12-07-2018, 09:01 AM
Hello Delia and welcome to the Forum
As well as running a Seven, I too restore valve radios from the 1930's and have a 1952 405 line TV which still works. I'm aware of two or three other forum contributors with an interest in such things.
Back to Austins, the RP and even the Ruby just pre-date the introduction of lead in petrol and are low revving engines, so you shouldn't need any lead replacement additive though it will do no harm. The thing which can potentially cause upset is the ethanol added to modern fuel. I use BP ultimate, as it is reputed to have little or no ethanol. I've had no trouble with corrosion or the formation of gum etc when laid up.
The term "Daily Driver" covers a wide spectrum. The dream for many is to pootle round traffic free country roads in the sunshine a la James Herriot. The reality may be nearer to grinding through traffic on a winter's evening over salt covered roads, and coping with modern drivers who have no concept of trafficators or longer braking distances. Although some modifications like better lights can be made, one has to bear in mind that when these cars were designed many people used them for just picnics and pleasure, I suspect that use for work was a rarity. It wasn't unknown for cars to be only used for 6 months in the summer and laid up in the winter.
My personal choice it to use my car for pleasure trips when the sun shines, figuring that if it has survived 80 odd years it deserves to relax a bit in its retirement. I do concede that all cars benefit from regular use, and others are much more daring in the extent of their motoring.
Spare parts are in good supply at present, though original spares are naturally becoming scarcer with prices to match.
Do try actually driving a Seven before committing - they demonstrate how far steering and handling have advanced over the years, and need to be driven more "actively" which for many is part of the charm !
Anyway, best of luck with your search for an RP.
Cheers, John
As well as running a Seven, I too restore valve radios from the 1930's and have a 1952 405 line TV which still works. I'm aware of two or three other forum contributors with an interest in such things.
Back to Austins, the RP and even the Ruby just pre-date the introduction of lead in petrol and are low revving engines, so you shouldn't need any lead replacement additive though it will do no harm. The thing which can potentially cause upset is the ethanol added to modern fuel. I use BP ultimate, as it is reputed to have little or no ethanol. I've had no trouble with corrosion or the formation of gum etc when laid up.
The term "Daily Driver" covers a wide spectrum. The dream for many is to pootle round traffic free country roads in the sunshine a la James Herriot. The reality may be nearer to grinding through traffic on a winter's evening over salt covered roads, and coping with modern drivers who have no concept of trafficators or longer braking distances. Although some modifications like better lights can be made, one has to bear in mind that when these cars were designed many people used them for just picnics and pleasure, I suspect that use for work was a rarity. It wasn't unknown for cars to be only used for 6 months in the summer and laid up in the winter.
My personal choice it to use my car for pleasure trips when the sun shines, figuring that if it has survived 80 odd years it deserves to relax a bit in its retirement. I do concede that all cars benefit from regular use, and others are much more daring in the extent of their motoring.
Spare parts are in good supply at present, though original spares are naturally becoming scarcer with prices to match.
Do try actually driving a Seven before committing - they demonstrate how far steering and handling have advanced over the years, and need to be driven more "actively" which for many is part of the charm !
Anyway, best of luck with your search for an RP.
Cheers, John