Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) Marvelous Motors

I was lucky enough to drive a Daimler Double 6, the MK1 V12 Daimler version of the XJ6 (with low front bumper), when I was in my early 20s. It was a fantastic ride. For the time, absolutely amazing.
I borrowed an XJ6 as my wedding car, in 1978, and that was equally impressive. It drove like a much smaller car. Quick and sporty. I loved both.

No argument from me in that the V12 seemed ideally suited to luxury saloons where the comforts of ones lounge could extended into your choice of transport for the daily commute and to isolate one from average snarled up and pot holed roads.... soothing or what, though in a sports car... Hmm..?

The only other V12 experience was another "saloon," though more perhaps with a slightly more sporting interior than that of the Daimler/Jag saloons, was that of a Ferrari 400i, I was greatly impressed with the design of the engine and it`s division of the fundamentals split into two sixes, which I had never seen before and thought to be a very interesting concept.

I think it was circa 1977 when I experienced that V12E, and even today I remember fuel costs over that week were circa £60, and relative to my earnings at the time that was a LOT....Though I do have to admit that pushing on a bit on a somewhat deserted well known local(ish) country road, when it seemed likely that most folk might be at home enjoying their evening meal and perhaps watching the news, the sun shining, that lovely long bonnet out in front, and the ultra smooth POWER delivery out of every corner, of which there were many.... Was indeed an experience to savour.

As one whose first car was a self restored from the remains of a rusted frog eye Sprite to advance from Lotus lust, to ownership of yet another running restoration, as all Lotuses seemed to be, though mine worse than most... it seemed sports cars were perhaps suited to being smaller and lighter, thus perhaps an efficient and performance oriented four cylinder engine was thought by me to be more in keeping with my ideals around that time.... adding to that, perhaps the KISS principal played a part in my thinking too, given I ever repaired and maintained my own cars..

Today...? It seems to me that for "saloon" car comforts where one might hear one`s mechanical wrist watch tick while driving... perhaps an electric car would be at the top of that tree...?

For a sports car, I suspect in ending up owning my Morgan back in 2022, all be it with a V8...( thanks GoMoG)..... I did struggle with that at the time, as a rarer than hens teeth Mog with a Twink, would have been my hearts desire, however the +8 perhaps better fitted my actual and most enjoyed use of it, than my intended usage at the time of purchase, which was to be roaring around the local(ish) countryside as opposed to the enjoyment creating treasured memories of touring around Southern Europe with my good lady in it... (-:

As ever, each to their own.

Image believed captured by JHSII of his immaculate BDA Twink engined Morgan, perhaps initially posted on eMog.

https://www.tm-img.com/image/SfP7i

Back in the early 70's I was for a time a chauffeur / PA and drove a 1970 XJ6 a brilliant car which I loved, one day I went to work to find the Jag gone and a RR shadow on the drive. Life was never the same. A friend had a Daimler double six which he never had time to drive and I had to drive it for him, a great car which got me 3 points.

I owned an early carburetted XJ12 for a while, sadly the worst car experience I've ever had. Whatever oil I put in the Stromberg's dashpots seemed to disappeared in no time leaving the engine spluttering and single figure mpg! Two punctures in one day requiring I buy late at night on the M62 a complete wheel which happened to fit. On the occasions it did run well it was amazing watching the speedo climb in near silence from 100 to 120 though.

On another occasion late at night on the M4 the engine spluttered so I confidently pressed the tank switch over button and the fuel gauge shot to full again as I had a full 10 gallons in the other tank. Sadly the engine continued spluttering though and I coasted to a halt on the hard shoulder! Fortunately I had a torch and some basic tools so after lifting boot carpet swapped the tank feed pipes over on the double ended SU pump so it's working side was hooked up to the full tank. Great relief when the clicking stopped and with the four Stromberg's full of fuel again the engine started.

A couple with Jon in mind



It’s an Arden 8 port head probably
And now you can buy a kit using a BMW K100 twin- cam head and a bit of engineering,or a Honda K series.



ok just one more Honda power here..

Looks like Amal carbs on the first one.

I have mixed feelings when people bung in a VVT Honda, or some bonkers Hayabusa bike engine...but if it gets the Yoof involved in keeping Mini's alive, I can see the point

Another "little" Mini engine for you - Spotted at the Lytham Car Show yesterday

That's bonkers and I love it, thanks for sharing

A slightly modified mini with a TVR V8 in it plus a nitrous oxide kit. It was running on straight through pipes so you could hear it coming.

That's wicked too John, I remember you posting it from holiday.
What a magic rumble I'll bet it plays around with a lot of peoples heads that one, I love it.