803 cc with block heater?

Post by **ADO16** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 6:06 pm

I have a chance to get an 803cc engine from an ex-pat here in the states and he said to me it even has a block heater. Did they ever come with such an option? I could not confirm this with Ray Newell's book.

Post by **PSL184** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 6:38 pm

Many export cars had block heaters fitted or provided as an option. Even today for some markets they are still available, so yes, it is possible.....

Post by **mike.perry** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 6:53 pm

What would you want an 803 engine for? Much better with a 948.

Post by **ADO16** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 7:12 pm

I'm getting it along with a 1970 Austin America as a package with extra parts. It seems he does not want it, so I thought, why not! I will be sticking to the 918 original engine set-up with the 51 MM to keep with the originality of the car.
The running AA is very cheap ($250) but have to pick it up in another state near-by.

Post by **mike.perry** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 9:54 pm

Whch one of British Leylands wonderful 1970s designs was the
Austin America?

Post by **ADO16** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 10:37 pm

It was another of Sir Alex's creations, code name ADO16. I've restored a few in my life and own a 1965 MG 1100 right now. I believe they were Austin 1300 GT's over in the UK. I will be fixing up this one for my 17yr. old daughter for school.

Post by **mike.perry** » Sat Feb 28, 2009 11:24 am

The 1100 / 1300 were the best selling cars here for years. It all went downhill when British Leyland took over in the 70s.

Post by **ADO16** » Sat Feb 28, 2009 3:44 pm

Sign of the times now repeating itself here with the auto industry, although the "big 3" had how many wake up calls?
Over here the 1100 did quite well in sales for a US import in the day.