11-10-2020, 05:46 PM
I think it is easy to side step the fact that these coach built bodies ( although well made ) have not lasted. There have been some heroic efforts made over many years to bring some of these survivors back to life. It would be so much easier to scrap the rotten old Swallow body and build a 'special' but there are a few idiots like me who practically devote their lives to saving this fragment of our motoring history and restore/preserve their Sallows in as authentic condition as they can. It's not a cheap option!
That said, it is unfortunate that this two seater has been 'over' restored; if, for no other reason that much originality has possibly been lost. If I had that one I would give it a respray in (softer) nitro cellulose and re colour the interior to tone it down a bit.
The mascot is incorrect but there are plans to reproduce some "type 3" mascots which are virtually unobtainable. I would like one for my car as the one I have has to be turned every time I want to lift the bonnet.
The radiator shell on this two seater has an ugly reinforcement to the crank handle hole. I would make it look correct if possible - but it's not an easy repair. incidentally, the handle on a Swallow should be removeable. I have a chrome cover on mine which is not original but I prefer it to the open hole.
The rear wings should not have stop/side lights on them and - as has already been pointed out - the use of cross head screws is lamentable. One could go on at length about things that perhaps should or shouldn't have been done but there would be little point.
As far as driving an Austin Swallow...I find driving "Trundles" my 1930 saloon to be quite a challenge these days. I won't go from Derby to Wollaton in Nottingham because the little car is so small and vulnerable but that doesn't stop me tootling around the lanes near my home. I have a preferred scenic route that tests both driver and car alike but I seldom go to 50 mph (top speed). Incidentally, I have improved the brakes with cast drums. A worthwhile, if expensive, upgrade,
That said, it is unfortunate that this two seater has been 'over' restored; if, for no other reason that much originality has possibly been lost. If I had that one I would give it a respray in (softer) nitro cellulose and re colour the interior to tone it down a bit.
The mascot is incorrect but there are plans to reproduce some "type 3" mascots which are virtually unobtainable. I would like one for my car as the one I have has to be turned every time I want to lift the bonnet.
The radiator shell on this two seater has an ugly reinforcement to the crank handle hole. I would make it look correct if possible - but it's not an easy repair. incidentally, the handle on a Swallow should be removeable. I have a chrome cover on mine which is not original but I prefer it to the open hole.
The rear wings should not have stop/side lights on them and - as has already been pointed out - the use of cross head screws is lamentable. One could go on at length about things that perhaps should or shouldn't have been done but there would be little point.
As far as driving an Austin Swallow...I find driving "Trundles" my 1930 saloon to be quite a challenge these days. I won't go from Derby to Wollaton in Nottingham because the little car is so small and vulnerable but that doesn't stop me tootling around the lanes near my home. I have a preferred scenic route that tests both driver and car alike but I seldom go to 50 mph (top speed). Incidentally, I have improved the brakes with cast drums. A worthwhile, if expensive, upgrade,