Beschreibung
I bought this in Belgium quite a few years ago. I really fancied a MkI Landcrab and, at the time, this was the closest reasonably priced example I could find. I loved the colour, too…
The engine has been rebuilt to beyond factory standards by my friend Theodore J Gillam at a cost of around £3000. It starred in a series of B-Series rebuild features in Practical Classics magazine in 2018/ 2019.
Machining work included: rebore; bearing tunnel rehone; crank grind and polish; block faces skimmed; head skim; new valve guides; hardened valve seats fitted and cut; flywheel refaced; crankshaft, front pulley, flywheel and clutch pressure plate dynamically balanced.
It’s had new main and big end bearings; new camshaft bearings; new (good quality) oversize pistons; new gudgeon pins; new (MBG) camshaft; new oil pump; new cam followers, pushrods and rockers; new valves and springs; new timing gears, chain and tensioner; new oil seals and gaskets throughout… and many new minor parts. In addition to the dynamic balancing, the pistons, con-rods and gudgeon pins have been statically balanced. It should be beautifully smooth.
The gearbox – or transaxle, rather – was given a once-over at the same time and a new clutch kit, release bearing and spigot bush fitted. The unit’s now back together and ready to refit.
The rest of the car is in need of recommissioning. One of the Hydrolastic hoses has ruptured, so one side isn’t holding pressure.
The body bears consistent patina, with a few historic repairs and areas of minor rust. It appears to be original and rust-free underneath, with two exceptions: it’s received new outer sills (installed to a good standard) and patches where the front floors meet the rears of the inner wheelarches (not such a good standard). The latter would benefit from redoing.
The interior’s very good indeed.
It’s showing 111, 786km and I suspect this is accurate.
It’s Belgian registered. I have its Belgian registration document and a NOVA declaration has been completed.
