The website of Adam Sloman, freelance motoring journalist and author.
Current Motors
Building a MINI E (sort of…)
Dec 7th
MINI E
Electric cars, we are told, are the future.
First it was hybrids, now Zero-emissions vehicles. Little surprise then that MINI, keen as ever to be at the forefront of all things both fashionable and automotive, have seen fit to pull the tried and tested internal combustion engine out of the MINI and replace it with a battery pack.
Back in December 2009 (or June ’09 in the US) MINI dished out electric MINIs to selected parties to test the cars credentials as a Zero-emission vehicle and, by all accounts, it was a great success. It may have turned the MINI into a strict two-seater, but lets be honest, the back seat of any MINI has never been the most comfortable place to be.
So, those lucky people spent time plugging and playing with their electric MINIs, all the while adding vital data and information to ‘BMWs Project i’.
Well, I wasn’t part of that programme, so I’ve decided to go in another direction and build my own.
Yup. For just £129.99 I built my very own electric car…
The build process begins with the shell. I've chosen a Chilli Red Cooper S convertible.
The shell comes pre-painted, saving money for you, the customer!
Looks good, doesn’t it? Now at this point, I should point out a few differences in my car to your normal, Oxford-build MINI convertible. Firstly, the shell is made from light weight plastic, improving the range of the car. Significantly, it’s offers a strict one-seater layout…
Wheels and tyres are fitted to the shell...
Furthermore, unlike all other Minis, from ’59 up to present day, this MINI is rear-wheel drive, giving it true sportscar credentials.
Rear wheel drive + instant torque = real drivability...
Even with my basic skills the car soon took shape and it was time for me to present it for quality control checks, which meant a visit from my boss, to ensure my work was up to standard.
My supervisor was happy with my handy work, and allowed the build to continue.
Now, one of the key criticisms labelled at EVs is their lack of soundtrack, not so with my car. A press of the innovative steering mounted controls and the cabin is filled with the sound on the conventional, petrol-powered Cooper S.
Steering wheel controls in place.
Of course I’ve made it look simple here, there’s much more goes into building the MINI E than a few simple steps, so why not watch this video and see all the secrets?
Oh and in case you didn’t guess, it’s not a real MINI…
I told you so…
Jul 22nd
Well, following on from my blog post just a few days ago I am pleased to report that yes, I’ve bought an ADO16.
Ladies and Gentlemen, here in all it’s glory, the finest four-door saloon with a 1275cc engine Longbridge had to offer:
The 1973 Austin 1300 mkIII
It’s not perfect, and needs a little bit of ‘fettling’ as the pros say, but the most important bits are all present and correct and rot free. The seller was totally honest and showed me everything, warts n all.
Not much more to say at the moment, but rest assured there’ll be more updates soon!
Big exhaust will have to go-I'm getting too old for that sort of thing!
Standard dash will also be refitted...
A change of plan…
Jul 19th
Well I’ve had my Rover 45 for a little over four months now and, so far, done relatively little with it. It went straight through an MoT with no problems and has grown a set of rather smart 17″ alloys and and a set of seats from an MG ZS, as well as some other MG paraphernalia, but other wise I’ve done little with it.
The thing is, for a predominantly classic car writer like me, there are relatively few outlets that will allow me to talk about the car, so I’ve decided it might be time for it to move on, and be replaced by something a little older and after reading some excellent content on AR Online, I’ve decided to go back to the 70s, namely one of BMC’s best selling cars of the 60s and 70s, the ADO 16.
The 1300 GT-the one the racers all wanted!
Sold as an Austin, Morris, MG, Riley, Wolseley and Vanden Plas, the ADO16 defines BMC and BLs badge engineering policy of the day. The car sold in huge numbers during those two decades. Like the Mini it’s Issigonis design won fans right across the world, from here in Britain, to South Africa, Australia and beyond (in fact, as Keith’s site points out, the ADO16 was built and sold almost everywhere on planet Earth!).
Unlike the Mini, however, the ADO16 is a reasonable, cheap classic to buy and run. I recommended it as my classic for 2011 in Classics Monthly at the turn of the year, so it seems only fair I put my money where my mouth is.
Now, who wants to buy a lovely, clean, Rover 45? Form an orderly queue please…
How I learned to stop worrying and love (her) my car…
Apr 24th
A few weeks ago my wife returned home from a trip to the shops in our Citroen C3 Picasso. After I unloaded the weekly shop, she proceeded to tell me that the car was sporting a fresh dent, since she’d accidentally let the trolley roll into the front wing, putting an inch-long crease in to the metal work.
No, I don’t mind admitting I was a little miffed. As someone who’s spent a fair few hours washing, polishing and detailing my cars I would say that I like keeping my cars at their best. Yes, I’m one of ‘those’ people.
A Tour Bus just like ours...
My wife on the other hand, takes a different approach-I’m not sure Sarah’s ever bought a bottle of car shampoo, let alone used it. So with me using the Citroen less and less its turning into something of a shaggy dog, for example on Friday I set about vacuuming out the car and found:
- A half-eaten Humzinger (a fruit-based snack bar, popular with children)
- A CD case for the soundtrack to the musical Chicago
- With a Nick Drake CD inside it…
- A small light brown mess smeared into both the rear seat and the front passenger seat (banana, I think)
- 3 empty drinks bottles
- 2 all but empty drinks bottles
- A teaspoon
- A bottle of children’s paracetamol
- Random old parking tickets
- Copious amounts of dog hair
So I got busy and tidied the ‘bus out and left the whole thing spick ‘n’ span, safe in the knowledge that in no time at all it will be in a similar state all over again.
Still, I’m not going to let it get to me-the Picasso is a work horse. Its a Donkey, not a thorough-bred Stallion. Its roomy and comfortable, not taut and agile. And it does its job brilliantly-I’d recommend one to anybody.
I just wish it could keep itself clean….
So, what do you drive?
Mar 29th
How many times have you met someone and one of the first questions you ask is ‘What do you drive?’
For a lot of people, what you drive says a lot about who you are.
My old ZS-what did it say about me?
We all know the stereotypes about the sales rep in the Beemer, or the Pipe ‘n’ Slippers Rover driver. A car really can reflect its owner, and in many ways, become an extension of your personality.
MG: Back for good?
Feb 17th
Those that know me will know I’ve got something of a soft-spot for MG. From the BGT to the ZS, MG cars were what initially sparked my interest in motoring and I suppose got me here today.
MG's new corporate identity...
So, the invitation to a Press Event at Longbridge MG Birmingham is always something that is going to interest me, in both a professional and enthusiast guise.
Tuesday’s event was all about MG’s refreshed identity, it’s new website, it’s plans for 2011 and most importantly, it’s new cars.
Well I can honestly say I am optimistic for the future of the famous old name. Having driven several Chinese-spec MG6′s, I’ve already been impressed by the car and I look forward to putting a full, UK version through its paces.
MG’s new custodians seem to have a decent handle on what the brand means, and its heritage. The MG6 saloon in particular, looks great and thanks to over-whelmingly positive customer clinics, will arrive in the UK this summer, as opposed to late this year, as originally intended. Sales targets are modest for MG’s first 12 months (just 2000 cars) but the intention is to build slowly and ensure quality, rather than jumping in with both feet.
The most important thing for this new breed of MGs though, is the driving experience. If the 6 can offer the same rewarding drive as the highly regarded MG ZS it will be deserving of praise from not just the niche titles, but the motoring press as a whole.
On that front, only time will tell…
More indepth coverage of Tuesday’s press briefing can be found here and here, courtesy of AROnline.
Out of the garage… and then back in again!
Jun 19th
Well another attempt to wake the MG from it’s near five year slumber has failed.
I’m starting to think the car just doesn’t like me.
The other woman (apologies for crap pic-cameraphone!)
After getting some help swapping the clutch slave, clutch master and brake master, it was done to me to give the car a simple service and get her ready for her MoT.
With a service kit ordered up from the MGCC, I set about swapping the plugs, fitting a new, uprated Lucas sport coil and then finally replaced the points and condenser. Taking the battery off charge, I hooked it up and everything was set.
I pulled choke (kids, ask your Dad) all the way out and turned the key, ready for the hearty roar of the trusty B-series engine.
Nothing happened.
Not sure the battery had got enough charge I grabbed the jump leads and manouvered the Sloman Family fun bus into position to act as a mule to kickstart the ol’ girl.
Hopping back into the B I quietly though ‘Right, here we go!’
Nothing happened.
Now, I’m no mechanic, as I fully admit, but I am a keen at having a go and I’ve taught myself to do an awful lot under the bonnet of a car, and believe you can do anything with a Haynes manual and a socket set. Then, somewhere from the depths of my mind, a thought came rushing forth. ‘I bet the starter motor is stuck.’ I grabbed my hammer and gave the starter a few brief, short ‘thwapps’ with the base of the shaft and, hey presto, it started to turner over.
Still wouldn’t bloody start though. So, as it stands, I’ve run out of ideas. My current plan is to replace the worn seatbelts and finish fitting the new carpets. Then I’ll stick it on a trailer and take it to someone who can show me why it’s not starting, and how to fix it. Of course be the time I manage to do all this it’ll probably be the Autum/winter and I can’t have the car out in crap weather.
Hmmm, maybe I’ll get it on the road for Summer 2011…
Another job done
May 10th
Well I’ve finally started whipping the MINI into some sort of shape.
I must admit to being shocked about the quality of the original, factory fit driving lamps. The car is a ’51 plate (late 2001) and both lamps were totally rotten and beyond any form of repair.
After an awful lot of WD40, elbow grease and finally a hacksaw, the bloody things were off, and promptly binned. New lamps fitted and wired, I then set about giving the car a good clean, inside and out, and I am pleased to report, it’s come up pretty well. It still needs a good polish, but it’s actually come up pretty well.
Next up I’ve got a rotten exhaust back-box to tackle, some rust on the bottom of the passenger door (makes it sound like an original Mini, doesn’t it!) and then I need to try and work out what I’m going to do about the dent on the drivers side. Me being me, I of course then had to photograph the car!
New spots make a BIG difference to the MINI
The car’s actually pretty tidy, but it could do with a little bit of TLC.
Getting this, and the MG BGT sorted should keep me busy!
Diary of a Bus Driver #1
Apr 9th
Here’s the first part in my (occasional) series detailing our ownership of our Citroen C3 Picasso. It may seem dull, but hey, if you’re thinking of buying one, you might find it useful! Apologies for the lack of decent pictures-I will get my camera out soon!
Well, it’s been a little over a week since the Sloman Family Fun Bus (as Mrs S insists on calling it) came home and overall I’m pretty impressed.
The car has done it’s job perfectly and become a firm favourite with Mrs S, since loading our daughter and all her kit is a doddle. The rear doors swing open nice and wide and even with the front seat slid forward, there’s still plenty of room for front passengers. Our Jack Russell is also adapting to the new car, having lost his place on the back seat for his very own travel crate, tucked away safely in the boot.
Speaking of front passengers, well these days, that’s me. Mrs S is so keen to drive the bus that more often than not my involvement in the journey is limited to adjusting the airvents, or changing radio stations.
MG ZS to C3 Picasso, driver to passenger. Yup, I’ve had an automotive vasectomy.
Still, when I have got behind the wheel I’ve been pleased. The Bus rides the bumps well, and on the run to Thruxton last Sunday for the opening round of the BTCC, the car coped well with four blokes and various bags etc. It needed a little encouragement to climb a few hills, but nothing drastic. So far, fuel economy is coming in around the 46 or 47 mpg mark, a drastic improvement over the petrol MG the C3 replaces, but I still think there’s room for us to get more for our money.
Disappointments have been limited, and I am nitpicking truth be told. The boot is a tad small, but extra space can be gained by slipping the back seats forward, or dropping the boots floor to it’s lower level. The glove box is a very odd shape and limited in what will fit inside (due to the placement of the cars electronics and the fact we drive on the correct side of the road!). Given the glovebox’s shortcomings I would have expected a wider array of cubby holes compared to the SEAT Altea I recently had on test, stowage in the Citroen is limited. I’ve ordered an Armster Armrest that should give us a bit more space and give me somewhere to put my elbow on longer journeys (assuming I get to drive!).
My only other niggle has been the paint on the rear bumper, it’s incredibly easy to scratch and our car has suffered already. I’ve now invested in a bumper protector and a fold-out mat to cover the bumper as well.
So all in all, a great first week with the little Bus!
