Having had zero response to my posting about a car exchange, my thoughts have turned to cars other than MG.
I would really like something more roomy and more torquey at lower revs than a PB 2 seater for similar value and have seen a 1933 Hornet Special advertised .
Would those with experience of Hornets please let me have their views on how they compare. I know that the original Hornet had virtually the same engine as an F-type MG while the car for sale has a chain driven camshaft. Would this non cross-flow engine be troubled with head gasket problems like the F-type? I have also heard reports of whippy chassis front ends. As a fairly sedate driver in my old age, would this be noticeable?
All the Hornets have a chain drive to the camshaft. A very good system so long as the chain tensioner works ok. My engine in a hornet saloon has a water pump but some say you get better cooling without the pump especially in traffic. The head is a different shape to the F type. I believe less prone to gasket failure. The hornet special is definitely more roomy and comfortable.
Also, consider a mid 1930s Riley 9, which competed with the L and N types at the time. The money you have from the P type would get you a nice Lynx tourer. These are well engineered small cars with good reliability and support, at significantly lower cost than a six cyl triple M, and a much better chassis than a Hornet. David J3 and Riley Kestrel
Thanks for your advice David. As a fellow owner of a Riley Kestrel (9HP in my case), I do agree that a Riley Lynx would be desirable but the 9HP Rileys are brought down to a low speed on the steep hills of Derbyshire and North Staffordshire where I live. Now, if I could find a 12HP Lynx for the same value as my P-type that would be a good solution!
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Posted - 15/05/2017 : 20:23:25
