Post by oldabe on Aug 18, 2015 7:50:25 GMT
Long story, boring. But here goes.
i remember seeing a P5B coupe in Practical Classics or something of the like, probably 15+ years ago, and loved the look of them. I've always been involved with old cars and motorbikes, and at that time owned a nicely built Mkii Sprite, and a couple of Morris Minors (DHC and A Royal Mail which I should've kept). Have had a soft spot for British cars especially, but love any Euro-mutts with American V8 power. (Someday, that Interceptor will find me)
I got into Land Rover some years back, after always wanting one. I found out the hard way why series trucks are so beloved and so maligned. Had to give all of that headache up, and ended up with a '95 RRC Lwb, now kitted out, and which has taken the family on many backwoods and high desert adventures. It was also my introduction to the heartbreak that is the the Rover V8. Mine is a 4.6, distributor, stage 2 cam, shaved heads, nightmare of a thing. I have, of course, had to do everything to it. But, in learning my way around, I sort of fell in love with that plucky motor, despite its deficiencies, and began to envision building one up, free of fuel injection and other electronic controls.
i thought I'd maybe stab it into an early 70's Volvo wagon, or a nice little Morrie saloon (I have twin sons, and two dogs, and all our gear).
However, a month ago, my best pal was selling his mkii Jag, and in his dealings met a guy who happened to have a Rover in his shop that was looking for a new home.
it came to me, and was very cheap, and very clean.
Here's the cool bit.
The owner, now in his 90's, is a perfumer. In 1972 he flew to England to purchase supplies from a dealer there, and was picked up in this car and driven around in it for the duration of his stay. He fell in love with it and let it be known that he'd like to have it should it ever become available.
He returned to Portland, and six months later recieved a letter from the Port of New York that his car had arrrived. It had been made a gift to him.
So, since 1972, it has been in his garage, never registered, and only occasionally aired out. It has covered just over 53,000 miles from new, and shows it in every way.
It's had some love, off and on over the years, Including a full top end rebuild. The mechanic's notes say that the car failed because the owner simply didn't drive it enough.
Paint is original, very good, thin in places, but came up nicely with a cut and wax. Chrome is decent. A bit of rust in the usual places, but nothing terminal. I'll have it repaired and the paint blended to match. We have a man here who is a genius at such things. All door and window rubbers will be replaced.
There is a crack in the windscreen, and I have been in contact with David Geeen about a replacement, but am unsure about getting it here in less than a thousand pieces.
I rebuilt the carbs, and was able to take it for a blast around the neighborhood tonight! It runs a bit on the hot side, so will give it a proper tuneup and timing, flush the radiator, and see where we're at from there.
So wanted to introduce myself and extend a thank you to the forum members for the knowledge that you've already imparted.
i remember seeing a P5B coupe in Practical Classics or something of the like, probably 15+ years ago, and loved the look of them. I've always been involved with old cars and motorbikes, and at that time owned a nicely built Mkii Sprite, and a couple of Morris Minors (DHC and A Royal Mail which I should've kept). Have had a soft spot for British cars especially, but love any Euro-mutts with American V8 power. (Someday, that Interceptor will find me)
I got into Land Rover some years back, after always wanting one. I found out the hard way why series trucks are so beloved and so maligned. Had to give all of that headache up, and ended up with a '95 RRC Lwb, now kitted out, and which has taken the family on many backwoods and high desert adventures. It was also my introduction to the heartbreak that is the the Rover V8. Mine is a 4.6, distributor, stage 2 cam, shaved heads, nightmare of a thing. I have, of course, had to do everything to it. But, in learning my way around, I sort of fell in love with that plucky motor, despite its deficiencies, and began to envision building one up, free of fuel injection and other electronic controls.
i thought I'd maybe stab it into an early 70's Volvo wagon, or a nice little Morrie saloon (I have twin sons, and two dogs, and all our gear).
However, a month ago, my best pal was selling his mkii Jag, and in his dealings met a guy who happened to have a Rover in his shop that was looking for a new home.
it came to me, and was very cheap, and very clean.
Here's the cool bit.
The owner, now in his 90's, is a perfumer. In 1972 he flew to England to purchase supplies from a dealer there, and was picked up in this car and driven around in it for the duration of his stay. He fell in love with it and let it be known that he'd like to have it should it ever become available.
He returned to Portland, and six months later recieved a letter from the Port of New York that his car had arrrived. It had been made a gift to him.
So, since 1972, it has been in his garage, never registered, and only occasionally aired out. It has covered just over 53,000 miles from new, and shows it in every way.
It's had some love, off and on over the years, Including a full top end rebuild. The mechanic's notes say that the car failed because the owner simply didn't drive it enough.
Paint is original, very good, thin in places, but came up nicely with a cut and wax. Chrome is decent. A bit of rust in the usual places, but nothing terminal. I'll have it repaired and the paint blended to match. We have a man here who is a genius at such things. All door and window rubbers will be replaced.
There is a crack in the windscreen, and I have been in contact with David Geeen about a replacement, but am unsure about getting it here in less than a thousand pieces.
I rebuilt the carbs, and was able to take it for a blast around the neighborhood tonight! It runs a bit on the hot side, so will give it a proper tuneup and timing, flush the radiator, and see where we're at from there.
So wanted to introduce myself and extend a thank you to the forum members for the knowledge that you've already imparted.
and welcome to the forum 
