After receiving advice from a friend who has owned one for years, and a very kind Rumcar member offer of help, I've decided to hold off this one.
The trim and lights are all wrong and the RHD model has gear linkage issues. Also, I've been advised the latest models were built very cheap with lots of potential issues. Maybe a reason why it has not run for so long??
If it were dirt cheap, the cost of restoration might be worth while. Not sure as it is now, with still 6 days auction left too.
Really appreciate all the swift support received, just what I need!
Thanks!
I beg to differ. Headlights look like Miller, Correct. Rear lights are Hella with small later number plate light in the middle, rare but, Correct. Indicators off Isetta, Commer and early Darlek. Take them off and Ebay. The correct ones will be about the same price unless you find better condition.
Side trim. Interesting as it looks like the long bit from the rear back of the indicator has been moved down. Not sure if it is correct size - that is obsolete. But replacement in new near correct size would be about £20. A pair of original fronts would be about £20.
What was wrong with the RHD gear change? It is a different length cable, is all. If it were an Isetta I would agree. Think someone has got confused there as frankly that is a wrong bit of advice.
Build quality. Earlier the car the better. - Value of the cars. Earlier cars more expensive. - Availability of cars, Earlier harder to find, especially in reasonable condition. Beggers cannot be choosers. Your restoring the car so quality can be built in. Unless you want a concours prize. So fit a fusebox if you want. Shall I slag of the early car faults which was why the monocoque structure was altered?
The only valid reason for not considering this car is if the rare RHD front suspension casting is/gets broken. There are next to no spare ones. I have a couple and some 6 owners awaiting the chance to buy beneath my price with unusable cars. Their choice, but that illustrates I know what I am talking about and where the real problem is on this potential purchase.
You need to view this car, even if you choose not to buy, if your seriously looking. Without a feel for the cars by looking at them you can spend a year dicking about and still buy the wrong thing. Get your 'arris down there and less with the negative vibes!