I don't think there is anything really wrong with the latest gear reduction starter replacements for British cars... probably a good idea in a lot of cases. Not only for the Lucas electics (the motors they made are really pretty OK), but the part I don't care for is the lack of a solenoid on many of them. The starter gear is engaged completely mechanically by the spinning shaft of the starter. When the engine starts, the (faster) spinning flywheel gear kicks the starter gear out.

Nice idea, but if you have a silly British car that doesn't like to start right away, one cylinder will fire, that'll kick the starter gear out. Engine don't start, back to square one... A fella can go on for hours fouling plugs and getting frustrated.

But as has been said.. the Volvo Bosch starters are just fine in the old Volvos. They just tend to go after 20 or 30 or 40 years.

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-Matt I ♥ my ♂