Check Out the Hagerty Insurance YouTube Channel

Insurance is one of the necessary evils in life; if it has value, you need to buy coverage both from a common sense standpoint and when required by law. Like most of you, I grumble when I get my homeowners bill with its never ending increases in premiums.Health insurance? Well, haven't we heard enough on that topic over the last couple of years?

My classic cars are covered under a policy written by Hagerty Insurance and I really couldn't be happier with it. The premiums are quite reasonable and I look forward to their quarterly magazine and occasional emails. Now, they've crossed into the world of video with their Hagerty TV YouTube channel. As of this writing, there are only a couple of episodes up, but they are amusing. 

This is Episode Two. I hope you enjoy it. 

The 'King of Cool's' 911 Sells for Big Bucks

McQueen in a Porsche in LeMans in "LeMans"

It's no secret that I am a fan of the 1971 film "LeMans" starring Steve McQueen as a hot shoe Porsche 917 pilot. While critics almost universally panned the the weak story line, gearheads  loved the racing footage, much of which was shot at the 1970 edition of the 24 hour race. 

The opening sequence of the movie includes a montage of shots of McQueen driving a grey Porsche 911 through the French countryside and into the village of LeMans. That 911 sold at auction over the weekend for $1.25 million.  

The $52,000.00 MINI

$52,000.00.  Let that soak in for minute.

The folks at MINI have introduced something they are calling MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD. This particular MINI is being massaged by the craftspeople of Rolls-Royce with luxuries such as burr walnut accents, lambswool carpets and cashmere headliner. Rolls and MINI are both owned by BMW and the inspiration for the cross-pollination may come from the classic "booted" Minis of the 1960's  - the Riley Elf and Wosleley Hornet.

While I've giggled at Aston Martin's tarted up Toyota IQ, this one has me scratching my head. Here is the MINI press release for your perusal:

MINI fans in the US will have their first chance to see two exciting and very different, new MINI vehicles at the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California this week. Both vehicles can be found at the MINI Display, located at the intersection of Pedestrian Walkway and 17-Mile Drive.

The MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD is an exclusive special edition of the MINI Hardtop which has been produced in close collaboration with the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars design team, and it will be displayed alongside the new two-seater MINI Coupe which will also be shown publicly in the USA for the first time.

Your butt could be here for just 52 large

MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD adds another layer to the MINI brand experience, bringing a generous measure of automotive luxury and exclusivity in its highest form. It will be priced at $52,000 (including $700 D&H), when advanced orders begin later this month.

Working with the development center of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, MINI has produced a limited-run special edition MINI, whose exterior and interior design is complemented by fine materials and the British luxury car marque’s commitment to flawless workmanship.

It will be produced in a limited edition of 1,000 units – 140 of which will be available to US customers – and combines typical MINI driving fun with the same discerning craftsmanship, select materials, styling and all-round ‘typical British understatement’ that are hallmarks of the world’s leading producer of luxury automobiles.

Deliveries of the 2012 model year vehicle, which will be launched as part of the exclusive ‘MINI Yours’ range of special edition vehicles and options, are scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2012.

Two of the most striking features of the exterior design are the body finish in the exclusive Rolls-Royce color of Diamond Black metallic and 17-inch light alloy wheels sporting a multi-spoke design. Alternatively, the MINI color Reef Blue metallic can be specified.

A Cooper S engine and no faux bonnet scoop

 Inside, the dashboard (including the surrounds of the central instrument and the air vents), the center console, carpet surfaces, the Lounge leather seats, the roof lining as well as the door, side and body pillar cladding boast the exclusive Rolls-Royce color Cornsilk, a warm and natural shade of beige. Only the upper section of the instrument panel is in black.

In terms of Rolls-Royce materials in the MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD, the interior includes seats covered in Lounge leather, Lambswool floor mats, a cashmere headliner, fascia and front door grab handles in burr walnut veneer and a sports steering wheel with Walknappa leather and Piano Black controls.

Each MINI Inspired by Goodwood is powered by the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that was featured for the first time in the 2011 MINI Cooper S. This engine includes a Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct injection and variable valve control and generates 181 hp, so the sprint from 0 to 60 mph is completed in 6.6 seconds. A choice of either six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be offered

Now, will MINI return the favor to Rolls? Will we see a Ghost with a white roof, dinner plate-sized speedo and supple vinyl seating? Stay tuned. 

Even the Greatest Fail on Occasion

But wait - There's more...

Raymond Loewy, that famous French born industrial designer with impeccable credentials, is known for a number of iconic designs ranging from various Studebakers to the color motif of Air Force One. However, when he was his own client for automotive design, he created things that could be considered something less than beautiful.

Case in point: Loewy's personal Jaguar E-Type is to be auctioned at Bonham's Monterey Auction in California. Check out this Classic & Sports Car blog entry  detailing the story behind this unique 1966 Jaguar. 

You've been warned.

Mugs & Motors; Art & Barbeque

At Cream & Sugar

The August edition of the South Alabama British Car Club's Mugs & Motors was once again well attended with 17 intrepid members braving the summer heat to enjoy coffee and conversation for motoring enthusiasts.

We met at the delightful Cream and Sugar, a neighborhood coffee house in located in the historic Oakleigh Garden District of downtown Mobile. The proprietors reserved the upstairs portion of the shop for our event and it was certainly intimate with its low ceilings and limited seating. The gang got their coffees and sweet treats and did what the group enjoys most - the company of good friends with similar interests. 

Small Room - Big Cups

After refills of coffee and an extra something from the baked goods case, we wandered downstairs and mounted up for trip to Langan Park and the Mobile Museum of Art. Cream and Sugar's porch was then populated with the members of cycling club and they had questions and comments aplenty about the classic British cars parked at the curb. It was a pleasure to talk to the group about the cars and British car hobby.

Parked at the Museum

Our original plan called for the group to caravan out to the museum on Old Shell Road. However, water main construction closed a section of the road so Jack Ross volunteered to lead the group on the Springhill Avenue route. Traffic was minimal and the old oak trees lining the avenue provided some much-appreciated shade from the late summer sun. I was in the newly-fettled MGB and it ran flawlessly, even in the stop-and-go traffic encountered along part of the route.

On arrival at the art museum, we did our best to find some shade to park our cars under, but there was none to be seen. We stepped into the spacious reception area of the museum and were greeted by a gorgeous view of the lake through the wall of windows the made up one side of the circular space.

Group Photo at the Museum

We paid our admission fee and got a quick group photo made in the reception hall. These would be the last photos made in the building as there was a very-clearly posted notice that cameras were not allowed in the galleries. Being literate adults, we knew and understood this, however we were told about this policy two more times before we could get our shot and get the cameras locked up in the cars. When we returned to start our tour, I noticed that each gallery entrance, exit and balcony were occupied by none-too-friendly looking individuals openly scowling at us. Speaking for myself, I felt as though I was being sized up as a potential threat to the security and sanctity of the space. Again, speaking for myself, I was deeply disappointed in the treatment the staff subjected us to in the beginning. 

The museum's collections are very well rounded, with an extensive glass and sculpture collection as well as two dimensional works. For me, the highlight of my visit was viewing the painting depicting the CSS Alabama arbitration tribunal in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Great Barbeque

We spent a leisurely two-plus hours at the lovely facility, but our stomachs told us it was time to find lunch and find it we did at the British Car Festival class sponsor, The Shed Barbeque on Old Shell Road not far from the museum site. The group chowed down on delicious smoked meats while we were serenaded by their extensive blues collection. 

It came time to go our separate ways and I took the Springhill Avenue route home. This time, however, I was drenched by a sudden downpour that hit near the Springhill-Moffatt split and continued all the way to the Mobile Infirmary area. Thankfully, both me and the 'B are quick drying and I kept the pace up to outrun the showers to Spanish Fort. 

Thanks to everyone who participated!     

Not Coming to a Theater Near Me

The new documentary film Senna is said to be one of the best films ever to cover the subject of Formula 1 racing. Centered on the life and career of the legendary Ayrton Senna, the movie has garnered critical praise and a number of awards. Since it is aimed at a fairly narrow audience, its no surprise that a local theater has not picked it up. We will likely have to wait on a DVD or streaming release. Too bad. 

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the trailer.

There for a Reason

A number of publications cite the need for the foam seal that closes up the gap between the radiator and the diaphragm plate on MGBs (up to 1977). Mine has never had one and I thought I was OK without it. The car has always run about a needle width past the "N" mark on the gauge and I have never had a problem with overheating. However, with the staggeringly hot conditions we've experienced along our part of the Gulf Coast, the old girl was running a bit hotter than expected.

A few MGB owners I've known extol the virtues of Moss Motors part number 282-905 "Seal, Radiator to Support" - the foam rubber packing that prevents air flow around the radiator and forces it the flow through it. They tell me that it makes a world of difference in operating temperature. 

Having nothing to lose, I decided to give it a whirl and see if it would help my issue. My long suffering spouse told me that one of her favorite sewing supply stores had foam rubber sheets on hand. We bought one 2 inches thick and I cut a strip off of it 2 by 1-1/2 inches. A two foot section fit the gap just fine.   

This morning, I took the 'B out for a blast to see how well the foam strip did its' job. Very nicely, it turns out. The temperature gauge was showing the usual slightly-past-the "N" running. The only down side is that the foam is light green (something to do with how wonderful it is for the environment). 

I suppose I can live with that. 

How Happy is Your Inner Child?

Deep in all of us lives the child that we once were. Although we are "all grown up" ( at least our toys are) that inner child needs to be taken by the hand and shown a little kindness once in a while. Here's a five minute video about an artist and his work that you should watch. 

My inner child is still smiling.

The Cost to Ship is Part of the Price As Well

In an earlier post about the ongoing saga of the MGB's run of lousy luck, I mentioned that I needed to order a new choke cable. Now MGB owners are really spoiled for choice when it comes time to order parts. There are many good choices of parts suppliers ranging from the small-fry to some truly international operations. For most of us, it comes down to who has it and how much.

Being of a thrifty nature (as opposed to just a cheapskate), I check for selling prices from several suppliers and usually go with the lowest one. This time, however, I checked the prices of a new-to-me vendor to add them to the mix. They did have the lowest selling price, but the shipping charges added to the total were staggering. Here's what I found in my search for an MGB tee handle choke cable:

• Supplier A  - Selling price: $18.00.   Shipping and handling: $14.69.   Total: $32.69
• Supplier B  - Selling price: $19.95.   Shipping and handling: $7.75.     Total: $27.70

As you can see, the difference is over 15%. And the choke cable will fit in a medium-sized envelope.

The lesson here is the check the complete cost. Don't be too quick to enter your payment information if you're buying on the Internet or when ordering over the phone, get the customer service rep to quote the freight and handling as a separate item and if it sounds high ask for a cut rate. You might get it. 

Culture? Yeah We've Got That

Cream and Sugar

Mark your calendars, SABCC'ers for the August edition of Mugs & Motors - Coffee and Conversation for Motoring Enthusiasts. We'll meet at 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 13 at the quaint Cream and Sugar coffee shop in the beautiful Oakleigh Garden District of Mobile. It's located at the corner of Savannah and George Streets not far from lovely Washington Square. We'll enjoy our favorite morning beverage and something from the baked goods case while we chat about whatever takes our collective fancy.

There's plenty of off-street parking in the shaded gravel parking lot next door and we have a reservation, so they will be expecting us.

Mobile Museum of Art

Afterwards, we'll drive out Old Shell Road to Langan Park and the gorgeous Mobile Museum of Art. This treasure in Mobile's jewelry box is one of the Gulf Coast's finest art museums. The permanent collections are complimented by temporary exhibits that change frequently. The entry fee is $8.00 per person (discounted from the normal $10.00) and it is a bargain for a museum of this quality.

I would encourage all of you to drive your British car if at all possible so we can make a statement to the world at large and create our own temporary art exhibit at the museum. 

After the museum visit, we may gather again to have lunch at one of the fine restaurants in the area. 

I hope to see you there! 

A Blog You'll Want to Follow

I had the pleasure of meeting a father and son who visited our last South Alabama British Car Club meeting. It turns out that they are the caretakers of '69 Jaguar E-Type roadster that has been laid up for a few years.

Father David and son David are undertaking a light restoration of their dark blue roadster and son David is chronicling the process in a running blog that he recently established. I heartily recommend that you put it on your browser's bookmarks list and check in often.

The MGB is Home Again

Look out below!

Some posts back, I mentioned that my trusty MGB was temporarily in residence at Richard Cunningham's spacious garage in Daphne. Richard talked me into letting him haul the ailing car the 10 or miles to his place so we could track down a fueling issue - among other things.

The old girl had a habit of sooting up the spark plugs making smooth running a near impossibility. It also had a rather noisy top end so it was determined that a replacement rocker shaft might be in order as well. The cherry on the top of this petrol-doused sundae was the near constant overflow from the twin HS4 carbs. No amount of float bowl tapping seemed to make the float needle seat as it should.

Caged fury

Richard brought his trailer around the McDonald homestead in Spanish Fort where we carefully pushed the yellow peril out of my garage and down the steeply inclined driveway to the waiting trailer below. My garage is about ten feet higher than the street level so I piloted the non-running 'B down the incline and on the trailer. We only had to shove the two front wheels on board and we were ready to roll.

On arrival chez Cunningham we pushed the car off the trailer and into the air conditioned garage where we began to diagnose the issues - after a cup of coffee, of course. First was a compression test (it's never had one and I was a bit concerned about the engine's tightness) and it came up acceptable. No more than 10 psi difference between the cylinders and no less than 130 psi. Whew. 

We then decided to install the better-than-mine rocker shaft that I was able to procure from SABCC President Noel Eagleson's stash of MGB parts. The shaft can be installed without removing the head, but you need more withdrawal space than the radiator and thermostat housing will allow so, out they go. We got the new shaft in with a minimum of fuss and re-installed the critical cooling equipment and coolant juice. We then adjusted the valves to spec and got the old girl running temporarily to see if the valvetrain noise was reduced. Wow - its never run this quiet. Still a little noise with the bonnet up, but it made a world of difference. 

We rock!

Now, shut the car off before we waste any more expensive gasoline on Richard's epoxy-coated garage floor. We pulled the float bowl lids and and the needles looked fine (Viton tipped and installed by Pierre Fontana in 1998) but we thought it would be prudent to chuck in a new set. A phone call to Mike Darby of Darby Classic Restoration revealed that he had an ample stock and, yes, we could drop by and purchase them. 

With a new set of float needles in hand we put them in, set the float height according the book and started the yellow MGB. Nope - still puking out fuel. We repeated the drill several more times with a consistent rate of failure and then decided to call Mike to see what his advice was. It seems that Mike likes to set his floats a little higher than the book so we tried that. It seemed to staunch the flow of fuel to the floor. We buttoned it up and I took it out for a test run. Really nice. 

High fives, fist bumps and caveman hooting noises. Yeah, we bad. 

I set out for home and stopped at the local big box, members-only kind of store to meet my long suffering spouse. I parked the MG and immediately detected the aroma of neat gasoline. A peek under the front of the car confirmed what my generous nose already indicated. I called Richard and he suggested driving the car back to his place where we would snatch the SUs off the car and show them who's boss. 

"Just don't set yourself on fire on the way back," Richard helpfully advised me. Thanks, buddy.

Righty-tighty...

We had the carburetors off the car in a few minutes and we immediately noticed that the float bowls were hanging at an angle that didn't look exactly kosher and the throttle shafts (that I knew were less than tight) were as loose as a six-year-old's front teeth. I called Mike Darby again and asked if I could bring my ailing carbs in for a rebuild and new throttle shaft bushings. "No problem," he said and quoted me one of his usual reasonable prices. I dropped them off and told him that there was no rush to get them back.

Last week, I met up with Mike and the rest of the Friday evening pizza bunch and he announced that he had the carburetors back together as good as they were born. The gang at the table hatched a plan to install the new wool headliner in Richard's 1964 E-Type coupe restoration project and get the carburetors in the yellow peril. We departed with plans to meet up the next afternoon.

Richard got his headliner installed with a minimum of fuss (but a lot of worry) and wrote about it in his excellent blog where he is tracking the restoration process.

Mike and I (OK, mostly Mike) got the carbs installed in the 'B and we started it up. It fired up immediately and ran smoothly, but it was pushing fuel out of the front overflow. I switched off the car and Mike adjusted the level and gave the float and mechanism a thorough looking-over. He replaced the float bowl lid and I started the car once more. Drop tight. The fuel stayed in the fuel system.

Let me show you how its done

I replaced the air filters and buttoned everything up. Mike attached the accelerator cable then tisked-tisked over the state of the choke cable. It had started to fray at the end. He did his best to clip, trim and push the cable over the thimble, but from the look he gave me, I knew it would need replacement. Mike had me start the car again so he could set the mixture and idle. He then pronounced it healed. He suggested I drive it for a while and bring to his shop for final fettling.


The gang celebrated the evening's events with pizza (again) and refreshing adult beverages. We drifted out of the garage with a feeling of accomplishment and we went our separate ways. I took the MG home with Richard following me so I could return and pick up my econobox and get it home as well. 

The next day, a Sunday, I slid into the seat of the MG and pulled the choke handle. Nothing. It wouldn't move. Damn, I suppose it must have a stray wire strand gumming up the operation. I'd best get one on order.  Might as well clean out the boot and get the tools and antifreeze put away, then.

The boot floor is swimming in antifreeze. One of the jugs (the full one, natch) rubbed against the jack and holed the jug, releasing the expensive green fluid into the boot. 

When it rains...