What's the real problem?
Most negative talk about Joseph Lucas and his parts company Lucas Industries is a mash-up of old wives tales and reveals poor research of the realities of the Lucas brand. "Oh, my Lucas starter motor failed.....it only lasted 40 years…"
Their fuel injection system won every Formula 1 Race from the moment the Ford DFV won the first race it entered in 1967 right through to Alan Jones' races in the 1980's.
Similar for their electronic ignition systems. They were always at the vanguard of electrical engineering. The quality of their products and the engineering behind them was second to none.
Who Was Joseph Lucas?
Joseph Lucas was a Birmingham businessman who founded his electrical components company in 1860 — originally selling paraffin oil door-to-door before pivoting to cycle lamps and, eventually, automotive electrics. By the early 20th century, Lucas Industries had become the dominant supplier of electrical systems to virtually every British car manufacturer, such as Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Daimler, Morris, Jensen, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Austin, Alvis, Rover, MG, Morgan, Holden, Morris, Triumph, and Land Rover.
At its peak, Lucas was supplying components to over 90% of British-made vehicles. Furthermore, the ultimate specification/quality was determined by the purchaser and Lucas delivered the product that was asked of them.
Do you think that Rolls Royce, Bentley and Ferrari would have specified Lucas electrics if the product was no good?
Worldwide economy takes a blow as quality levels drop
At Bluemoon Classic Parts, we stock a wide range of Lucas electrical components — from ignition parts and switches to lighting and charging system components — for vehicles from the 1940s through to the 1990s. Whether you're restoring a Jaguar XJ6, a Triumph Spitfire, or a classic Land Rover, we can help you source the parts you need.
Our advice? Lucas parts are still well respected. Clean your connections, use quality terminals, protect your wiring from moisture, and replace worn components before they fail. Do that, and your British classic will reward you with years of reliable, characterful motoring. Contact us for that hard to find Lucas part on (+61) 03 54 752 661