| Author | Message | ||
     Benoit Leus Grand Master Username: benoitleus Post Number: 356 Registered: 6-2009 |
I recently turned 50 and had maybe reminded my family a bit too much that I thought it was a special event that deserved a special gift. Well, my wife certainly came through as this is what she got me :  Admittedly, it’s the less desireable rubber bumper version in a lurid 70’s colour but it’s 17 year old restoration has aged well. I plan to convert it to chrome bumper anyway and might change the colour at the same time. It’s also a very different driving experience to the Silver Shadow. | ||
| Geoff Wootton Grand Master Username: dounraey Post Number: 1931 Registered: 5-2012 |
It looks great Benoit. Just in time for summer. Maintaining it will be so much easier than the Rolls. | ||
| Omar M. Shams Grand Master Username: omar Post Number: 1464 Registered: 4-2009 |
Dear Benoit, congratulations on your 50th birthday and of the two birthday presents that you have been given so far I think the Jacket that Ross gave you has to be comparable to none. However, Mrs Leus has trumped Ross with her gift to you. I actually love this colour on the midgets. What a lovely car!!Congratulations..... Omar | ||
| Mark Luft Prolific User Username: bentleyman1993 Post Number: 177 Registered: 10-2016 |
Congratulations Benoit!! 50 is a milestone year, you deserve a special gift from your dear wife. I gave the same car to my daughter on her 16th birthday. It was an easy car to drive and maintain. Enjoy the weather with the top down. Mark | ||
| Mark Aldridge Grand Master Username: mark_aldridge Post Number: 521 Registered: 10-2008 |
Congrats Benoit, I have had my 1970 Sprite for 41 years, and I also have a 1979 1500 Midget, that I keep and use at my coast home. Straight through exhaust, roof down, just don't grow up ! If you find the original exhaust mundane, the RC40 Silencer and tailpipe from a BMC Mini works well. I have just purchased a rather nice 1985 230E Mercedes saloon, maintained by a well known local Mercedes specialist from new for all but the last 5 years and it is returning to him for a sevice next week so my 1983 Mulsanne is for sale. ( Can't keep everything)Keeping the Shadow, S1 and Bentley8, so won't get withdrawal symptoms too badly. Mark | ||
| Larry Kavanagh Prolific User Username: shadow_11 Post Number: 165 Registered: 5-2016 |
Nice Midget Benoit. If you decide to change to chrome bumpers I think the suspension has to be lowered too and you will still have the square rear wheel arches rather than the earlier round ones. A grill will be needed also. Chrome looks better but personally I would stick with originality and enjoy the ride. I had a 1500 similar to yours a few years ago, had too many cars and not enough garage space so the Midget was presented to my brother who still has it as a running restoration. I have a Triumph Spitfire 1500 which has the same engine as your Midget and a Triumph Herald convertible 13/60 also same engine just not bored out as much. Enjoy, they're fun and easy to maintain. | ||
| richard george yeaman Grand Master Username: richyrich Post Number: 958 Registered: 4-2012 |
Benoit enjoy your car, don't change it, Richard. | ||
| Mark Aldridge Grand Master Username: mark_aldridge Post Number: 522 Registered: 10-2008 |
Benoit, to change to chrome bumper is a lot of work, including new front wings, front panel, lowering suspension, reshaping rear panel, altering lower part of rear wings around the bumper etc. In my opinion. live with the black bumpers, but ensure front shocks are good (and have oil in them !) and consider a Spax adjustable rear shockabsorber conversion. I have this on both my cars and it is excellent. Just enjoy the car. Mark | ||
| Geoff Wootton Grand Master Username: dounraey Post Number: 1932 Registered: 5-2012 |
Hi Benoit I agree with Mark, Richard and Larry - I personally would keep the car as it is. It looks great. Your wife selected a gem for you. Geoff | ||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 1842 Registered: 9-2004 |
Cracking little sports car as is what a present to behold. I think they used the marina gearbox in the later ones, 4 speed synchromesh box. Don't hold the clutch pedal down in gear at traffic lights or ride the pedal in the stop go traffic, have changed to many cranks over the years due to thrust bearing failure. Maybe a mod has been done over the years. A true classic to drive with ease in todays traffic. | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 1871 Registered: 4-2016 |
Happy 50th Benoit. Many happy returns. Fantastic present mate, I hope you enjoy many years of topless motoring there. | ||
| Omar M. Shams Grand Master Username: omar Post Number: 1466 Registered: 4-2009 |
of course we all like topless motoring and topless everything......... | ||
| Vladimir Ivanovich Kirillov Grand Master Username: soviet Post Number: 865 Registered: 2-2013 |
Benoit, it is true in Belgium that you can drive around with topless girls in the car as long as they are very attractive, isn't it? | ||
| Larry Kavanagh Prolific User Username: shadow_11 Post Number: 169 Registered: 5-2016 |
Yes Vladimir, providing they are wearing seat belts! | ||
| Benoit Leus Grand Master Username: benoitleus Post Number: 359 Registered: 6-2009 |
Vlad, if only that were a reality. In Belgium were pretty laid back about things like that but I'm afraid I can't see that happening soon. | ||
| Vladimir Ivanovich Kirillov Grand Master Username: soviet Post Number: 867 Registered: 2-2013 |
Damn Benoit, but it would be good to tool around in a convertible Rolls Royce with three hot babes all perky and topless for moral reasons only and just giggle when you pay the fine wouldn't it? When Omar and I hit Belgium eventually we'll see what mischief and scalliwag capers we can get up to! | ||
| Omar M. Shams Grand Master Username: omar Post Number: 1470 Registered: 4-2009 |
I have my ticket to Belgique ready..... bring on the topless girls........ |
