First thought had been to buy a GTE as my modern daily runner (its all relative) but then I felt I'd had enough of chassis rust so researched the fibreglass monocoque options, concentrating on Mini Marcos & Midas family … which remains an option but I am 6ft & 63, still fairly fit but it seems a long way down to get into a Marcos! As a result, having learned of the availability of galvanised chassis and hearing that the others are reasonably tough … and as I'd rather like air con which is tricky to fit in a classic mini but really close to impossible sensibly in a Marcos … well I'm back again!
My biggest grumble about a GTE as a daily runner is the fuel bills. Yes its economical for the power …. but it is not economical. I have a few questions:
LPG. Some have been converted but all I have found on Google is one with a donut 'spare wheel' type tank under the boot floor, probably with a cut down petrol tank. I had a V8 Merc with one of those, not enough capacity especially as my nearest LPG outlet is not on any regular route and is a 24 mile round trip. Does anyone have experience of other tank locations? Any photos?
Other engines: Most swap out only for more power. OK the Middlebridge style Scorpio is a bit more economical than the Essex/Cologne and with even more power, but not a lot more economical. No, I don't want a diesel either. Any experience of a half decent but more economical engine?
I happen to rather like the Alfa V6 eg GTV 2500. Has anyone had a go at fitting one complete with the rear gearbox? Is it a major chassis mod?
Out of interest looking at photos on this website http://sporting-reliants.com/ModifiedMotors.htm I see that many have either modified the engine brace to go over a longer engine or seem to have thrown it away … which seems unlikely. Is there a supplier out there with off the shelf front suspension/engine mount frames to allow for slightly longer engines?
From that website it seems that quite a few do modify their GTEs but few seem to come up.
