according to our skills and interests. One group changed rot-
ten inner tubes (to be followed later by new Coker-made
Firestone ANS “All Non-Skid” 4.00 x 19-inch universal tires),
another the Lucas engine and gearbox oil, and another
the Regina primary and final-drive chains. But who knew that
the magneto sprocket nested on a tapered shaft and could be
finessed to the exact right place simply by loosening the sprock-
et, bolting a degree wheel onto the crank, turning the engine
over, and watching the points open? Mechanic Kirk Sloan did.
Sloan likewise checked the lubrication systems and pre-oiled
the rocker arms before hanging a little tank of fuel like an IV feed
above each bike. He then kicked first one and then the other to
life as thick plumes of rust flakes and smoke burst from the old
exhausts. Amazingly, magically, it all worked, and then otherwise
undisturbed, the G80s both started, ran, rode and shifted, and
were essentially ready for the Quail ride.
“History has a texture,” said Peter Hageman, chief judge for
the Preservation Class at Pebble Beach, after seeing the ‘55 G80
CS. “A vehicle like this is a historical document of a time gone
by.” If seeing these bikes was like reading such a document, then
riding them would be like being in the movie.Often-Squealy
Compared to the Matchlesses, getting the Austin-Healey
(nicknamed “Often-Squealy” during its heyday) up and run-
ning was a Royal Pain in the Arse. Nearly everything contain-
ing fluid was gummed up, frozen or inoperable, including
the carburetors, water pump, brakes and hydraulic clutch.
Miraculously, the long-term owner — an aerospace engineer —
had drained the fuel tank prior to storing the car, and it was as
clean as the rest of the car was filthy. Furthermore, the tires were
cracked and flat-spotted and the muffler badly rusted.
A local English car specialist had most of the needed replace-
ment parts on hand, and while servicing took much time — and
learning — the work generally proved straightforward and easy.
I also changed the gearbox and differential oil and lubed every
Zerk fitting visible on the chassis.
While the Healey now ran well, it was a disaster at anythingPatina everywhere (left). The G80s after new chains, fluids, tires and more, ready to go. Sadie the retriever approves.