Author |
Topic |
|
morisani
Italy
109 Posts |
Posted - 15/07/2019 : 15:35:46
|
On an MG PA on sale in Italy, which presents many details not correct, in the engine one can se a part named "acquaplane". Any idea what it is? It is just a curiosity. Thanks Francesco
|
|
MaGic_GV
United Kingdom
868 Posts |
Posted - 15/07/2019 : 15:46:43
|
This is a tuning modification for Ford side valves, so the engine is Ford. Might be possible to return to original if your pockets are deep enough!
Regards, Graham
|
|
|
Mikeenty
United Kingdom
195 Posts |
Posted - 15/07/2019 : 19:17:56
|
This inlet manifold allowed you to fit Twin carbs. I had an Aquaplane ally cylinder head on my Ford special in 1964. It would rev all the way to 2500. The Ashley laminates body looked great! Mike.
|
|
|
Blue M
United Kingdom
1455 Posts |
Posted - 15/07/2019 : 19:44:25
|
Good enough for the Morgan 4/4 and Dellow and many others. I wish I'd kept my Super Two - went like a rocket. |
|
|
Cooperman
United Kingdom
751 Posts |
Posted - 15/07/2019 : 20:55:17
|
I have a friend now in his 80's who built a Lotus Seven in about 1958/9, he still has it and it has many Aquaplane modifications to the Ford engine. He reckons that it still has the original air in the tyres, don't think I'll take up his offer of a ride.
John Cooper M 628 |
|
|
Blithe Spirit
United Kingdom
184 Posts |
Posted - 16/07/2019 : 09:41:32
|
Hi Francesco, Aquaplane was a significant engine mariniser and tuner in the 1950s, specialising in the Ford 10 engine, but also offering tuning kits for other engines. They were based near Lowestoft in the UK, and grew out of the then popular sport of hydroplane racing on the Norfolk/Suffolk Broads (lakes). Their manifolds etc are still available through Paul Beck. Though derided by the Triple M fraternity because so many J2s were re-engined with it in the 1950s, this compact 1172 cc sidevalve engine was a popular sports/racing engine in period, being standard fitment in the Lotus 6 plus many other specialist UK sports cars. It seemed to rev happily to over 5500rpm on the standard bottom end. There was an excellent racing formula for these cars under the 750 Motor Club banner, that got many people into racing car design and construction. Along with the Austin 7, it formed the backbone of the London Special Builders Group that started the careers of Chapman, Mallock, Broadley, Pilbeam and others. I drove my J3 in the early 1980s with its 1957 Aquaplane 1172 engine, and it made a fantastic autotest (and trials) car - sorry. David |
|
|
Cooperman
United Kingdom
751 Posts |
Posted - 16/07/2019 : 09:51:42
|
Don't be sorry David, many things that were common practice in the 50's and 60's are frowned upon today. Not many had grasped the nuances of the Triple M engine and spares were only available from the scrapyard, which is why so many cars had the ubiquitous Ford 100E engines fitted and it was the basis of many specials of the time.
John Cooper M 628 |
|
|
DickMorbey
United Kingdom
3668 Posts |
Posted - 16/07/2019 : 10:01:11
|
Hello Francesco. Do you have any more details of this car - or perhaps a copy of the sale advert?
Dick Morbey PA-PB 0743 Frieth, Oxon, UK |
|
|
morisani
Italy
109 Posts |
Posted - 17/07/2019 : 20:19:05
|
Thanks all. There is always something to learn about Triple M cars put. Very interesting news about 50's and 60's practices. More details about the car with Acquaplane device You can find in the web site of an italian car dealer named Cristiano Lozzago near Brescia. |
|
|
morisani
Italy
109 Posts |
Posted - 17/07/2019 : 20:19:42
|
Luzzago |
|
|
Blue M
United Kingdom
1455 Posts |
Posted - 23/07/2019 : 06:43:22
|
By coincidence, Les Brown (previously known to me as 'Olivia's Dad) spotted my car on the way back from Prescott at Woodsley. He has written a great book about Specials which I couldn't stop myself buying on the spot. Go to www.specialobsessions.yolasite.com |
|
|
|
Topic |
|