VAR Forum

Not had Austin 12/4 heavy windsor long and am struggling to stop gears
crashing on my way down from 4th to 2nd. Double clutching doesn`t work
have literally to stop before it slots into gear. Any tips greatly appreciated
Steven Smith

I had the same difficulty changing down when I first had my 12/4 Burnham. I found over time and with practice it became a lot easier. Take your time,
(you can't rush) listening to the engine revs and a gentle push into gear and maybe a slight touch on the throttle.
Let us know how you get on. Martin

Austin salesmen on a test drive with a potential buyer, were told, " Do not change gear if you can avoid it".
With such a heavy flywheel (56lb) on the 12/4 you can easily get round a corner in top and pick up the speed gently and then pull away.
A friend who had his first 12/4 trip in my car remarked, "Don't you ever change gear in this car"? Not if I can help it was my reply.
I think it was Tony Smallbone who told me of a trip from London to Birmingham, with a 12/4 that completed the journey in top gear, with the odd anxious moment when approaching traffic lights.
Mike E

Some years ago,while travelling from Liverpool to Ashover,completed the Cat and Fiddle pass in top gear in a 1927 wide track long stroke Clifton with no difficulty.
Great car.

Alec M.
Ps, the only time I can remember using first gear in the car was while towing a vintage Alvis up hills in Derbyshire.