Ignitions & Distributors

Ignition points wear out over time. To be honest, they’re not the ideal solution even when new. There’s an easy ignition upgrade: Toss the original points and replace them with a PerTronix Ignitor. This stealthy upgrade replaces old-fashioned points with a modern, sealed Hall Effect circuit that’s impervious to dirt and moisture.

On a related note, replacement Lucas distributor rotors have left more than one classic enthusiast stranded. Advanced Distributors have engineered a replacement that aims to eliminate the problems associated with other options.

Hotter aftermarket ignition boxes don’t have to look out of place, either. MSD is making 4000 copies of their retro-flavored 40th Anniversary 6AL Ignition Control. Each box even comes with some vintage MSD stickers.

Air Conditioning

You no longer have to sweat while enjoying your classic car. Bolt-in air-conditioner kits that use modern compressors and evaporators are now available. The trick is finding a vendor, as there isn’t a one-stop solution for every make and model. British AC specializes in kits for MG and Triumph cars, while Vintage Air caters to the domestic pony and muscle car market. Moss has an MGB solution. Jaguar and Porsche 911 owners can turn to RetroAir for relief on those steamy summer days.

Updated Gauge Internals

Watching those timeless Smiths and Jaeger gauges keep tabs on everything is part of the joy of owning a classic sports car. However, these devices aren’t immune to the ravages of time. Plus, some older tachometers aren’t compatible with modern ignitions. Nisonger can help in both instances, as they rebuild old gauges and update vintage tachometers to work with today’s ignitions.

Overdrive & Fifth Gear

Today’s traffic moves quickly, and buzzing along at 4000 rpm can turn a weekend outing into a stay in the penalty box. A different final drive ratio or taller rear tires can offer relaxed cruising, but acceleration will suffer. A five-speed gearbox, however, provides the best of all worlds: a modern, fully synchronized box fitted with an overdrive cog.

The vendors tend to specialize in their comfort zones: The Driven Man and XKs Unlimited serve the Jaguar market; MG Five Speed Co. and Moss Motors can help those with various MG and Triumph models; HVDA has a Triumph gearbox; and Hurst Driveline Conversions works with GM and Mopar products.