CONDITION
- Engine - Runs extremely well, with plenty of power. It starts first time every time, and idles smoothly. It uses no oil between oil changes. While I've driven it regularly, I never accumulate many miles but I've always change the oil once or twice a year. Usually a few weeks after I take it out for the first time in the spring and just before I put it away in the fall. I replaced the original, troublesome, water choke with a manual which makes stating much better. It will still pass emissions just fine.
- Exhaust - I replaced the entire exhaust system shortly after I bought the car, using all original parts. It's still in good solid shape.
- Transmission/ Clutch - The transmission has always shifted very sweetly. I replaced the clutch for the first time about 8 years ago, and it is still in perfect shape. I use DOT 5 silicone fluid to prevent paint damaging spills and water absorbtion.
- Body - Very good, very straight and very rust free. It spent the first part of its life in California and the rest as a pampered baby in my garage. It had been repainted before I bought it so after 36 years of ownership it could use a repaint. You still wouldn't be ashamed to take it nice places. Because of the old paint it looks just a bit scruffy. Over the years I've often thought of having a professional paint job, then bringing everything to show car standard, but if I did that I would have driven and enjoyed it less and polished it more. I like it the way it is, a slightly scruffy, great driving British sports car to blast around back country roads with.
- Interior - I replaced the original high back bucket seats with low back seats out of a spitfire 1500 many years ago, and had them recovered in black vinyl. They are ok, though the drivers seat has large seam split. However, the car comes with a new set of seat unpolstery in black with white piping for you to install. The seats are nice and comfortable.
- Glass - The originbal windshield has one small chip and is well sand blasted after 53 years, but still servicable. The side window glasses are good, with no cracks.
- Dashboard - The preveious owner created his own version of a padded dash and it looks good so I've left it alone.
- Brakes and tires - Tires are a few years old but still have more 90% of their tread. They are size 165 R13. They fill the wheel wells better than the 155 R13 that came on the car originally. They also give the car a bit longer legs for higher speed when wanted. Brakes were checked this spring and still have plenty of thickness. Again, DOT 5 silicone brake fluid.
- Wheels - Still has the original steel wheels, though I replaced the dog dish hubcaps with baby moons. I like the look.
- Paint - It had been repainted a few years before I bought it so after 36 years of ownership it could use a repaint. You still wouldn't be ashamed to take it nice places.
- Instruments - All instruments work perfectly.
- Radio - I replaced the original non-functioning Philco with a period correct Becker Europa shortly after I bought it. The radio came out of my friend's new Mercedes 240D, so it was virtually new when I bought it. I paid him $10. He'd be shocked to see they now sell for $500 or more. It works perfectly, though the best music to listen to is the running of the car!
- Top - The car comes with a new Robbins soft top, and a new original soft top frame, not installed. I bought it the summer after I bought the car, but never installed it. I decided that since I always drove it in perfect weather that I didn't need to fit a top.
- Maintenance - The car has always been well maintained. Whenever something broke or needed attention, I fixed it right away, so this is not a restoration. It was a good car when I bought it and I've kept it that way for the last 36 years.
- Just for fun - If you look closely at the hood you'll see a Ferrari badge. My grandsons put it on as a joke, but the joke was on them! I kinda liked it so I left it on. You can peal it off if you don't. Also note the FIAMM air horns. Perfect for those trips to the continent during the "season." They really get attention!
This is a very nice running and driving car. I bought it in California and drove it back to Illinois. I would not hesitate to drive it anywhere today. I have always kept it garaged, well maintained and repaired during my ownership. If you live in the area you are welcome to inspect the car before bidding. Contact me through eBay's email system. The cars is being sold for pickup only; however, I'll gladly cooperate in shipping it if you make all the arrangments, as I haven't a clue how to go about it. Of course you'll need to pay for it before it can be loaded.
- Extras - I never thought I'd sell the car so whenever I saw something I might need in the future, I put it in stock. It's all available at extra cost.
- Factory steel hardtop
- New factory toneau cover.
- New seat uplostery (black with white piping).
- 2 new factory door top trims.
- New tubular exhaust header.
- Pair of SU HS2 carbs, including manifold.
- 2 SU rebuild kits.
- Perfecxt used trunk lid.
- Used Differential (the one installed does whine a bit, but always has).
- 2 excellent original padded dash tops.
- 4 late model steel wheels.
- 4 wire wheels (2 rebuilt).
- 4 wire wheel lock nuts, like new.
- 2 extra sets of chrome trunk hinges (1 set is new).
- New windshield glass seat.
- New windshield frame base seal.
- New turn signal switch.
- Set of new champion spark plugs.
- New ignition points.
- New ignition condencer.
- New distributor cap.
- 5 Unipart oil filters (including both sizes of adapter).
- 3 new fuel filters.
- New radiator cap.
- complete set of tail light and stop light rubbers.
- 2 sets of snaps for top or tonneau cover.
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