
Rarity - when will I see another?
Slow - plenty of time to view the countryside
Comfortable seats
Light steering
Ride - on smooth surfaces
Goes well for what it is

Bad Points:
Rarity - What will I do for spares?
Slow - takes a long time to get to the countryside
A challenge to drive
Ride - on rough surfaces
Brakes (or lack of them)
Doesn't go at the moment (petrol tank out for cleaning)