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From: gvj@mtgzz.UUCP (g.v.brinkman)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Rover ramblings
Message-ID: <734@mtgzz.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 10-May-85 16:52:49 EDT
Article-I.D.: mtgzz.734
Posted: Fri May 10 16:52:49 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 14-May-85 07:59:29 EDT
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 39





What is all this I keep hearing about Lucas electrical systems ?
Since coming to the States I have heard nothing but abuse for their
components, are they really that bad ?. I have owned 3 cars with Lucas
systems and have yet to have cause for complaint. My present car is 13 years
old (the wonders of fibre glass !!!!) and to my knowledge all the electrics
are still original. 

On the subject of Land-Rovers: - My brother has owned a 1966 88" version
since 1970 and would never consider parting with it. We used to
belong to a club specific for the marque and alomost every Sunday we used
to compete in trials. In England most off_road events are not dependant on
speed but more on finishing the course with no outside assistance. In all
the years I belonged to the club, I never heard a bad word said
against either the electrics or the carbs (I believe `SU` carbs are used).

They are still considered the best 'go-anywhere' vehicle (when speed is not
of the essence !!) by all the motoring journals in England. The competion
however is catching up rapidly, but then the Land-Rover design is over 40
years old now.

As a road vehicle, you have to put up with high wind noise (due to it
having the aerodynamics of a brick !!), a very hard ride (the 109" is 
better in this respect, cold winter driving (a heater is an optional extra!!).
They are however fun vehicles, being basic, rugged, rust free (aluminium body
matched to a heavy steel girder chassis) and I believe reliable if, as with
all cars, you maintain it properly.


Hope this has been informative -   Gerry