12 replies to this topic

[plannerpower]

This former BMC Training Unit is for sale;

 

http://www.ebay.com....0b9dc6#viTabs_0

 

It seems that it has some motor-racing associations; suitably re-liveried it would look nice in the paddock at a Historics meeting.

 

Searching "BMC Mobile Training Unit" produces some information on these vehicles.

 

Usual disclaimers.  I have no interest in this and I have not met the owner;  I became aware of it per medium of an advertisement in a motorhoming magazine.

[275 GTB-4]

I hope it goes to a good home...it would look nice restored in BMC livery (preferably, towing a similarly liveried race car!)

 

[PS where's Catalina Park when you need him!  ]

[Ian G]

Mick,if its the Bus i'm thinking of it would have trouble towing itself but well worth preserving. 

[275 GTB-4]

Phhhhttt! Nothing a 454 crate on gas wouldn't fix

[D-Type]

Phhhhttt! Nothing a 454 crate on gas wouldn't fix

Sorry, I don't understand Australian slang - please translate

[Ian G]

....'small block' Chrysler running on LPG i think!!

[275 GTB-4]

....'small block' Chrysler running on LPG i think!!

Nope...big block (7.4L) Chev, crate motor (sometimes advertised in The Land newspaper!) converted to LPG for "economy" :-)

Edited by 275 GTB-4, 23 June 2014 - 12:38.

[Ian G]

OK..i thought 454 was a Chrysler Hemi.

[275 GTB-4]

As much as I admire hemi-headed engines...no...this is what I meant...but there are many engine swaps (including diesel) that would give the bus some "pick up"...

http://www.chevrolet...ock-454-ho.html

[Lee Nicolle]

As much as I admire hemi-headed engines...no...this is what I meant...but there are many engine swaps (including diesel) that would give the bus some "pick up"...

http://www.chevrolet...ock-454-ho.html

Your not trying to say that the weak asthmatic diesel fitted in the early 60s is slow? Ians comment is oh so true. 

Those 454s are used in motorhomes in the US quite a lot. Do the job ok but I hate to say this I feel a modern diesel is a better deal in that application. The 454 is hard to beat in a 1 or 1.5 tonne pickup though. In those you can have the diesel.

Unless it is a full size yank tank the 454 though is really too big for a sporty passeneger car. Use a small block in those, turn it harder to make it go and have beeter handling.

[Dipster]

Your not trying to say that the weak asthmatic diesel fitted in the early 60s is slow? Ians comment is oh so true. 

Those 454s are used in motorhomes in the US quite a lot. Do the job ok but I hate to say this I feel a modern diesel is a better deal in that application. The 454 is hard to beat in a 1 or 1.5 tonne pickup though. In those you can have the diesel.

Unless it is a full size yank tank the 454 though is really too big for a sporty passeneger car. Use a small block in those, turn it harder to make it go and have beeter handling.

In its day the old BMC diesel was common in the UK and had about the same power as similar units.  When I think that my ' 98Tdi Defender (already old fashioned tech!) 2.5 litre produces more power than the BMC lump it shows what advances have been made. But look at outputs of modern units - both petrol and diesel - and its amazing. But will they still be running 50 years hence?

[plannerpower]

An on-topic comment.

 

A little research shows that the subject vehicle and its brethren were built on the FF K-140 chassis; this was used extensively for trucks and 'buses.

 

The engine was a 5.6 litre six-cylinder diesel that developed 120 HP; the transmission was a five-speed gearbox with a two-speed axle.

 

They were said to be capable of 70 mph but to be much more comfortable at 60 mph; it would, no doubt, have taken some time to achieve either speed.

[Brimen]

More photos and history of those Training Units

 

https://www.flickr.c...57628964699533/