NZ 1973 Marina 'like new'

[marina12]

In New Zealand.
https://postanote.co.nz/motors/classic- ... i3_cJTfWK0

[Marinanut]

£2600.... not bad!!!

[locost_bryan]

More photos here. Looks like a very straight and original Aussie 1750 Super.

[Kilroy]

This car is every bit as good as it looks.

Previous owner belonged to the local Morris club and frequented the monthly runs.

Unfortunately, I get the distinct feeling that the E series engines are less reliable than either B or O series units.

Go well while they're going though...

[locost_bryan]

This car is every bit as good as it looks.

Previous owner belonged to the local Morris club and frequented the monthly runs.

Unfortunately, I get the distinct feeling that the E series engines are less reliable than either B or O series units.

Go well while they're going though...

I had no problems with my 1750, but blown head gaskets were common on the Aussie sixes, possibly due to cooling issues from the siamesed bores. Suspect the E-series was another victim of BL's money woes, and their failure to train assembly workers and service agents for "new tech" (same as for the Stag V8 and Dolly Sprint).

Some of the E6's woes are detailed here. Gearbox woes gave the (early) Maxi and 1500 a bad rep.

[Kilroy]

Nah.

I applaud your attempts to make light of the situation - but all correspondence I have regarding the E series 1750 unit suggests endless problems with reliability with current units.
I have no idea if this has always been the situation - but it seems to be now.

By comparison, the B series is capable of long term service with minimal maintenance, and although the O series was never really put to the test - I have several examples which are well into the high 200 thousands with no issues whatsoever.
In fact - I would have to comment that they seem to thrive on adversity.

Thanks to Chris (Marinacoupe) I have some serious tuning bits to apply to an O series engine.
It will be at least 2 litre and enjoy both gasflowing and some high tech balancing.
I am of the opinion that the O series unit could prove to be the most serious contender for power delivery in N/A form of all Marina powerplants.

I shall of course keep you informed of developments...

[locost_bryan]

Nah.

I applaud your attempts to make light of the situation - but all correspondence I have regarding the E series 1750 unit suggests endless problems with reliability with current units.
I have no idea if this has always been the situation - but it seems to be now.

Forewarned is forearmed, as they say. What problems can I look forward to with the 1750? I know BL did little development to it during the Maxi's lifetime, and it never got the aftermarket tuning support the A and B had, so bound to be things that aren't surviving well after 40 years (timing chain and tensioners spring to mind).

Looking forward to the uber O-series.

[Kilroy]

Bryan.
Sorry - was not meaning to rain on your parade there.
I have a local friend with several 1750's, plus he had one in an Allegro.
Head gaskets seem to be a recurring problem, but there have been issues with other engine internals as well as a scarcity of the most commonly needed parts.
Oil filters seem to be alarming in cost - although there was an adaptor used on some later models which enabled use of a cheaper filter.
I met another young chap south of Oamaru who used to post on here - he has an E series coupe - who also had a range of engine issues that seem to have resulted in the car never getting on the road. Cannot remember what they were now.

Obviously there is nothing preventing E series owners converting to B or O series transplants - the problem is they spend a lot of cash and energy trying to get it all together in original form, then lose enthusiasm when it does not happen.

My feeling is that the O series is the most fuel efficient, is easy to convert to 2 litre, is OHC, has lighter valves, has an 8 port head, should be potentially the most tuneable unit of all.

Problem is - do we have enough time left to find out...?

[locost_bryan]

iirc the young guy from Oamaru way was Chris, ended up doing a Nissan SR20 conversion, think there's a thread on here or RetroRides.

Sadly, being out of production for 40 years, doesn't help with parts supply . The nylon timing chain guides probably fall into the "unobtanium" category, no doubt other things too.

The O-series certainly had plenty of potential. Don't know what changes were made to the bottom end and other internals for the MG injected and turbo versions, or for the later 16-valve M-series and T-series, but they certainly performed well.

If your friend with the 1750's happens to have any spares, I'd been keen to know. Gordon in Invercargill was after some Mk1 dash switches, and I'm after a rubber seal for the passenger's opening front quarterlight window (very rare).

[Kilroy]

I will make inquiries...

[locost_bryan]

I will make inquiries...

Much appreciated. Must pull finger and use the Wanted forum page more.

[Kilroy]

Clarification required.

Am I to understand that the Australian assembled Marinas had different quarterlights than the UK models.?

If not - then I have a number of such.
I have yet to extract them from their donor doors - but they are here.
Next one up is for Hamish as I promised same - but there is another for you if it would fit.

Cheers

[JubileeNut]

U.K. Mk1 had fixed quarter lights with only the jubilee having full opening ones as it was USA spec. Mk2 only HL and GT had opening quarters but front corner chopped off glass
Mk3 full front windows.
Please correct if I am wrong?

[norway_triumph]

thats correct IIRC
us specs also applies to canadian cars
norwegian cars HL/SUPER from mk 1,5 SOME had opening quarters - don't know about rest of scandinavia tho

[balmy]

U.K. Mk1 had fixed quarter lights with only the jubilee having full opening ones as it was USA spec. Mk2 only HL and GT had opening quarters but front corner chopped off glass
Mk3 full front windows.
Please correct if I am wrong?

Mk2 specials had opening quarters. Well mine and Phil's have!