It has been noticeable that some of your MG history knowledge is a bit
suspect. So, here is a history lesson for you. Sit still that boy at the
back with the MGA! Read no further if you already know this.......
The LANDCRAB, or Austin 1800 ADO17 model, was the third car in a new BMC
front wheel drive line up, in the early 1960's. It had been preceded by
the Austin ADO15 Mini, and the Austin ADO16 1100/1300, ( ADO16G in MG
form.) The Landcrab did not use any doors, or body panels from either of
these smaller cars.
In 1962 the MGB arrived with its stretched BMC 'B' series engine, now up
to 1798cc, ( was 1200cc originally.) It had three main bearings, in the
18G and 18GA versions. Because BMC wanted the new ADO17 1800 to be a
smooth car, AND because the 1800cc engine in the MGB was not being very
kind to the centre main bearing, a FIVE main bearing unit was developed,
the 18H and 18GB. The 18H went into the Landcrab, and the 18GB into the
MGB. There was very little difference, the 18H had a single carb, etc.
If it had not been for the ADO17 the 18GB may not have arrived, its use
in a saloon made better economical sense.
The ADO23, the MGB, ( YES, the MGB,) carried on with developments of
this engine, up to the common 18V. The 18V also went into the Morris
Marina ADO77, again ensuring continued supplies for the MGB.
Because of costs, the Landcrab doors were used in a new mid-range
saloon, the ADO14 MAXI, an awful car, using the new 'E' series ohc
engine. Also, a bigger version of the Landcrab was the Austin
Ambassador, that used the same 18H engine, and a six cylinder version of
the 'E' series ohc, ( and not the 'C' series as in the MGC.) A late
model, the ADO61, was the Austin Three Litre, that used the centre body
section of the Landcrab, with a longer bonnet (hood) and boot ( trunk).
It was a rear wheel drive car, using a developed version of the six
cylinder Austin Westminster engine, the 'C' series. It was this engine
MG wanted to use in the ADO52, the MGC. The car and engine were another
disaster, it produced LESS power than before. It had seven main
bearings, not the five of the Westminster engine. Those in the USA have
seen the Westminster engine, it is the same 'C' series in the Austin
Healey 3000.
BMC had aimed the 1800 Landcrab at the UK Ford Cortina market, and lost.
It was a big car, the Cortina a smaller, cheaper, more oconomical, and
much better looking car. I beleive the Ford Edsel in the USA had a
similar success.
Lesson over. I hope you were listening, because there will be questions
later.
Neil
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