Fast Marina Magazine

MarinaCoupe wrote:mgbv8

Mk1 1.8 Marinas, came in 3 trim levels TC, Super Deluxe (SDL), Deluxe (DL), plus Jubilee special editions (I had to say that otherwise Paul would get the hump). TC cars come as Coupes and Saloons, SDLs and DLs come as Coupes, Saloons and Estates. Auto was optional on all models The SDL & DL variants have a single 1 3/4" SU carb and a torquier but slightly lower power cam, the DL has low compression pistons. You can tell an SDL or DL by the bar across the grille, like my one in the avatar on the right of this entry. All the normal rules about B series tuning apply however, my own is running, gas-flowed, skimmed unleaded head, Piper 270 cam and twim 1 1/2" SUs on upgraded needles, 5 speed Sierra gearbox. All Mk1 Marinas ran the so called "bigger valve" 18V head beloved of MGB tuners.

Mk2s are very similar in range, the big change from the Mk1 was the interior, where the dashboard was changed entirely for a more modern looking unit - some peopl like it and some don't. The trim levels make it harder to distinguish a 1.8 from a 1.3 (no doubt someone here will put me straight on that). The range topper was the GT (instead of the TC) as a Coupe or the same trim level in a four door saloon is called the HL. A great and relatively cheap way of boning up on differences is buying sales literature off EBay, there are plenty of BL brochures listed and they are usually only a pound or two plus postage. Mk2 Marina GTs share the engine with the rubber bumper MGbs.

To complete the picture Mumford in Devon made convertible Marinas (based on a Crayford design), Franks avatar is a MK1 TC one of these.

I'm not sure there are many forum members on here in the Derbyshire area, maybe someone will come forward. If you want to drive down to Bedford I'll happily oblige. I would suggest getting up close and personal with a few cars before deciding what you want exactly, the best place is through the club. If you go to http://www.morrismarina.org.uk there is a link on the front page to Car Shows and Runs. Unlike MG clubs that run their own shows, we generally attend open shows, why not book your V8 into a show that we are attending and come and have a good look?

Although less than in the past, some cars only come up through the club quarterly magazine, so think about joining up - membership is £18.00 per year and an application can be downloaded from the website.

Clan Chieftain wrote:It was withdrawn because it infringed ebay rules on police logo......"allegedly"

Number 63 wrote:Does that not say 'For Sale' in the window? Can't really make it out TBH.. Maybe MARINAMAN480 could confirm... Taken from the Brooklands pictures that he posted up.
'tis a 1.8 according to the DVLA.