The "modernising" trend

[Rob B]

Modifying and modernising classic cars to give them extra performance and/or reliability is nothing new but I've noticed a trend lately of specialist engineering firms taking things a stage further.

You now have the Jensen Interceptor R - Built on a classic Interceptor shell but re-engineered from the ground up with new engine, drivetrain, brakes, suspension, interior and modern conveniences like ABS and all the electronic gizmo's associated with modern motoring - http://www.jensen-cars.co.uk/

Then you have various firms doing similar updates of the E-Type - http://www.jaguarspeedster.com/

The Mk2 Jag Saloon - http://www.beacham-jaguar.co.nz/MARQUES ... M+MK2.html

and now even the humble MG B has had the re-engineering treatment - http://www.frontlinedevelopments.com/pr ... le50.shtml

I'm sure someone was building "new" classic Mini's using new heritage shells but updated running gear as well but can't find a link.

So my question is, could the big six stand the same treatment? What engine/drivetrain would you go for? What firm would be best placed to carry out the redesign? Perhaps you don't agree with classic cars being stripped of their innards and modern stuff squashed in (in the case of the MG they are built on new shells from BMH so no old MG's are harmed in the making)?

In the case of the Jags its quite an easy prospect because Jag are still going and putting in more modern stuff from the same company is a kind of evolution.

For a modernised Triumph saloon which way would you go? I suppose using Jag running gear would at least be utilising a British made engine but personally I wouldn't want to go the V8 route, it would have to be a six which doesn't leave many options. BMW is the obvious choice but I could never bring myself to use any of their products so that's out. Jag (Ford based) V6 could be an option but I think my preference would be for the 3.7 Litre Nissan straight 6 as used in the 370Z.

A de-bumpered, strengthened mk1 shell with the Nissan engine and six speed gearbox, ABS, Central locking, full leather interior with memory and heated seats plus full climate control. Coupled with up-to-date suspension and variable power steering. I think I would retain the standard dash but re-trimmed in leather and detailed with aluminium. Now that would be something really special.

[CAR]

Sadly Rob, even the Nissan 370z has a bent 6 in it rather than the traditional straight engine of the 240/260/280z.

Someone on this forum with a mk1 is doing just what you talk about engine and gearbox wise with something from Munich

I will be doing the EFI thing to the estate (soon) having bought the kit from the forum user above, so this must count as modernising and many people running our cars have polybushes, stag brakes, retro fitted PAS, larger diameter road wheels etc, so do we count that as modernising or basic good economics with replacement stag discs being so much cheaper and 13" tyres almost impossible to buy?

I agree with Rob in that the inline 6 is the obvious way to go if changing the engine, the cars were produced with them, Munich and Stuttgart (in the past) have offered this configuration in abundance, Lexus have used them too.The Nissan (fast and furious) skylines use inline 6s and turbos!

If you go down the v6 route what about an Alfa engine, they look superb and produce a lot of power, all alloy so a weight saving there too.

Perhaps if we are looking to embrace true modernity we should be shoehorning an oil burner under the bonnet. Many will have seen a diesel Scimitar in a classic car mag, that was an inline 6 (although from Bavaria - sorry Rob), a volvo or merc 5 cylinder diesel might be more realistic in size for under the bonnet and still provide an interesting engine note, fiat/alfa do one too.

I personally think that you may be losing some of the car's original character with each upgrade or modernity that you add, but each to their own and if you have the room why not have more than one car with an original and 'modern' 2000.

Luckily I can enjoy a ride in Dad's car Cecil to enjoy the true 2000 experience if our cars stray to far from originality.

Colin.

[Rob B]

It's not something im ever likely to be able to afford and to be honest if I did have that much spare cash floating around then I think I would rather spend it on an Interceptor R, they are just amazing.

Do think it would be interesting though, would love to see it done by someone with the money and know-how.

With the constant problems im having with the Dolly at the moment its certainly tempting to rip out the 1500 engine and stick something more modern in there - a Rover L-Series Diesel would make for a useful increase in power, economy and (hopefully) reliability.

[englishbull]

My mate wants to convert a MK1 saloon over to Nissan ZX turbo running gear.............

Know of a cossie engined MK1.

[Rob B]

My mate wants to convert a MK1 saloon over to Nissan ZX turbo running gear.............

Know of a cossie engined MK1.

Engine swaps are nothing new, what interests me more is the more comfort orientated upgrades, aircon, electric seats and safety stuff like ABS etc. A car with all the style of the past but up to date tech.

[kevinw]

Rover 75 or modern S type Jag? Both built as pastiches of 60's cars but with all the modern trimmings. Another 10 years or so and they will be old enough to consider as classics.

Kevin

[englishbull]

Rover 75 or modern S type Jag? Both built as pastiches of 60's cars but with all the modern trimmings. Another 10 years or so and they will be old enough to consider as classics.

Kevin

Hasving had two Rover 75 estate guises one a Connessiuer amd a the other MG .................I can definately rate the 75 version better trimmed out and lovely styling. The diesels are bullet proof aswell.

[CAR]

My mate wants to convert a MK1 saloon over to Nissan ZX turbo running gear.............

Know of a cossie engined MK1.

Engine swaps are nothing new, what interests me more is the more comfort orientated upgrades, aircon, electric seats and safety stuff like ABS etc. A car with all the style of the past but up to date tech.

Sadly it's the techy stuff and the cost to interrogate and then repair the car's systems on modern cars that often send them to an early grave.
A lot of the appeal of an older pre multi ECU controlled car is the ability to fix it at the roadside with just a selection of hand tools.
Many forum users will have experienced their modern car going into a limp home mode and then needing the latest software loaded in to iron out the glitch.
Even electric seats are great until a different setting is needed for another driver and the motor or switch says no.

Looking at it from a different angle, how often is an inopperative overdrive on our cars found to be an electrical problem?
Do you really want these problems on everything from your windows to seats and brakes to heating?

How much of the techy stuff will be working still on a 20yr old 75 or S type and how much to repair it? Mind you my sister has a 75 tourer and that seems to be very reliable.
The last job I had in London, our CEO had a chauffeured Daimler super v8. It went in for a service and the driver mentioned a 'couple of bulbs out' in the dash at night, couldn't see the gauges so well.
£2000 later the dash illuminated properly, sadly the 'bulbs' weren't replaceable.

Colin.

[CAR]

Hasving had two Rover 75 estate guises one a Connessiuer amd a the other MG .................I can definately rate the 75 version better trimmed out and lovely styling. The diesels are bullet proof aswell.

Pipe and slippers for Mr.Godfrey please

[englishbull]

Hasving had two Rover 75 estate guises one a Connessiuer amd a the other MG .................I can definately rate the 75 version better trimmed out and lovely styling. The diesels are bullet proof aswell.

Pipe and slippers for Mr.Godfrey please

And Mr Potter................

However. would the Big Sixes not have been pipe and slipper cars in their day?.