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Post by Nick RS on Oct 13, 2014 5:58:19 GMT
It was 50 years ago today on 13th October 1964 that the Austin 1800 was revealed officially for the first time. Happy Birthday  |
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Post by indianajones on Oct 13, 2014 7:07:31 GMT
Happy birthday!
-Andrew
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Post by dave1800 on Oct 13, 2014 8:17:04 GMT
And here is the article. My first sighting was on the Warwick Road, Solihull as I left school. A green landcrab scurrying along towards the BMC agent. I wonder did anyone here spot a landcrab before me? Members <50 years old need not reply  David Motor magazine article |
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Post by indianajones on Oct 13, 2014 8:22:38 GMT
Well that's me out then, first crab I spotted was the one I bought lol
-Andrew
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Post by Penguin45 on Oct 13, 2014 19:33:46 GMT
50 years. Gosh! I was five when it was launched, so don't really remember. I was aware of them, being of the generation which recognised all cars (and aeroplanes) as small boys. They were "old cars" by the time I came to own my first one.
Chris.
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Post by Nick RS on Oct 13, 2014 21:59:34 GMT
Grandpa had two or three of them but but I don't really recall them in any detail as I was five when he was tempted away by an Opel. By the time I bought my first car at the end of the 80s Landcrabs didn't feature in my thoughts at all.
That picture shows Alec Issigonis (L) and George Harriman (R) by the car parked outside the massive multi storey car storage unit at Longbridge. I used to go past it everyday on my way into work at the main gate around 20 years ago. It was a well known landmark in the area and you could see it from the M42 Motorway several miles away. All gone now, I am not sure it survived the MG-Rover era. Even when I was there it was mostly empty. Someone said it wasn't strong enough to fill with cars but I'm not sure that was right.
Memories.....
Nick
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Post by dave1800 on Oct 14, 2014 1:31:13 GMT
It makes me feel old. I think I could do with a full restoration some days . My first LC drive was either late 1965 or early 1966. David |
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Post by Nick RS on Oct 14, 2014 11:38:38 GMT
David, I am sure you are a very long way from needing a full restoration. Maybe Chris could spruce you up with his Schutz gun. No-one's past it until they feel like this: Wheel me gently to the garage, since my car and I must part—
No more for me the record and the run.
That cursèd left-hand cylinder the doctors call my heart
Is pinking past redemption—I am done!
They’ll never strike a mixture that’ll help me pull my load.
My gears are stripped—I cannot set my brakes.
I am entered for the finals down the timeless untimed Road
To the Maker of the makers of all makes!
(Rudyard Kipling - after Adam Lindsay Gordon)
Nick |
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Post by dave1800 on Oct 15, 2014 1:35:53 GMT
Very good Nick. I hope I have a few more MOTs to go before I reach that stage! Not sure I like the idea of facing a Schutz gun just yet even if handled by our restoration magician |
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