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Jun 07, 2009 10:09 pm
Jun 07, 2009 10:09 pm
Subject: Re: magneto for 2 litre
Hi Folks,
An interesting debate. The large magneto shown in Oakley’s latest photo is what we call a ‘big Simms’. The person from who I bought my 12/50 Alvis used to swear by them They are a large ‘lump’ but there is plenty of space for one in the 12/50.
Clearly users have their favourite magneto and frankly I feel there is not a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer.
As for Scintillas as original equipment on Lagondas, I have a theory. In the 1930’s the company finances were very shaky and I’m sure that many suppliers had to be patient before they were paid. M45s, for example, used either BTH or Scintilla magnetos and I suspect that this was as much a commercial as a technical choice – they are both fine units and perhaps in 1933 Scintilla refused to extend any more credit to Lagonda Ltd and BTH gave a good price for a number of units. Or maybe Lagonda bought a job lot of BTH units when Invicta went bust!
Certainly, Lagonda Ltd liked Scintilla units, a view shared by both me and Oakley. Because they made most of their own parts, there would be no problem making different fixings to suit the different makes of magneto - I have two types of clamp for my M 45.
I look forward to examining Oakley’s car to see how well the Scintilla GN 4 would fit on a 2 Litre. The unit I sold on eBay made £63.75 so clearly it was a bargain compared with the smaller Scintillas which can easily cost £200 before reconditioning and £500 in full working order. So if you can live with the size of a GN 4 you will get an excellent magneto at a reasonable cost.
Colin
Hi Folks,
An interesting debate. The large magneto shown in Oakley’s latest photo is what we call a ‘big Simms’. The person from who I bought my 12/50 Alvis used to swear by them They are a large ‘lump’ but there is plenty of space for one in the 12/50.
Clearly users have their favourite magneto and frankly I feel there is not a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer.
As for Scintillas as original equipment on Lagondas, I have a theory. In the 1930’s the company finances were very shaky and I’m sure that many suppliers had to be patient before they were paid. M45s, for example, used either BTH or Scintilla magnetos and I suspect that this was as much a commercial as a technical choice – they are both fine units and perhaps in 1933 Scintilla refused to extend any more credit to Lagonda Ltd and BTH gave a good price for a number of units. Or maybe Lagonda bought a job lot of BTH units when Invicta went bust!
Certainly, Lagonda Ltd liked Scintilla units, a view shared by both me and Oakley. Because they made most of their own parts, there would be no problem making different fixings to suit the different makes of magneto - I have two types of clamp for my M 45.
I look forward to examining Oakley’s car to see how well the Scintilla GN 4 would fit on a 2 Litre. The unit I sold on eBay made £63.75 so clearly it was a bargain compared with the smaller Scintillas which can easily cost £200 before reconditioning and £500 in full working order. So if you can live with the size of a GN 4 you will get an excellent magneto at a reasonable cost.
Colin