Living with a pre-war car

[Baz2000]

I have always had a desire to own a pre-war car, something along the lines of a Austin 10/12 or a Morris 10/12. Now the oldest car that I have owned/driven is a 1967 Austin 1100, I'am expecting a pre-war car to be significantly more of a challenge to drive but I'm worried the realities of owning such an old vehicle will be too much. I know my best bet is to go out and find someone brave enough to let me have go their car, but anyone willing to give any advice or experience for someone wanting to enter the world of historic vehicles.

[davepen]

Sounds like a 30s car. They typically would have syncro on 3rd/4th, which makes life easier. Austin always had the pedals in the modern (CBA) order. Austin brakes can be poor by modern standards, later cars may have Girling hydraulic. The top speed is okay, but not going to worry the NSL.

Dad used to have a 16/6 Austin (so some torque!) with a Tickford roof conversion, which was nice on a warm day and less claustrophobic than other closed cars of the period. (Obviously for powerfully built PH directors.) Dad's local MOT station is http://www.aldertonaustinservices.co.uk/ which specialise in the Austin 10. Other clubs and garages exist for other models, so common parts for common models should be available. Not so sure on the Morris (Dad did have flatnose when I was very young, but it went years ago.)

On Sunday the Mrs took her A7 Chummy to Beaulieu for the national 750 rally. 3 speed box does require you to double declutch, but is forgiving, the brakes are on all 4 wheels, but uncoupled. The steering is very direct in such a small wheelbase car. Follow the service chart for oil and grease, adjust brakes and get the magneto done professionally. Although in the 1930's you'd be on coil. There is very good trade support for the A7. If it fails and funds are tight that month, then push it back into the garage. Get some Whitworth/BSF spanners.

I prefer the cars from the 1920's, but then you might get CAB pedals and no syncro. Takes a while to learn. The only question then is how fast can you afford to go, as prices appear related to top speed.

[V8forweekends]

Bloke who lived near me let me have a go in his 1918 Hupmobile - pedals where you'd expect and an H-pattern gearbox, it was really easy to drive. If you choose carefully, you shouldn't have any worries. I also had a ride in a 1920s Vauxhall that was remarkably modern.

What struck me was how basically similar to modern stuff they are....

OTOH my former neighbour's 1920's Chain Gang Nash was an insane machine - but they are reassuringly unaffordable anyway.

[PGN]

Don't expect to just jump in and go; you'll be in the world of "I'll just see if the car will start". Servicing requirements are much greater and more frequent. In terms of driving it's the brakes which are the biggest problem.

[dig123]

Some helpful feed back above but there is a great difference in early and late prewar cars as they developed quite quickly in some respects. Re the brakes they are not as good as modern cars but then depending on the car the speeds are lower and you just need to plan ahead a bit more. There is more servicing but the cars then where intended to be services by the owner and all quite basic and you probably you won't be doing the miles for the manufacures servicing times. If it is your first prewar you may want to look at one of the more popular makes e.c. Morris, Austin or Ford as the parts are easier to get hold of and cheaper there is also more info on line and in forums for them.

I have a 1937 Austin Seven, also went to Beaulieu the week end on Sat and Sun covered 120 miles car starts first time. As the speed of some of the cars is limited you may want to just think where you will drive it I live on the edge of the New Forest where the speed limit is generally 40mph so lots of a places to go with out worrying about holding people up. They are great fun to drive and not a challenge as they are so basic and other drivers generally wave and smile.

Edited by dig123 on Tuesday 7th July 16:41

[austin]

PGN said:

Don't expect to just jump in and go; you'll be in the world of "I'll just see if the car will start". Servicing requirements are much greater and more frequent. In terms of driving it's the brakes which are the biggest problem.

Not really true to be honest. As with any car if you look after it there is no reason it won't start first time every time.

(Three Austin 7s in the garage, all of them start first time.)

[PGN]

austin said:

PGN said:

Don't expect to just jump in and go; you'll be in the world of "I'll just see if the car will start". Servicing requirements are much greater and more frequent. In terms of driving it's the brakes which are the biggest problem.

Not really true to be honest. As with any car if you look after it there is no reason it won't start first time every time.

(Three Austin 7s in the garage, all of them start first time.)

Yes - but looking after it needs quite a bit of time and commitment.

[dig123]

PGN said:

austin said:

PGN said:

Don't expect to just jump in and go; you'll be in the world of "I'll just see if the car will start". Servicing requirements are much greater and more frequent. In terms of driving it's the brakes which are the biggest problem.

Not really true to be honest. As with any car if you look after it there is no reason it won't start first time every time.

(Three Austin 7s in the garage, all of them start first time.)

Yes - but looking after it needs quite a bit of time and commitment.

Not as much time as you think and all pretty basic, change oil, grease nipples, change plugs check shoes once a year and put fuel in it.

[Baz2000]

Thank you for all your responses, some really good advice. I should have pointed out that tinkering etc is a big part of the appeal of ownership, I have always had older cars as weekend toys and do as much of the work as I can.

I think I have narrowed my choice to something built in the 1930's, with the added comforts of syncro on top gears etc.

I love little Austin sevens but I'm afraid I have sat in one and do not fit so comfortably being 6'4", another consideration to take into account.

My budget would be around the £6-8k mark.

[gothatway]

You don't need to worry about synchro if you go for a pre-selector box, and for that I would go for a Riley 12/4 of some description. Lovely engine, (mostly) stylish bodies, adequate performance, good club and specialist support; what's not to like ? If you're at all competitive you might want to check with the VSCC as to what cars are eligible for their events (expensive club to join, cheap events to enter).

[Dogwatch]

dig123 said:

Some helpful feed back above but there is a great difference in early and late prewar cars as they developed quite quickly in some respects. Re the brakes they are not as good as modern cars but then depending on the car the speeds are lower and you just need to plan ahead a bit more.

The just pre-war Morris 8 had hydraulic brakes and was a reasonable 'stopper' I recall from being driven in a friend's Tourer. We had a brace of A7 Rubies in the 60's with the original cable brakes and a stopping distance close to infinity. I wouldn't want to drive one in today's traffic. We were forever replacing crankshaft bearings too due to 'whip'.

[whirlybird]

Hi Baz2000, where do you live, I,ve ratty old Austin 7 Ruby as a daily driver, up here near Kings Lynn, your welcome to have a whizz if your close by.
learnt to fly on a Cessna 150, then flew a Tiger Moths, same difference between modern and old, its just "Different" !!!

[dig123]

Hi why don't you pop along to Prescott on the 18-19 July for their pre war event that should give you some ideas.

http://www.prewarprescott.com