Testing Austins on the autobahn

Who'd have though it? An automobile that could maintain 60mph yet not fail by 20,000 miles??!

I can remember Top Gear reviewing a (very boring) 'grandpa' Cadillac about 15 years ago, the first engine service wasn't due until 100K miles which is some measure of how far things had advanced.

Hi, Different times. They're from a time when it would be very lucky for a car to get to 100k with out a major rebuild. Even at 25k it could be time for a decoke, although in part it would be down to the quality of the fuel because that was why they had low compression ratios. I did note that they weren't driven flat out all the time even at times at 80mph because there was a certain amount of changing convoy position so they were sympathetic drivers. Plus it was all at operating temperature and no three mile journeys from a cold start on choke, which is what kills engines. Still, quite an achievement.

Colin

Consecutive registrations, and at least one (TOK878) seems to still exist - I’ve never seen this tax status before though?

I think that video was a spoof, I did not see one of those chaps smoking a manly pipe whilst driving which the internet says was compulsory in those days......

My dad passed away last year and an abiding memory was him bent over the open bonnet of a Zodiac, Jag mk2 or whatever always with a fag on the go while he worked on it.

I recently learned that unlike the movies if you threw a lit fag on petrol it just goes out, apparently not enough heat, too much vapour so stoichiometrics are out.Wouldn't use a lighter near it obviously.
Watched a video of a (trained fire risk consultant)guy with a lit cigarette over an opened petrol can (5 litre) to no effect.Not sure i'd do that experiment!

I should think the main factor in its survival is whether the knowledge that it was a test car / prototype followed it.