British Cars
Now my understanding was it was desgined in the UK, parts made in a few countries, packaged and partial assembly in the UK shipped to the US them motor slipped in at a shop in NY then you could take delivery and had to register it as a specialty vehicle.
Coordinator :: Gulf Coast & Panhandle MINIs
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,662
Likes: 0
From: In the Tube
This is directly from their US web page. Think what you want, the Nobel is made in South Africa and sold without an engine/drive train to anywhere in the world, it’s not British. 
“The Noble® M12 GTO-3R and M400 are now available for sale in the United States exclusively from 1g Racing. The rolling chassis' are shipped directly from the manufacturing facility in Port Elizabeth, South Africa to our premises without engine and transmission. This is the same manner Noble® UK receives the chassis. The Noble® M12 will be sold in limited quantities as a component rolling chassis* only. These units come factory assembled, painted, upholstered, fully instrumented with brakes, suspension, exhaust, wheels, and tires ready to accept your drivetrain. The engine/transaxle is to be installed by the buyer or at the buyer's direction by an independent contractor. Although 1g Racing does not provide drivetrain, there are a number of race engine builders that can supply an engine/transaxle package. Upon request a comprehensive and detailed installation manual can be made available.”
“The Noble® M12 GTO-3R and M400 are now available for sale in the United States exclusively from 1g Racing. The rolling chassis' are shipped directly from the manufacturing facility in Port Elizabeth, South Africa to our premises without engine and transmission. This is the same manner Noble® UK receives the chassis. The Noble® M12 will be sold in limited quantities as a component rolling chassis* only. These units come factory assembled, painted, upholstered, fully instrumented with brakes, suspension, exhaust, wheels, and tires ready to accept your drivetrain. The engine/transaxle is to be installed by the buyer or at the buyer's direction by an independent contractor. Although 1g Racing does not provide drivetrain, there are a number of race engine builders that can supply an engine/transaxle package. Upon request a comprehensive and detailed installation manual can be made available.”
This is directly from their US web page. Think what you want, the Nobel is made in South Africa and sold without an engine/drive train to anywhere in the world, it’s not British.
“The Noble® M12 GTO-3R and M400 are now available for sale in the United States exclusively from 1g Racing. The rolling chassis' are shipped directly from the manufacturing facility in Port Elizabeth, South Africa to our premises without engine and transmission. This is the same manner Noble® UK receives the chassis. The Noble® M12 will be sold in limited quantities as a component rolling chassis* only. These units come factory assembled, painted, upholstered, fully instrumented with brakes, suspension, exhaust, wheels, and tires ready to accept your drivetrain. The engine/transaxle is to be installed by the buyer or at the buyer's direction by an independent contractor. Although 1g Racing does not provide drivetrain, there are a number of race engine builders that can supply an engine/transaxle package. Upon request a comprehensive and detailed installation manual can be made available.”
“The Noble® M12 GTO-3R and M400 are now available for sale in the United States exclusively from 1g Racing. The rolling chassis' are shipped directly from the manufacturing facility in Port Elizabeth, South Africa to our premises without engine and transmission. This is the same manner Noble® UK receives the chassis. The Noble® M12 will be sold in limited quantities as a component rolling chassis* only. These units come factory assembled, painted, upholstered, fully instrumented with brakes, suspension, exhaust, wheels, and tires ready to accept your drivetrain. The engine/transaxle is to be installed by the buyer or at the buyer's direction by an independent contractor. Although 1g Racing does not provide drivetrain, there are a number of race engine builders that can supply an engine/transaxle package. Upon request a comprehensive and detailed installation manual can be made available.”
Ethier way tis still a cool car.
Waterway4-
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,578
Likes: 2
A friend of mine just bought a Tiger (although I'd be happier w/ an Alpine). It's still in Arizona and will soon be transported here.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, VA
All things British
Bought my 1975 MGB Anniversary Edition back in 1993! Never thought I'd own an MG but that's another story.
More recently purchsed an X-Type Jaguar 3.0 which --- contrary to what critcs would have you believe is an absolutely wonderful car! Certainly the best I've ever owned.
More recently purchsed an X-Type Jaguar 3.0 which --- contrary to what critcs would have you believe is an absolutely wonderful car! Certainly the best I've ever owned.
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Bowdoinham, Maine
Rule Brittania!!
I have been involved with British cars since my college days when I swapped my Honda "50" (go little Honda...) for an AH Sprite Mk I for a weekend. From then on I was hooked!
I had to wait until I went into the Air Force and was stationed in England before I actually owned my first LBC. That was a Hillman Husky - a great little "estate wagon" that met an unfortunate end one foggy night at a 90 degree bend in the road. I then went to a factory-fresh MGB GT that I had shipped back to the US after my hitch was up. After that I had a couple of AH Sprite MkIIs (one ran and the others were major organ donors) followed by a 1960 TR3A that I still have. It is currently being restored from the frame up with a vague plan to enter it in the Targa New Foundland when it is done. I also have a 1973 TR6 which gets used quite a bit during the warmer months. Additionally, I am "crew" and head mechanic for a buddy who races a 1962 TVR Grantura Mk III(a).
And last (but maybe best) I have my 06 MC that I took possession of (along with a payment book) in October, 2006. It is Space Blue / Silver with the premium and cold weather packages and a clear bra. I bought it as my primary transportation and traded a v-e-r-y reliable Volvo V70 with 214k on the odo for it.
Just for the record - it snowed today and I drove "Clive" to work without any undue excitement. See, it can be done!
I had to wait until I went into the Air Force and was stationed in England before I actually owned my first LBC. That was a Hillman Husky - a great little "estate wagon" that met an unfortunate end one foggy night at a 90 degree bend in the road. I then went to a factory-fresh MGB GT that I had shipped back to the US after my hitch was up. After that I had a couple of AH Sprite MkIIs (one ran and the others were major organ donors) followed by a 1960 TR3A that I still have. It is currently being restored from the frame up with a vague plan to enter it in the Targa New Foundland when it is done. I also have a 1973 TR6 which gets used quite a bit during the warmer months. Additionally, I am "crew" and head mechanic for a buddy who races a 1962 TVR Grantura Mk III(a).
And last (but maybe best) I have my 06 MC that I took possession of (along with a payment book) in October, 2006. It is Space Blue / Silver with the premium and cold weather packages and a clear bra. I bought it as my primary transportation and traded a v-e-r-y reliable Volvo V70 with 214k on the odo for it.
Just for the record - it snowed today and I drove "Clive" to work without any undue excitement. See, it can be done!
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 633
Likes: 0
From: Elyria, Ohio
I got bit by the british car bug about 15 years ago when my dad purchased a 72 Triumph TR6. That car is currently setup for SCCA autocross in FP with just a little bit of street use also, we both have a blast co-driving that car at local events and some various british car only events.
My MCS is my primary daily driver, but I also own a 73 Triumph GT6, nothing special, just a fun driver.
These old british cars are what got me started in my sick, expensive hobby of racing and turning wrenches.
Jason
My MCS is my primary daily driver, but I also own a 73 Triumph GT6, nothing special, just a fun driver.
These old british cars are what got me started in my sick, expensive hobby of racing and turning wrenches.
Jason
Sand Dollar Collector
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,249
Likes: 2
From: Moved from Leesburg, VA to Oceanside, CA Nov. 2003
What a beauty!
We have a Morris Minor Traveller (pictures in my Gallery) and another on the way as my daily driver...
Donna
We have a Morris Minor Traveller (pictures in my Gallery) and another on the way as my daily driver...
Donna
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, FL
This was posted on a Lotus board and I thought I'd pass it along 
...
"Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the street
Sat my poor little TC, all covered with sleet.
The starter was frozen; the battery dead.
And clusters of icicles hung from the head.
Mama with the cables, and I with the crank
Were trying to start it, but drawing a blank.
The best we could raise was a weak little clatter,
And we couldn't determine just what was the matter.
When what did our wandering eyeballs perceive,
But a fat little man you just wouldn't believe.
His cap was made of a bundle of wire;
The tails of his coat were crackling with fire.
His eyes were like lightbulbs (and one didn't work);
A glowing face with an electrical smirk!
He was so badly wired that I knew in a wink
That this poor apparition was from Lucas, Inc.
He opened the bonnet and started to poke,
Thus causing a short and a cloud of blue smoke.
He crackled and sizzled, and giving a zap,
He fractured the gol darn distributor cap.
He walked to the back, and giving a thump,
He boogered the points on my old fuel pump.
And laying a finger alongside of his nose,
He sizzled away, while the two of us froze.
He sprang to his car in a move oh-so-smart,
We almost expected the darn thing to start.
The starter turned over; the engine roared out,
And over the clatter we heard Lucas shout:
"Out, Healey, out Jaguar, out MG and Sprite,
Out Lucas Ignition, this cold winter's night!"
And we heard him exclaim, as skyward he roared:
"So long, crazy Yanks! I'm powered by Ford!"
..."Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the street
Sat my poor little TC, all covered with sleet.
The starter was frozen; the battery dead.
And clusters of icicles hung from the head.
Mama with the cables, and I with the crank
Were trying to start it, but drawing a blank.
The best we could raise was a weak little clatter,
And we couldn't determine just what was the matter.
When what did our wandering eyeballs perceive,
But a fat little man you just wouldn't believe.
His cap was made of a bundle of wire;
The tails of his coat were crackling with fire.
His eyes were like lightbulbs (and one didn't work);
A glowing face with an electrical smirk!
He was so badly wired that I knew in a wink
That this poor apparition was from Lucas, Inc.
He opened the bonnet and started to poke,
Thus causing a short and a cloud of blue smoke.
He crackled and sizzled, and giving a zap,
He fractured the gol darn distributor cap.
He walked to the back, and giving a thump,
He boogered the points on my old fuel pump.
And laying a finger alongside of his nose,
He sizzled away, while the two of us froze.
He sprang to his car in a move oh-so-smart,
We almost expected the darn thing to start.
The starter turned over; the engine roared out,
And over the clatter we heard Lucas shout:
"Out, Healey, out Jaguar, out MG and Sprite,
Out Lucas Ignition, this cold winter's night!"
And we heard him exclaim, as skyward he roared:
"So long, crazy Yanks! I'm powered by Ford!"
That is priceless!
A frind of mine from MG Club days wrote this little song about the federalization of the MGB. Sung to the tune of "Yesterday"
MGB, you're not half the car you used to be,
There's a smog pump bolted on to thee,
Oh woe is me, MGB.
MGB, you new bumpers how they sicken me,
Since the feds said you much thicken thee,
Oh woe is me, MGB.
Why you go so slow, I don't know, they wouldn't say.
Leyland did something wrong,
And they've ruined the MGB.
MGB, 98 horses you used to be,
67 now is all I see,
Oh woe is me, MGB.
A frind of mine from MG Club days wrote this little song about the federalization of the MGB. Sung to the tune of "Yesterday"
MGB, you're not half the car you used to be,
There's a smog pump bolted on to thee,
Oh woe is me, MGB.
MGB, you new bumpers how they sicken me,
Since the feds said you much thicken thee,
Oh woe is me, MGB.
Why you go so slow, I don't know, they wouldn't say.
Leyland did something wrong,
And they've ruined the MGB.
MGB, 98 horses you used to be,
67 now is all I see,
Oh woe is me, MGB.
Sand Dollar Collector
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,249
Likes: 2
From: Moved from Leesburg, VA to Oceanside, CA Nov. 2003
This was posted on a Lotus board and I thought I'd pass it along ...
"Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the street
Sat my poor little TC, all covered with sleet.
The starter was frozen; the battery dead.
And clusters of icicles hung from the head.
Mama with the cables, and I with the crank
Were trying to start it, but drawing a blank.
The best we could raise was a weak little clatter,
And we couldn't determine just what was the matter.
When what did our wandering eyeballs perceive,
But a fat little man you just wouldn't believe.
His cap was made of a bundle of wire;
The tails of his coat were crackling with fire.
His eyes were like lightbulbs (and one didn't work);
A glowing face with an electrical smirk!
He was so badly wired that I knew in a wink
That this poor apparition was from Lucas, Inc.
He opened the bonnet and started to poke,
Thus causing a short and a cloud of blue smoke.
He crackled and sizzled, and giving a zap,
He fractured the gol darn distributor cap.
He walked to the back, and giving a thump,
He boogered the points on my old fuel pump.
And laying a finger alongside of his nose,
He sizzled away, while the two of us froze.
He sprang to his car in a move oh-so-smart,
We almost expected the darn thing to start.
The starter turned over; the engine roared out,
And over the clatter we heard Lucas shout:
"Out, Healey, out Jaguar, out MG and Sprite,
Out Lucas Ignition, this cold winter's night!"
And we heard him exclaim, as skyward he roared:
"So long, crazy Yanks! I'm powered by Ford!"
..."Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the street
Sat my poor little TC, all covered with sleet.
The starter was frozen; the battery dead.
And clusters of icicles hung from the head.
Mama with the cables, and I with the crank
Were trying to start it, but drawing a blank.
The best we could raise was a weak little clatter,
And we couldn't determine just what was the matter.
When what did our wandering eyeballs perceive,
But a fat little man you just wouldn't believe.
His cap was made of a bundle of wire;
The tails of his coat were crackling with fire.
His eyes were like lightbulbs (and one didn't work);
A glowing face with an electrical smirk!
He was so badly wired that I knew in a wink
That this poor apparition was from Lucas, Inc.
He opened the bonnet and started to poke,
Thus causing a short and a cloud of blue smoke.
He crackled and sizzled, and giving a zap,
He fractured the gol darn distributor cap.
He walked to the back, and giving a thump,
He boogered the points on my old fuel pump.
And laying a finger alongside of his nose,
He sizzled away, while the two of us froze.
He sprang to his car in a move oh-so-smart,
We almost expected the darn thing to start.
The starter turned over; the engine roared out,
And over the clatter we heard Lucas shout:
"Out, Healey, out Jaguar, out MG and Sprite,
Out Lucas Ignition, this cold winter's night!"
And we heard him exclaim, as skyward he roared:
"So long, crazy Yanks! I'm powered by Ford!"
Donna
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 918
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
I picked up my '79 Spitfire, Baldrick, this past January. I had been debating getting an MCC but couldn't bring myself to part with my MCS (and couldn't afford a second new car). Still "needing" a convertible fix, I went the Spitfire route because I could actually afford one.
Gotta say, I am loving the car. The lines are beautiful and it just has sooo much character. The steering feel is incredible. The first time I hopped out of the Spit and into the MINI I actually thought the MINI's steering felt vague by comparison. Strange but true. Baldrick is getting new upholstery and carpeting over the winter, and if we get really motivated, we'll replace the single ZS carb with the dual SU's we picked up at Carlisle in the spring.
Someday we'll get rid of the rubber bumpers in favor of the older style chrome but my thinking is this... I can't see how ugly the bumpers are when I'm driving the car!
Gotta say, I am loving the car. The lines are beautiful and it just has sooo much character. The steering feel is incredible. The first time I hopped out of the Spit and into the MINI I actually thought the MINI's steering felt vague by comparison. Strange but true. Baldrick is getting new upholstery and carpeting over the winter, and if we get really motivated, we'll replace the single ZS carb with the dual SU's we picked up at Carlisle in the spring.
Someday we'll get rid of the rubber bumpers in favor of the older style chrome but my thinking is this... I can't see how ugly the bumpers are when I'm driving the car!
Banned
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,208
Likes: 0
I love British cars (but then again I am a Brit). Trouble is that reliability and longevity wasn't really in the minds of the designers. Many even have hidden meanings in thier brand names....
LOTUS - Lots of Trouble Usually Serious
TVR - Terrible Variable Reliability
MG - Mostly Garbage
TRIUMPH..umph....umph....
MORRIS - Made Of Really Rusty Individual Sections
This said I have owned a few and only just sold my '97 Land Rover Defender. The ease of maintenance and lack of requirement for £10k's worth of computer equipment to tell you a bulb has blown is a major attraction. Of course, living in the UK parts for many models are cheap or can be got from a scrapyard (not always the case some car parts are very expensive e.g. Aston).
LOTUS - Lots of Trouble Usually Serious
TVR - Terrible Variable Reliability
MG - Mostly Garbage
TRIUMPH..umph....umph....
MORRIS - Made Of Really Rusty Individual Sections
This said I have owned a few and only just sold my '97 Land Rover Defender. The ease of maintenance and lack of requirement for £10k's worth of computer equipment to tell you a bulb has blown is a major attraction. Of course, living in the UK parts for many models are cheap or can be got from a scrapyard (not always the case some car parts are very expensive e.g. Aston).
I know a lot of people that never had out of the ordinary problems with their MG's. They just require proper care. All too often though, people will buy certain kinds of cars and drive them too long without maintenance. I call them CCB's, or Cute Car Buyers. They've no clue how to properly maintain a performance vehicle. They just fill it with gas, and give no other thought to taking care of it. All they know, is that the car is cute and they look good in it.
It's happening with Mini's too.
It's happening with Mini's too.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, FL
All too often though, people will buy certain kinds of cars and drive them too long without maintenance. I call them CCB's, or Cute Car Buyers. They've no clue how to properly maintain a performance vehicle. They just fill it with gas, and give no other thought to taking care of it. All they know, is that the car is cute and they look good in it.
fuel tanks...cleaned and re-sealed
carb...rebuilt
distributor...needs some work
brake MC...waiting for rebuild kit
what's in the future...who knows
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