Well, I took custody today of Queen Igry - a 1934 Phantom II Sedanca de Ville. 40/50 HP with a 7.6 litre engine.
Having swotted up all the starting and driving procedures from various manuals (where one must follow chassis numbers to read the correct instructions), and having had long discussions with my guy about various technique and trouble shooting essentials, I braved the 30 mile journey home in traffic, after first practising manoeuvring her and getting the gears right, and just about managed it, including then another 10 miles. Started her again some 4 hours later for good measure.
Did not go much over 60 mph on the highway, which for now is plenty.
The gears are quite something. It makes the Moss Box of my E Type seem space age. No synchromesh on first or second, and it feels like driving a very heavy and beautiful truck or tractor. Downgearing to second requires a double-declutch, engaging neutral and giving gas before engaging second, and going from first into second is worse - one really needs to holiday in neutral to avoid grinding. Even engaging first out of neutral in idle is a challenge - one must go somewhere else first, like a bit towards third, to avoid an ugly grind. The Moss Box wants one to touch the synchro in second before engaging first gear, but this is more difficult.
The handbrake is very good, and so is the clutch, which is just as well.
She seems to want to get to top gear quickly - even on inclines where one thinks she'd be happier in third.
I will have many questions. Indulge a newbie and let me know whether I am posting in the correct subforum.
I am trying to attach some homecoming pics. Last attempt wiped my whole post, so this is take two of the post.
Having swotted up all the starting and driving procedures from various manuals (where one must follow chassis numbers to read the correct instructions), and having had long discussions with my guy about various technique and trouble shooting essentials, I braved the 30 mile journey home in traffic, after first practising manoeuvring her and getting the gears right, and just about managed it, including then another 10 miles. Started her again some 4 hours later for good measure.
Did not go much over 60 mph on the highway, which for now is plenty.
The gears are quite something. It makes the Moss Box of my E Type seem space age. No synchromesh on first or second, and it feels like driving a very heavy and beautiful truck or tractor. Downgearing to second requires a double-declutch, engaging neutral and giving gas before engaging second, and going from first into second is worse - one really needs to holiday in neutral to avoid grinding. Even engaging first out of neutral in idle is a challenge - one must go somewhere else first, like a bit towards third, to avoid an ugly grind. The Moss Box wants one to touch the synchro in second before engaging first gear, but this is more difficult.
The handbrake is very good, and so is the clutch, which is just as well.
She seems to want to get to top gear quickly - even on inclines where one thinks she'd be happier in third.
I will have many questions. Indulge a newbie and let me know whether I am posting in the correct subforum.
I am trying to attach some homecoming pics. Last attempt wiped my whole post, so this is take two of the post.