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mab01
MCR Member
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Posted: Saturday March 22nd, 2008 02:38 pm |
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"I recently found a new home for another old Issigonis design at my local garage which was about to be scrapped due to MOT failure.......an Austin 1800 "Landcrab", most of the mechanics had never seen a B-Series transverse engine with gearbox in the sump before, just like a giant classic Mini." 
This comment in the MCR New MINI Works forum prompted "Littledude" and "Andrew1967" to confess they are "hankering" after one. I too have a soft spot for them, every time I look under the bonnet of a B series one it reminds me of a big Mini.
Anyone else? Shame they are now so rare and unloved, although judging by the number of calls I had for the one above interest is growing.
http://www.landcrab.net/
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Andrew1967
MCR Member
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Posted: Sunday March 23rd, 2008 10:41 am |
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I know that Minorparts likes them as well (sorry Richard, your secret is out).
They are realy just a Mini on steroids. The ride is great and there's so much room in them.
A great classic towing car as well. Dad used them for towing his livestock trailer. Quite low geared, perfect for towing. The Austin Princess he had as a replacement for one 1800 Landcrab was crap in comparison so he sold it and got another 1800.
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minorparts
Member
| Joined: | Friday March 23rd, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 793 |
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Posted: Monday March 24th, 2008 11:40 am |
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Oh yes, I ran a succession of 3 'Landcrabs' in the 1970s and 80s as everyday cars. They were very strong, reliable, comfortable, good to drive and reasonably economical. I towed car transporter trailers all over the country with them and had very little trouble. Replacing the clutch was a big heavy job I recall....
I had a Mk2 1800 (Generally a big improvement on the Mk1) followed by a Mk2 'S' which had a useful bit more power thanks to bigger valves, twin carbs, better exhaust, possibly different camshaft? Similar tune to the MGB. The higher compression ratio meant it was supposed to run on 5star fuel (remember that??) and mine eventually holed a piston which was a biggish job when it became hard to obtain. Later I had a Mk3 but the build quality was not as good and the 'S' had been deleted - replaced by the 6 cylinder 2200.
I did buy another very good 1800 about 8 years ago as a nostalgia trip and because we were asked to supply one for a film. I did enjoy driving one again but didn't keep it very long - my wife found it too big and we seldom used it. I would say to anyone wanting one now, buy the best one you can find because the cost of restoration would be quite unrealistic. They are strong, well made cars but DO rust (sills, rear wheel arches, door bottoms, parts of the front wings etc. and bonnet & boot edges. All the usual places really. Doors and sills are the same as the Maxi I think. I'm sure it would be worth joining the club and doing some homework before you buy....I've seen a few on ebay and agree that prices seem to be rising a bit. My last one still exists in the hands of one of the club officials.
The 1800s ARE a bit like a big Mini and are great fun to drive but remember......they ARE big, take up a lot of room in the garage and have a big, heavy engine if you ever need to remove it! Go and find one - there is nothing else so roomy!
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Andrew1967
MCR Member
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Posted: Monday March 24th, 2008 12:13 pm |
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Yes, replacing the clutch is a bit awkward to say the least! The transfer gears are outboard of the clutch and need to be removed to access the clutch. Some people say it cannot be done in situ but my Dad has done several. It means disconnecting everything and jacking the engine up on that side as far as you can go and then you can just about get the transfer casing off to get to the clutch.
The failure of the clutch was the reason his last 1800 was left to rust in the garden as he didn't have the time or inclination to do it - something he now regrets.
Last edited on Tuesday March 25th, 2008 02:54 pm by Andrew1967 |
Norton
Member
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Posted: Monday March 24th, 2008 10:23 pm |
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http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUSTIN-1800-WHITE_W0QQitemZ220215982345QQihZ012QQcategoryZ29753QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here you go! Happy bidding!
I used to have one many years ago in 1970's brown!
They were excellent and very under rated!
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mab01
MCR Member
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Posted: Monday March 24th, 2008 11:34 pm |
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The one I saved from the scrap yard was 1975 in Harvest Gold, needed a new clutch, garage mechanics had never seen one before and tried to replace clutch in situ (Mini style) but failed and the cost of labour for removing engine and box sealed its fate as uneconomic to repair + welding for MOT. The new owmer is going to diy or use it for spares for another landcrab. A couple of other potential buyers wanted it for a Works Rally car replica project and a classic car magazine restoration project rebuild.
The early one on ebay looks very good for its year! 
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Andrew1967
MCR Member
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Posted: Tuesday March 25th, 2008 08:59 am |
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Yes, it does look good and quite reasonably priced.
Personally I prefer the looks of the Mk2 though. The gearchange was improved on the Mk3 as it had a rod change type linkage whereas the Mk1/2 had a cable set up which was not very good.
Last edited on Tuesday March 25th, 2008 02:53 pm by Andrew1967 |
Andrew1967
MCR Member
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Posted: Tuesday March 25th, 2008 09:01 am |
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Norton wrote: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUSTIN-1800-WHITE_W0QQitemZ220215982345QQihZ012QQcategoryZ29753QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here you go! Happy bidding!
I used to have one many years ago in 1970's brown!
They were excellent and very under rated!
They sure did do some nice shades of brown in the 70's 
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mab01
MCR Member
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Posted: Tuesday March 25th, 2008 01:04 pm |
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Andrew1967 wrote: Norton wrote: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUSTIN-1800-WHITE_W0QQitemZ220215982345QQihZ012QQcategoryZ29753QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here you go! Happy bidding!
I used to have one many years ago in 1970's brown!
They were excellent and very under rated!
They sure did do some nice shades of brown in the 70's
If BMW are right, that shade may be making a comeback, the new MINI Clubman is also available in "Hot Chocolate".................metallic brown. 
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askalbert
MCR Member
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Posted: Monday June 16th, 2008 12:09 am |
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I had an 1800 utility for a while, which was geared a little lower than the sedans, and a fabulous tourer, a bit like a Citroen would take a while to get up to speed and then stay there, soaking up all the bumps in the road.
When going on a trip, the suspended dog bed would be thrown in the back, and the dog (German Shepherd) would sleep all the way there. I heard a "thump" one day after braking hard, the dog had been sitting in the breeze at the back of the tray..... Tying them to the front is much safer. The tray was a huge length as well, around 7 ft.
I sold it to a bloke who had another that was written off at the lights and didn't want to live with anything else. I believe the rally cars used the rear hydro displacers from the utility, or was it the tougher (front or rear) all 'round. Fabulous car.
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