Practically Classics Forum

Posted: **Sun Feb 26, 2017 5:43 pm**

Here's one I saw in 2013 (the vinyls are a bit misleading if you're trying to date it from the photograph). I doubt I'll come across another in the UK unless I really go out of my way to find one. It was larger than I expected in person too and look surprisingly roomy inside.

Posted: **Sun Feb 26, 2017 9:50 pm**

Oof! Nice, and here's an Austin one:

I'd be avoiding the US ones as they apparently came with the 1200cc predecessor to the B series that you'd find in an Austin, but on the other hand, 3 bearing Bs such as the 1622 and (3 bearing) 1800 versions should be an easy swap as any 3 bearing B engine can accept the Devon & Somerset's flywheel and bearer plate.
I did say "would be", but in fact, even that original 1200 in Devon or Somerset tune is a typically happy, willing thing that should provide great economy in a car that - best bit coming up - only weighs around 1800Lb which is the same sort of figure as a BMC 1100/1300 and they go well enough.
I even saw web images of a Countryman version but have no idea whether this was a coachbuilt specialist job in the manner of a Crayford Mercedes estate, or some gifted amateur's home built concept car, it did look right though.

Posted: **Sun Feb 26, 2017 10:30 pm**

JPB wrote: ↑
Sun Feb 26, 2017 5:34 pm

You jammy devil! I'm extremely envious. Here, in the UK at the time of posting, I'm failing to find even a rough Metropolitan being bought or sold. There's one locally, but even that is a LHD, Nash-badged example whose owner had to bring it in from the Untied States. The guy won't be parting with that any time soon but he only brings it to one show each year and its poor engine never gets a proper run to warm it through.
Cruelty of that type should be subject to mandatory corporal punishment and a ban against keeping any car ever again, apart from a Geo Prizm as those are indestructible..

Good luck with the search for a car, I like the yellow & white one best from the selection you've shown us, but why not go for a convertible as you stay in such a favourable climate?

Well there has to be an upside of missing out on all the other British Classics

Thank you, like I say i wont be looking until the summer but it's nice to find a classic I am excited about again. I thought of a soft top, but neither myself or the wife are soft top fans.

JPB wrote: ↑
Sun Feb 26, 2017 9:50 pm
Oof! Nice, and here's an Austin one:

I'd be avoiding the US ones as they apparently came with the 1200cc predecessor to the B series that you'd find in an Austin, but on the other hand, 3 bearing Bs such as the 1622 and (3 bearing) 1800 versions should be an easy swap as any 3 bearing B engine can accept the Devon & Somerset's flywheel and bearer plate.
I did say "would be", but in fact, even that original 1200 in Devon or Somerset tune is a typically happy, willing thing that should provide great economy in a car that - best bit coming up - only weighs around 1800Lb which is the same sort of figure as a BMC 1100/1300 and they go well enough.
I even saw web images of a Countryman version but have no idea whether this was a coachbuilt specialist job in the manner of a Crayford Mercedes estate, or some gifted amateur's home built concept car, it did look right though.

They came with the 1200 up until November 1955, after then they had the 1500 B series so if I wanted, a 3 bearing 1800 B engine is a direct swap. In fact, I've been told with some minor re-jetting, MGB SU carbs are a bolt on upgrade for the 1500

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