Fairthorpe reminder
I have been reading the article in issue 218 regarding the Fairthorpe Electron Minor. It brought back a few memories of an article I read when I was a kid around 1967, in an old “Eagle Book of Cars & Motor Sport” from the 1950s. It’s about a young couple who can’t afford a new car so they pay a visit to Air Vice-Marshal Bennett at Fairthorpe Ltd, Gerrards Cross. It describes how John Worley and his fiancé Dorothy purchase and build a Fairthorpe Electron Minor. It’s a fantastic period piece of 1950s sexist journalism describing, amongst other things, Dorothy’s difficulty in deciphering the electrical chart… Never get away with that these days… It would be interesting to know if the couple are still around, don’t you think? I have attached the article. I hope you find it interesting.
Rob, via email
Follow the Hunter?
I thoroughly enjoyed issue 218 as were visiting relatives and so there has been more time to read it cover to cover – if the digital version has covers. Remembering the articles on converting a Chevette to rally spec (years ago in a nowdefunct magazine), a follow up to the recent sale of Gez Hughes’ Hillman Hunter for such a conversion strikes me as an interesting series. So much so that I thought I'd send an email. Really enjoyed the Electron Minor article as, to me over here, it's a very rare car. But then I enjoy most issues – one reason I keep subscribing.
Frank French, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Unknown MG
I have an MG Midget that has, since I bought it, posed a question, or rather a series of questions. It is a 1972 MkIII in all but registration date, which is 1982. I know it was used as a racer, that it was built from parts in 1982, that it has a custom front end and that I have owned it for 10 years or so. However, that's about where it stops. I have got the past owners details from the DVLA but that didn't really bring up any clues. I am trying to find out: Why its chassis number is CZJ706 - why is it not a GAN number? Where did this chassis come from? What was it before this - was it ever a factory produced car prior to 1982? Does anyone remember seeing it raced or racing it? Is there anyway I could pose these questions to the readers of your publication with a couple of pictures in case anyone recognises it? I have tried on and off to find answers, but to no avail - and going through you probably has the best chance of getting some!
Jack James
GS: Hello Jack, we can’t find any reference to CZJ as a chassis number for UK cars. The only reference close to your CZJ code is for a North American replacement bodyshell: N. America Sprite MkIV and Midget MkIII CZJ 140 (C)(change point) H-AN9-77501 on and (C) G-AN"-'J6226 on. Can any readers help Jack? Please get in touch and we’ll pass on
your replies.
Pop goes the gearbox?
I really enjoy reading your magazine every month. Long may it continue. I recently purchased a 1959 Ford 100E Pop. It was bought new by a lady who ran it until 1992. She sold it to another lady who drove it for a few miles but did not like the 3-speed box, so laid the car up until 2013, sold it to a chap who recommissioned the brakes and engine, had it MoT’d and sold it to me. I share the second owner’s problem with the 3-speed box.
I know the last of the 100E models had the 4-speed box and OHV engine of the 105E. Could this unit or just the gearbox be fitted in my 100E and if so, what, if any, would be needed. The mileage on the car is 24,700 from new.
P.E. J. Moore, Cornwall
GS: Hello Mr Moore, having made enquiries on your behalf I discovered the very informative website at http:// www.pop100e.com/ which is based upon a 100E believed to be in the region of the 925,000th car off the production line. The site is packed with info. I have printed off the page about the 3-speed box and the numerous solutions available, both in period and now, to sort exactly what you describe regarding its shortcomings. I have posted it to you in response to your letter. Here’s an excerpt. Let us know how you proceed.
“When the 100E was current, there were various solutions offered to the problem of the car not only being restricted to 3 gears, but having a huge gap between 2nd and 3rd plus a restrictive rear axle ratio. The original combination was no doubt a compromise caused by the road conditions at the time, the typical intended buyer, production costs, economy of operation and so on .
he solutions Tincluded overdrive gearboxes, 4-speed bespoke gearboxes, conversion kits to allow the fitment of other common 4-speed units, different gear clusters for the 3-speed gearbox and varying crown wheel and pinions to change the gearing within the rear axle.”
Crash-for-cash casualty
Just tried one of your advertising insurance companies to get my son’s Midget insured (he is 20) to go with our TVR. Only to find the postcode DH9 is blacklisted due to a ‘crash for cash’ scheme that made the national news (recent Channel 4 documentary). The villains who committed the crime are at Her Majesty’s pleasure and the area is now back to its low crime levels (One of the lowest in the UK), but we are still suffering. Any support you can give so we can get a young MG enthusiast insured at a reasonable cost appreciated. By the way, his daily driver is the 80th MG3 manufactured in the UK and the only one with Lady Grey paint and Mod Octagon stripes, so far.
John Nearney
GS: Since contacting us, we were informed by John that he had found a company offering favourable rates.