Cars prefer being used to being in museums? Almost certainly true and a problem if you have a car as original as yours
It takes remarkably little corrosion to seize and engine. When I've left cars for periods I've lifted the plugs and poured oil in the bores, ensuring that each piston was mid stroke

Charles

Years ago I was involved with kart racing. Not Honda 4 strokes, but proper 2 strokes that went a bit. We used to use 50:1, measured fairly accurately. One day on a long circuit we decided on a little more oil and ran 40:1. We seized the engine. In the cold light of day, increasing the amount of oil decreases the amount of petrol, and we were running a seriously weak mixture. Now I never thought that it would make much difference, but it seems to. We should have changed carb settings, but just didn't think.

I agree that most cars should be used and maybe not just 'viewed' in museums but directly and indirectly I've recived so many good stories relating to 'how useful it was having the car displayed in a relatively public place', I think its been worth it. One of the best was from a woman who was possibly being 'dragged round yet another museum', turned a corner and recognised her Dad's old car and sent me new info about it as a result! Another was from someone's mother in law who recognised his father in one of the photos. He was a member of Vernon Bowles Brooklands 'Relay Team' referred to as 'One Crowther' in a period magazine obviously because VL Seyd, the car's first owner, couldn't remember his first name! The son in law never knew his father and the car was the only link he was aware of and I found out his Dad's first name...George ! Plus countless replica builders have had access to measure and photograph the car I hasten to add with the museum's and my permission.

Location: Ferring, Worthing, West Sussex

James, sorry for the 'grey' moment, I was trying to get ready for a week away to a cottage by the sea with no land line, no mobile coverage from anyone and no internet. It was as good as it sounds!!

I have always used the ratio of 50:1 as Stuart said in his comment on the 18th June.

I initially used top quality outboard two stroke oil but had to change the plugs after the practice runs. Since using 747 I have never changed a plug at an event.
Regards

Peter

Location: North Yorkshire

Peter, bit like me about a month ago in the middle of Brittany...Bliss ! Thanks for the info. seems in general agreement with most others. Will be running the car in about 2-3 months time, with the right ratio of oil, maybe with improved performance and less smoke ... although with Castrol R there are not many objectors. Will report back. Thanks again to everyone for their advice and help.

Location: Ferring, Worthing, West Sussex

During my m/c trialling days I always used Bel-Ray two stroke oil which is fully synthetic and can be used down to 100:1 without detriment.