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[Dave G]

Well, I used to borrow my Dad’s Marina, a 1300 2-door (coupé?), maroon, looked like a crap respray. Always narked me that he didn’t get an 1800, with the rev counter!

Anyway, with four in the car it would bounce around corners given the slightest bump. Scary for everyone. Maybe because of the torsion bar rear suspension, or as previously said, 1950s design.

No redeeming features whatsoever.

[Dave G]

Might be wrong there. Was it the front that was torsion bar?
Whatever, it wasn’t too pleasant.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I suppose we lust after old cars from our youth because of the fond memories they have given us. In reality most old cars will feel like a bag of shit when compared to modern cars. I always wanted (still want a TR6) but just know it would disappoint if I ever had the chance to try one.

Similar to the gorgeous 18 year old goddess we dated when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. We like to believe she would still be a great shag but these days she has 4 chins, 5 bellies, and tits that almost scrape the carpet.

Never meet your heroes.

[Kevin Wood]

Might be wrong there. Was it the front that was torsion bar?
Whatever, it wasn’t too pleasant.

Yep, front had torsion bars and was spongy as hell with way too much travel. Rear had leaf springs that were rock hard and had very little travel. What could possibly go wrong there?

Oh, and the front trunnion joints needed replacing with every MOT, because they were designed for the Morris Minor.

[Sir Tigger KC]

Best thing you can do is choose a car you like, and buy the nicest one you can find.

What if you'd overdosed on Dorset Turnips and liked a Morris Marina, like Sir Tig.....

 

I was 19 and it cost me fifty quid with 6 months MOT & tax. 

It was a great car though and I used do a lovely drift in it around a hairpin bend deep in the lanes near here! 

....and don't forget it was the desirable 1.8TC coupe version....so the ladies went weak at the knees. Wet with anticipation.

 

It had a black 'go faster' stripe down the bonnet as well! 

Used Marina seem to be up for sale within the £3000-£9000 range.

Why would anyone be tempted to pay this for a seventies car, with fifties engineering tech, that corners like a a dog on polished lino.

One of the reasons I won't buy another Marina Coupe 1800TC is that I'd be very tempted to drift it round the afore mentioned hairpin bend in the lanes in the dead of night.   

I'm probably not as talented as I was when I was 19 and it would go horribly wrong!       

If you drift a bit too enthusiastically, you might find that the body shell will part company with the wheels.

It's surprising that that never happened considering what I put the poor thing through!