At least, I *think* it's an Austin - the engine bay picture looks like that year's model from my Rees book...









Seller's description:

It's pretty original, so yeah, it's not in perfect shape. It's been a project I've not found time for-for 10 years or so, so I give up! It's gotta go! I just never got around to it.
It needs starter repair, and the SU carbs' float sticks. It has new tires, but they don't like sitting and go flat after 6 months or so (valves leaky?).
It's been garaged for most of it's life, I think, at least since I've owned it.
I do have a spare engine (that needs work) that's included in the price.
It is a BLAST to drive!
See the pix-sorry about the quality-it looks good in the sun!


So, yeah, it's in "needs restoration" shape, obviously, but it's pretty inexpensive (he's asking $4k but he's had it for a while and would likely negotiate). I'm headed out tonight to see it in person and take better photos.

Besides the obvious (rust-through, puddles of fluids) what should I look for specifically that might make the car more "salvage" than "classic"?

Oh, according to the seller, he had the car out last summer (I guess the sticky carbs don't totally keep it from running usually) but he moved in January and the car would not start. He said "no spark" but I don't know if he really checked it or was guessing.

Thanks in advance!

 

Could be a Morris; a friend had a 1961 or 2 Morris that was that color.

 

I'm going out tonight to take a look... I'll shoot better photos. Anything specific I should try to document/look out for? I don't have terribly high hopes - I'd rather wait than jump the gun on a car that might need 5X the asking proce in restoration work - but if I can get a good enough deal on it, you never know...

 

Rust is always the biggest issue. The mechanicals are much easier to deal with than if the body need serious work. From the fuzzy pictures the car looks pretty original... pull string door... magic wand shifter. Does look like is may have been resprayed at some point as the engine bay is a different color (could be wrong but I think the were alway sprayed the same if original.) For $4k it could be a good find if the shell is not too bad

 

I'd second the re-spray- the interior matches the engine bay but not the exterior- but that isn't a big deal. Rust is the main thing that would make this a no deal, the mechanicals can be rebuilt, which is often the fun part! The seals are probably shot with all the time it spends sitting-but that also is just a replacement project. Get the best price possible and it will cost you some cash (at least twice the buying price) but in the end it could a real nice Mini.

 

How much rust is "too much"? Even clean Minis I've seen can have some on the doors/sills and such. Are we talking a no-go with full rust-through, or should I be wary of less? Any specific areas that I should pay particular attention to?

Thanks guys!

 

Are you running out of room on Nano for lighting mods? Just think of all the possible lighting effects you could get with a shell with some rust pin holes!

 

Um... no thanks.

 

Hmmm.... the owner says this is an all-original 1960. I wonder what kind of gas he's been putting in it? Should be interesting to actually see the vehicle's condition - I have an appointment at 7:00 to view it.

 

Good luck with the classic. don't forget the pics.

 

Matt, if you want me to meet you to look at it from a body perspective either call me or PM me and I will meet you there.

 

Have you ever owned an old British car before?

 

Nope. They're just like Hondas but cuter, right? Run on sunshine and happy thoughts? Count me in!

But seriously... I've made a complete pest of myself at nearly every Mini event (just ask Paul... heh) and I think I have an inkling about what I'm getting into. This car is a bit older than I was hoping to find (my ideal car is a early-70's model) but the age sort of makes it really cool as well - I love the door pockets, door pulls and sliding windows.

I know that this year of car still had the "infamous oil seal" problem which was fixed in '61 by a lube-free Deva bush and the "exploding third gear" issue, which required an upgraded baulk-ring syncromesh (whatever the hell that is), so that's making me a bit nervous, since he claims the car is "all original". And it's not currenly running, which might be a simple thing to fix or it might be a huge problem -- I just dunno until I see it (if then). I dunno... It might be too big a project for me and my paltry skills (such as they are).

CHKMINI - I have an appointment to see it at 7:00 tonight in Westerville. If you can be in the area I'd love to call you in as my "ace in the hole" but I'd hate to have you drive all that way. But hey, if you were planning on being in the area and don't mind taking a look, PM me with your cell and I'll give you a ring. Kara has the address at home - she talked to him this afternoon. Thanks!

 

Your in for a treat .... lol Never travel with out your cell phone.

 

Matt,

PM sent.

 

Hey Imago,

I think it's great that you're looking at classics. I think you are a few books and several hours ahead of me in the process. I'm taking a slow approach and trying to keep it within forums and books. For now, I'm enjoying your search vicariously. Good Luck!

 

Oh, it's been a slow process, belive me. But fun!

 

You have been asking around the boards for awhile and doing your homework just remember what you've learned.

 

did the other guy get ahold of you ? about the blue one

 

Nope, he didn't... I'm on pins and needles. Hope he mails me soon.

As for this one, it's actually a Morris Mini Minor based on the 7bar/11 slat grille and Morris badging with an Austin motor in it. I guess "Dave" (the previous owner) blew the rings on the original motor. It's sitting in the current owner's garage, along with a couple of replacement carbs, actually.

This car is, I think, not the one for me. It's got major rust (read as: large enough to put a fist through) on both driver's and passenger sides, the repaint is peeling (I think the original color was Old English White based on the interior and the head liner) and the windows don't seal. The engine looks to be in OK shape at least, but of course I couldn't hear it running.

I have lots of photos if anyone wants to see them - it could be a good car for someone that can really do a proper restoration. That person, unfortunately, isn't me. I've seen people do amazing things with worse, God knows, but I can't weld or do some of the required work.