Downton oilcap

[UHR850]

I realey would like to buy this item BUT is it an Original or just a FAKE !?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI- ... 7203780%26

[Pete]

Looks like modern bling to me. Downton never made/used 'em.

On a similar subject though I'm convinced and have seen pleny of evidence that JV Murcot alloy rockers cover were fitted at Downton.

[almondgreen]

vortz cap......

[Nevsmini]

Is it the petrol cap that was fitted in the 90's Downton mini

[Austin Costin]

Not a Vortz item, Nick would'nt be as crude as to make that.

[12G940]

I agree, its just not Vortz's style to garnish with trinkets the outside of a car, but the oil cap is marked the same as the head casting, and it was according to the Vortz Racing Cars facebook done about 30 years ago, so it's not modern day trash.

[RS6]

...I'm convinced and have seen pleny of evidence that JV Murcot alloy rockers cover were fitted at Downton.

So am I.

[UHR850]

Thanks guys, I knew it good not be an original one but was interrested in your opinion.
But it is still a fine looking item

[newtune]

I too would say it's a vortz's one from the late 80's 90's when they made the dowton minis, thought it looked quite smart, the cars did

[Austin Costin]

I have been re educated and now believe it to be a Vortz item

[12G940]

Hi Austin Costin, do you mean the tacky petrol cap or the, I think, not so tacky but really quite nice oil cap, because I do agree having it stuck on the petrol caps is more than a tad one step to far, but to discover it hiding under the bonnet is a very subtle piece of ID for that engine. I only ask because your first comment came after the fuel cap which judging from there past record I believe Vortz would never
go there. I'm not being offensive, just that it was not that clear to which your first comment was directed. Petrol cap or oil cap.

[mk1]

...I'm convinced and have seen plenty of evidence that JV Murcot alloy rockers cover were fitted at Downton.

Would love to see this evidence!

As far as I am aware up until Daniels death there were no alloy rocker covers sold at Downton in Wiltshire at all, post his death in 1974, it may be a different matter.

Alloy rocker covers of various sorts were sold through Downton (London) over the years. Among which were the HRG one, the flat topped "FJ" one and no doubt the Murcott / Minifin one too.

M

[Pete]

Though no smoking gun I've seen a number of photos of cars / engines from Downton with the Murcott rocker cover fitted. My own W&P Mk3 had one on when it came back from Downton after it's engine install according to the first owner (and is still on it) but what convinced me (rightly or wrongly) was the photo I have of Bill Quine with the Mike Nesmith Radford outside Downton with the bonnet up in 1967 with the Murcott cover on the engine , which had just been fitted at Downton. I've no proof Downton sold them Mark but likely fitted them. I think RS6 has some photos of engines built at Downton with these on also ?

[mk1]

the photo I have of Bill Quine with the Mike Nesmith Radford outside Downton with the bonnet up in 1967 with the Murcott cover on the engine.

Any chance of a copy?

The only thing I would say about that is that MANY of the "Stars" cars were sold through Downton (London) as opposed to Downton (Downton) as Elvaston Mews was much more convenient for London based people. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that it was ordered c/w rocker cover in London & subsequently paid a visit to Downton. This is of course total speculation.

M

[Nevsmini]

My '65 Radford Cooper S has one fitted as well. Don't know who built the engine in it though. It's a shame leyland made that lovely copy with the red cap on it and no vent!

[RS6]

.

[Pete]

the photo I have of Bill Quine with the Mike Nesmith Radford outside Downton with the bonnet up in 1967 with the Murcott cover on the engine.

Any chance of a copy?

The only thing I would say about that is that MANY of the "Stars" cars were sold through Downton (London) as opposed to Downton (Downton) as Elvaston Mews was much more convenient for London based people. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that it was ordered c/w rocker cover in London & subsequently paid a visit to Downton. This is of course total speculation.

M

I'll ask Bill Q what he remembers and will post the (rather fuzzy) photo when I've asked permission, watch this space. The W&P Elf currently being restored had an engine from Downton also I think with a Murcott cover on, yes ordered through Richard Miles. Mine was done through W&P direct and went to Downton for the engine to be fitted , again with this rocker box on.

[Austin Costin]

Hi 12G940, that did sound a bit rude did'nt it Far better as a oil cap over a petrol cap but it's just not really my cup of tea.
Altough I was rather suprised to find that Nick made it, that said the quality is what I would expect from him.

[12G940]

Hi Costin Austin
I'm the one who usually jumps to Nick Vortz's defence, because in the 1990's generally people were always ready to attack his general being through gossip and that really annoyed me, they had no idea of the man or what there work was like or where it came from, but I was privileged to regularly visit them very early on as far back as the 1960's and see the results from home brew equipment. They done things that normally only a majer manufacturer would consider, and it was not just a have a go result,as an engineer myself working in the British Rail Eastliegh Workshops that had everything from foundries, machining, plating and everything between, I was astonished at Vortz's no barriers ( no tools ) attitude that produced superb products which would put to shame many a workshop like ours. Thanks for not bashing Vortz, I think and hope that's well in the past, and now the truth is finally out.
12G940

[towners]

I love this site

I found one of those rocker covers at weekend (clearing garage) and wondered what it was (has a chrome take off on the back)

I was about to list it as mg metro

towners