[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by Bulldogji

Actually Karl, that is not quite correct. These transmissions were troublesome but properly maintained worked !

In India, lack of knowledge and parts caused the famous Mr Sethna to replace the gearbox. I was under the impression that a Jaguar automatic transmission was fitted by him, maybe I am wrong, it's been many years ..

Invicta cars still do run on the original transmissions

I'm not referring to all Invictas of course, but the "Brockhouse hydro-kinetic variable ratio" transmission - reportedly the first 'fully automatic' car to be sold in the UK. Let me try and dig up some reading material, I do remember coming across some. They apparently had trouble getting into reverse, but the ratios were the same forward and reverse, or something to that effect.

Possibly I am wrong on the present transmission, though I remember reading about the swap in some article earlier.

For our viewing pleasure attached is some literature. The specifications look pretty impressive for the time - overhead valves, twin spark ignition, electric heating to the radiator, independent suspension, electrically operated jacking system, and a Smith's 'Radiomobile'

[TractionAvant]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

I'm not referring to all Invictas of course, but the "Brockhouse hydro-kinetic variable ratio" transmission - reportedly the first 'fully automatic' car to be sold in the UK. Let me try and dig up some reading material, I do remember coming across some. They apparently had trouble getting into reverse, but the ratios were the same forward and reverse, or something to that effect.

Possibly I am wrong on the present transmission, though I remember reading about the swap in some article earlier.

This was the reason for my original query. These gearboxes were known to be troublesome straight out of the showroom. In the 60's and 70's the NSU RO80 suffered from horrendous problems with it's wankel engine. Some cars had multiple engine changes under warranty. Finally most desperate owners fitted conventional ford engines to their cars. Yet, many RO80s survive with their wankel engines today. I wonder if any Black princes have been so lucky/ unlucky

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

For our viewing pleasure attached is some literature. The specifications look pretty impressive for the time - overhead valves, twin spark ignition, electric heating to the radiator, independent suspension, electrically operated jacking system, and a Smith's 'Radiomobile'

Attachment 1234873

Attachment 1234874

Attachment 1234875

Attachment 1234876

Beautiful! where do you find this stuff?

[travancore]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

I believe the transmission failed on all the cars right from new, there is no way it can run on that 'hydro-kinematic' (?) unit. A 3 speed borg warner unit was fitted back in the day. It does retain its original Meadows engine though, most other survivors plonk in Jaguar running gear.

Here is the BSM article from 2005

http://www.bsmotoring.com/news/1948-...darkness/404/1

[kasli]

Yesterday had a drive once again, early at 7 am - weather was not too hot from a new route across the santacruz mankurd link road. And to the BKC Starbucks . It was a classic European sports car festival with the exception of the Fiat,Packard and Ponton. The beetle and van are eternal classics so they can be anything they like to be and with the ever enthusiastic owners

While some more of were on their rounds on the other side of town. Like the Merc 170 S and the Studebaker which was spotted.

Just a few snaps from my side and lots to follow from a Friend.


Cheers

[KartikeyaL]

Originally Posted by kasli

While some more of were on their rounds on the other side of town. Like the Merc 170 S and the Studebaker which was spotted.

So APU 4248 ( 170 S) has landed in Mumbai, she was for sale a few months back in Hyderabad and I had made an offer. Nice Car !!

[kasli]

Some more snaps taken by Mr Adarbad of yesterday's drive

Cheers

[the mole]

Superb pictures!

Incidentally the last picture where we have lined the triumph and the Standard is to figure out how to do a convertible top on an Indian Standard Herald. Actually body wise there is very little difference in the rear. The triumph has bodywork for the hood to fold down and rest on while in the standard this bodywork has been taken inside the hardtop and is visible within the glass. But yet I would not want to bugger up a perfectly nice Standard herald hence we sort of brainwashed the owner to desist from doing the conversion.

[Stanher]

Originally Posted by the mole

Superb pictures!

Incidentally the last picture where we have lined the triumph and the Standard is to figure out how to do a convertible top on an Indian Standard Herald. Actually body wise there is very little difference in the rear. The triumph has bodywork for the hood to fold down and rest on while in the standard this bodywork has been taken inside the hardtop and is visible within the glass. But yet I would not want to bugger up a perfectly nice Standard herald hence we sort of brainwashed the owner to desist from doing the conversion.

Glad that you did!
Yes, you're right about not wanting to permanently 'bugger up' a perfectly original car!
And, from conversations with Triumph Herald enthusiasts in the UK, its not just fitting a well for the top to fold down into- in the original convertibles, including this one for sure, there was some strengthening done on the chassis and even in the bodyshell, in the B-pillar/central areas, though not sure what/how exactly. This was to prevent body flex, which I believe was likely once the roof was removed. For this, they even had extra door catches fitted on the inside of either doors.

[kasli]

This morning was taking courage to another level in regards to enthusiasm . Decided to take the Volkswagon and the Studebaker for our usual drive and gathering of like minded people.

Well had one which gave did it's SOP the great VW bug

Some images of what I shot today.

Cheers

[the mole]

Originally Posted by kasli

This morning was taking courage to another level in regards to enthusiasm . Decided to take the Volkswagon and the Studebaker for our usual drive and gathering of like minded people.

Your VW beetle is developing quite a reputation with our classic car community here. With this car I feel its now in the realm of the supernatural. Can I suggest a local witchdoctor the next time round

I simply must drive this car on the next weekend will come to Andheri and pick her up next Sunday.

[speedy]

Originally Posted by the mole

Your VW beetle is developing quite a reputation with our classic car community here. With this car I feel its now in the realm of the supernatural. Can I suggest a local witchdoctor the next time round

I simply must drive this car on the next weekend will come to Andheri and pick her up next Sunday.

VW alone…i thought there were a few more too..With a Bhoot…do we need a witchdoctor to add to the Dilema..

Come be our guest...

[kasli]

A great drive today but the heat has really caught on in Mumbai. We wanted to land up at Dunkin Donuts but we were back to Starbucks at BKC. The reason was that the rude staff said they now open at 10 am irrelevant of the sign saying its open from 8 am. ( Its a day old ! and talk of attitude )

We had one new addition the Saab and it was looking awesome. Will definitely capture better snaps the next time around. I also met a private taxi driver Mr Nagaraj in white who has been driving cars earlier for many South Bombay Families and his knowledge superb. He brought back great memories of cars I have seen and also heard of and he was dead accurate on many makes and models which included mine.

The second set of snaps is of an Auto Rickshaw driver Mulin he did not leave the car and checked every bit of it with great respect. Friendly souls and a good long chat till I waited for all to arrive.

Cheers and now let the snaps do the talking.

[mbz180]

Great to see that the drives are still being held regularly despite the heat!

Love the Stude and the Lancia. And the Saab is such a unique design, going back to its aircraft heritage.

Amol, it looks like your car's headlamps just got better

Thumbs up to all you guys for using the cars so often!

Cheers
Prithvi

[the mole]

Originally Posted by mbz180

Great to see that the drives are still being held regularly despite the heat!

Love the Stude and the Lancia. And the Saab is such a unique design, going back to its aircraft heritage.

Amol, it looks like your car's headlamps just got better

Thumbs up to all you guys for using the cars so often!

Cheers
Prithvi

Yes Prithvi there is this certain doctor in Kolkata who's medicines generally work for most Pontons On a serious note. It is terribly hot in Mumbai. But without fail a good dozen or more people turn up without fail to drive around in their beauties. I truly think this is the way forward if one intends to maintain their cars in good running condition.

[mbz180]

Amol,

I was just admiring the photo showing the ripple free lines on the side of your car and the reflection on the doors when I noticed something odd - the wipers are pointing in the wrong direction. You may need to take of the wiper arms and install them in the correct position at its rest point.

If I remember correctly, even if the wiper switch is put off at any point of the sweep, the wipers come back to their rest place which is towards the left side. I might be wrong on this though since my car was last operational a long time back.

Just an observation.