Car of the Month

November 2014

Owners name: Roly Alcock

Owners location: Upton upon Severn, GB

Model: Sprite HAN8 Mk3 w/up windows 64 - 66

Engine size/type: 1098cc A Series

Year of manufacture: 1965

Colour: Tartan Red

How long owned: 1 Year

History of Car and any work or modifications carried out: I inherited this car from a friend when he died a year ago. This car has had an extensive rebuild around 10 years ago and subsequently has lost some of its MK3 features in favour of MK4. It runs very nicely and recently took part in the Register Welsh Weekender. I am looking forward to having a competition with Neil Thomas in November to see who has the lowest powered engine at the Aldon Rolling Road event. My engine is a low compression Morris 1000 engine so I am in with a chance!

Recomissioning the car has been interesting. Fortunately the previous owner had documented the electrical circuit upgrades.... The water pump needed replacement, much cursing accompanied the re-fitment of the 4 radiator mounting bolts over the 6 hours that took.... The braking system was filled with silicone fluid - thank heavens - as some loose pipe work connections sprayed the fluid over the nice shiny paintwork. The rear brakes were nearly totally ineffective and needed new shoes, handbrake levers, handbrake rods and compensator. They work well now.

 The car sits comfortably with its stable mate, a 1934 Singer Le Mans which is currently sporting exactly the same power plant and gearbox.

 I did have a 1926 Trojan but that had to go because three cars are OK to store and maintain, but too many to drive to keep in running condition.

Nickname of Car: None