I found this car one day while browsing eBay. It had a damaged LHF guard after an elderly lady who apparently had bought it new back in 1971 had a minor accident. The story goes that the car sat for some years afterwards until one of her daughters persuaded her to relinquish it. A wrecking yard in country Victoria was called upon to remove the car. Aside from the damage to the front, the car also didn't run. I have taken some risks purchasing cars but this bordered on stupidity... I bought it sight unseen. When the car arrived I was gobsmacked on the overall condition. It was showing 21000 miles, which was believed to be genuine, all compressions were 165psi. The upholstery, seat belts, carpets etc were original and immaculate. When the ignition points were sorted (5 minute job) the car started immediately and the engine was silent. The steering rack was tight and the same story goes on and on. I even found the cars original build sheet underneath the carpet which was passed on to the new owner when I sold it. This car also had the Luxury pack and a 5 speed manual transmission. It really was a gem. The only perished parts were various suspension rubbers around the car. So why sell it? Well, I needed a way to finance a new project... a 1937 Wolseley 14/56.
The first start up of the engine after refurbishment and the electronic ignition fitted. |