Without the benefit of knowing of this thread's existence, I decided to build my '49 Clubman up with 590's and the col de la vie's - just as rhm and formicaman had suggested. I have an FW in the rear, though I have yet to be able to adjust it to give me more than 3 speeds (and on most days, 2). I am quite pleased with the ride - if not the unreliable gearing.