Warm beer electrical system, 125 HP, four forward gears with OD on last two.

 

I like the AC.

 

I like the AC.

 

Really? A/C? My Healey doesn't even have a radio much less an A/C!

 

Yesterday at the weekly Saturday Morning Cars in West Chester, Pennsylvania I saw a 1976 TR6 with factory air and a factory clip on hardtop. It was untouched, not restored and in great shape. I also saw a unrestored Healy with three carbs - a rare sighting.

It is my understanding that a/c was standard for all MG cars delivered above the Arctic Circle and that heaters were surreptitiously provided for every car in summer and similarly removed as winter approached. Moreover, it not that these cars are afraid of the dark, as Joseph Lucas so aptly put it: "Gentlemen should not motor after the sun goes down"

My MGB is far from original as it has been heavily modified. The electronics and wiring are Painless Wiring and Delco, ignition is MSD, aluminum flywheel, OD on 3 and 4, +60 engine, Kent 717 cam, carbs are HS6 in stead of HS4, the rear suspension is coil over spring with a five link and panhard rod.

It's a fun ride, and is just as exciting as my 991, however, that excitement kicks in at 60 mph as opposed to 100 plus in the Porsche.

 

It does sound like a fun ride. Does Moss make a supercharger for it? If so, that's en easy way to bump up the HP by 40-50% for around $5K.

If you're into old, British sports cars (like me), try to make it up to Stowe, VT next month: Sept. 20-22 is the largest British car show in the country, The British Invasion. http://www.britishinvasion.com/ Over 500 cars show up and many are rare & unrestored. Dozens each of MGA, MGB, TC, TD, TF, Jags, Healeys, Morgans, Triumphs, etc. plus some old Bentleys and even a few new McLarens. It's veddy British.

 

Always wanted to go to the Stowe gathering but getting away in September has always been a problem.

Yes, for about $4200 you too can have a supercharger...probably a Judson knock off. http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewP...IndexID=111420

My engine has 11:1 compression so, that's not going to work real well, or will blow up.

 

Perhaps I was a tad too subtle. Let me see if i can state it a bit more obviously.

I like the top down, breeze over the windshield, vent directed blast in the face, buffeting on the neck, sound of valves, exhaust and tires, road near butt Britishness of it all. Does that clarify my position on open wheel motoring in a vintage roadster?

 

Even if they offered a blower for the Healey, I don't think there's room for it in the engine compartment. I'm perfectly content with my car's power as-is. My TR3 could use some oomph, though. But it only drives around Sanibel Island where the speed limit never exceeds 35 MPH so extra power would hardly get used.

 

I got you the first time, Chuck, but I was going to question RNL about those big A/C-looking vents in the center of the dashboard, so when you mentioned A/C, that's what I was referring to when I posted. Pray tell, RNL, are those just ventilation/heating vents or is there an actual A/C compressor, too?

 

Those vents are stock and provide wonderful fresh air on cold wintry days from an intake between the bonnet and windscreen. There is no compressor but, yes Moss makes an aftermarket a/c. I suppose you would need a long extension cord to power it

 

Lucas: The Prince of Darkness.