Lagonda Rapiers

4 minute(s) of a 484 minute read

I  have probably explained the significance of the Kangaroo sitting on a Boomerang before, If you missed it then, It dates from WW2 when it was the insignature of one of the Australian Army Divisions. The Kangaroo is unmistakably Australian and the Boomerang is said to "always come back".

Thank you for your interst and contribution. Many of the tools I make seem to be used once and end up back in the scrap box/bin.
Right now I am going through my "New" Rapier spares and wonder if they will ever be used. Among the stuff I had squirreled away and that I have just discovered is a parcel labeled "New Gearbox bands". Having opened the parcel it has three new unused bands and a timing gear complete with a new fibre gear riveted in place ready for use. I replaced my timing gear some years ago with a special "one piece" gear that is a fraction of the weight of the original hub with rivet on fibre gear and timing chain sprocket.

I have to ask myself, at this stage in my life, do I need any of this stuff or the potential hassles that go with it?
 If I do not need it what do I do with it?  That goes with the car too. If the gearbox fails to arrive in time for me to put it back in the car in time for it to go to the UK and France with us, Then it will have just about outlived its useful life with us. What then?????????  There are several really big questions that only I can answer. I may live another Five, Ten or Fifteen years or I may not wake up tomorrow morning...........
Growing older is a real bugger! I am sorry if I am boring you all with this, it goes with the terrority!

Regarding "weight saving" the weight of the material cut from the Rapier is about the same as that which I save by sensible living and an intelligent diet. These days I am probably about 5ft 10 inches tall and weigh 65KGs which suits me fine. I can eat and drink all the things I like. I do not drink Beer very often if at all but I do enjoy a glass or two of a good Australian Red (wine) every day.
I do have some limitations with heavy lifting but manage most things with some mechanical assistance.   e.g.
Some time ago I made the cradle specifically designed to lift ENV 75 gearboxes for my trolley jack. Lifting them on and off is not a problem although lifting them while lying under the car can be difficult. Like wise I can carry one out of the garage to place it into the rear of my Peugeot Ok but not to the end of the street.
 
Re "Collections" I consider the Peugeot a "work-horse" not a Classic. which means that I have a collection of just one car along with sometimes one "project car".
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Helen's VW Jetta is now 12 or more years old but that too is just her daily transport.
Having said all that, how many people have owned their "car" since 1978 or before and still drive it at every opportunity. Even shipping it across the globe in order to enjoy it as their everyday holiday transport ?

All these photographs have one thing in common....