Hi all,
Am in discussion with a friend about doing a long distance historic endurance rally. I recall that one of our members converted a MM for rallying. I’d like to talk to them to understand what problems they faced in using the car for extreme driving. I could use something smaller but rather value my creature comforts! If anyone reading this can remember who it was I’d appreciate a name or any reference from the Driving Member.

Barmy but brilliant!
If you do it, I’ll donate the vehicle tracker so we don’t lose you

Don't know who in the club rallied one, but Alistair Caldwell did; http://www.alastaircaldwell.com/the-car ... -major.htm
JB

I feel a DM article coming on...

grahamemmett wrote: ↑Wed Sep 12, 2018 9:37 am I feel a DM article coming on...

Yes, take lots of notes and photos, during the preparation, rally and aftermath. Perhaps a video too.

Excellent, thanks for the link. Planning i it’s early stages, we considered using a Major or a Mk10 jag. I suspect biggest problem will be housing a large enough fuel tank.

Marcus wrote: ↑Fri Sep 14, 2018 7:55 am Excellent, thanks for the link. Planning i it’s early stages, we considered using a Major or a Mk10 jag. I suspect biggest problem will be housing a large enough fuel tank.

You will have a huge boot (trunk) to store some jerrycans, or will you fill it up with camping equipment and food?

My advice - beef up the suspension if you will visit any third-world country (even for British roads). Where are you going? You can't go far in HK except up and down the peak. China? Build up the bump stops, possibly with springs in case the suspension fails. When I was young the family took a 1934 Bentley across France, Spain and Portugal in 1950s where roads were terrible and we were overloaded with suitcases, etc. When we got home we discovered that the rear suspension had failed and we had been on just the bump stops!

I applaud your efforts having owned two of these. I guess you will crowdfund the fuel bill! They are fairly robust, fast and handle surprisingly well. Weak point for me is the gearbox. Would be so much better if you upgraded to a ZF box.

18 - 20 mpg is possible but I would guess early teens on this escapade.

Best of luck

SimonP

Thanks all for the kind words. This will be a 2019 effort, although I have already found a willing co-driver. Lets hope he is silling to share the fuel costs!!
I will take some pics as we progress. Agree that the gearbox upgrade would be a good idea however I recall that the cost from Graham WWhitehouse is something in the region of 6,000 pounds. That makes it too expensive.

Are the gearboxes known to be weak? I've never had any problem with mine.
JB