A Modern Car
Sir,
Encouraged by the letter of Mr. G. Morgan in which he expresses his pleasure in finally getting his car roadworthy, the following may be of interest.
In July last year we purchased a new M.G. Magnette which, after I had made a complaint about pimples in the paintwork, was returned to Cowley to be resprayed, being delivered at last with 300 miles to its credit. The car was then most carefully run-in, using B.P. Energol Viscostatic oil, for the next 5/600 miles, when it was noticed that instead of getting better the performance was deteriorating and a noise similar to big-end bearings had started. Approaching the local garage I was informed in no uncertain terms that such an occurrence was unheard of. A Crypton tune was decided upon and this made the noise worse. On visiting the Distributor in Leicester I was told once more that this was the “best engine made by B.M.C. and you shouldn’t have used that oil, we don’t recommend it.” Thus admonished for nothing and told again to “run it in,” I departed.
A mere 500 miles later the local garage replaced the bearings, which had no trace of the original white metal on them, and kindly changed my oil for Duckhams—” this won’t ruin your bearings, old chap.” No improvement in performance was noticed so once more to Leicester, where the car remained for a week and secret things were done. On collection I was amazed to find that at last the noisy speedometer registered over 60 miles an hour, and without rumbles from the engine. At this great speed, however, all the doors rattle, the speedometer scratches like a 1900 phonograph and the back axle hums away noisily to the occupants.
Once more to Leicester, where nothing can be found to rectify and I am once more admonished to ” run it in,” and told that the car is “no better and no worse than any of them; they are all over-bodied, you know.” I didn’t know and I wish someone had told me.
The faults are : smell of petrol, paintwork already discoloured and rusty, the stainless steel( ?) is going rusty, the chrome is pitted, thanks to Seelastik it does not rain in any more, the doors rattle, the carpets are too small, the engine is noisy, lacks power, never gets warm and yet consumes quantities of water, and petrol, and the steering and brakes would hardly pass the ten-year test according to some of your correspondent’s experience of it.
On page 161 the advertisement says, ” 50 m.p.h. in 13.5 sec.”; it is a misprint and should read 31.5 sec., and the next Motor quotation renders me speechless! If this is sporting performance VW owners should be compelled to wear crash helmets.
At one time, Sir, I used to think you were biased in your choice of car, but if this is the ” crisp, clean look.” etc., may I join the queue for a ” beetle.” Carry on the good work and long may your efforts for better British workmanship continue and may I wish much success to your magazine.
I am, Yours, etc.,
Leicester. D. Kemp