Description
This post war Series 1 4/ 4 is much the same as its prewar counterpart and retains all the design features that made them so successful in trials. The mid mounted gear box, fly off handbrake, epically low first gear ratio, fold down windscreen, centrally mounted spot lamp, twin mounted spares, adjustable rear shocks, flat floor and lack of front overhang all conceived with mud plugging competition in mind. The light construction, good balance and independent front suspension also made for an exciting road car.
The engine, designed prewar and manufactured by Standard, is mostly conventional being a 4 cylinder OHV pushrod engine with shell bearings and pressurized oil system incorporating a bypass oil filter arrangement, unusual is the constant oil feed directly to the rocker pads, the spring retained pushrods and large valve to rocker clearances. Cooling is by thermosyphon so no water pump.
Gearbox is a Moss unit with, for what they are worth, synchro’s on 2, 3, 4. The gate is unusual being of the continental pattern and takes a bit of time to get associated with.
Brakes are the larger 9inch version of the Girling rod and cable system so no rusty pipes or leaking seals to worry about.
Steering is by Burman steering box.
The aforementioned items function correctly.
Exhaust is stainless steel. Wheels are 17’s with Firestone tyres. Gauges all work except for the clock.
The body frame looks excellent with no rot or damage. There is a hood frame but no hood.
Cosmetically challenged with room for improvement, the paint work is chipped and cracked in places and the plating on the radiator shell and headlights is not the best.
Early history is unknown, the documentation suggests that it was registered in Denmark in 1985 but by 2014 was back home in the UK where following a MSCC inspection an age-related number was issued.
The car runs and drives very well, you won’t win a traffic light grand prix unless your up against an Austin 10 or Ford Pop but for spirited driving around the back roads it’s really good fun.
Car is located Nr Diss Norfolk.
Please contact by email.
Part exchange considered. MG/ Model A/ Riley/ 1172 Pre/ post war trials project, special or bitsa WHY?
