Beschreibung
IT is pretty damned rare that I come across a classic these days which really tempts me into keeping it for myself. But this is one of those cars.
Just over two years ago, I owned this and sold it pretty much straight away. Even then I thought I should have hung onto it - at least for a while - and simply enjoyed the driving experience!
Now I have managed to buy it back. I am listing it today but, once again, I am tempted to keep it as my main classic runabout. We shall see.
So, to the car. Now, I have always been a huge fan of Rootes Group cars and, if there are any regular readers of my classic car adverts out there, then you will know that I try and source as many makes and models as possible. Well this time I believe I have sort of sourced two in one. Confused? Let me explain.
This stunning looking 1963 Series IIIC in two-tone blue and white began life as the first "Audax" Minx to be fitted with a 1600cc engine. Indeed it tells us that in lovely chrome script on the tops of the front doors. However - and to get straight to the point - Minnie the Minx has had a transplant. And what's more, she managed to keep it in the family.
Out went the 1600cc unit and in went a Sunbeam Alpine Series V 1725cc twin-Stromberg engine with overdrive on 3rd and 4th. Now little Minnie is positively wolf-like and delights in knocking out a mammoth 92 bhp!
To drive this old girl is quite some experience, believe me. And yet she takes it all in her stride. Fitted with servo brakes for obvious reasons and also sitting perfectly despite the added weight on the front end, she absolutely flies. In time honoured fashion, the overdrive switch has been fitted to the steering column and operates instantly.
She sounds, feels, looks and drives like a dream. I would imagine that she is a totally unique example. As to whether anyone else has ever taken such time and trouble while clearly displaying such skills to put all this together, then I really don't know. But it certainly works.
We have a sports saloon here. In fact, come to think of it, she could be likened to a Sunbeam Rapier series V 1725, bearing mind the fact that they both have the same power base tucked away beneath their bonnets! By the way, she is listed as a 1725cc on the V5 as well.
Condition-wise, she is a beauty. The paint finish is extremely good, as is her chrome work. She has a delightful interior (still pure Minx) although the speedo reads a bit high due to the engine change. Her underside is clean, straight and strong and her last MoT expired in November 2017 when she had no advisories.
So, all in all, we have a delightful Minx-Alpine. Go find another!
All my classic cars are treated as the equivalent of motoring antiques. This one, for example, is 58-years-old. They cannot be compared to the wife's six-month-old Chelsea tractor and they are bound to come with imperfections, quirks and bits and pieces that will need attention even if it is some time in the future. They do however come with oodles of charm, appeal and are there to be loved like a family pet. If you are new to the classic car scene, then please bear all this in mind. Most examples have clearly had work over the decades and I cannot predict how much or how little they will need in the future. That, I am afraid, is the nature of the beast in the world of classic cars. Motoring antiques is what they are. I love my Georgian dining table, but I can see all the scars and signs of previous woodworm. Had I wanted a brand new table, I would have gone to Oak Furniture Land. Well perhaps. Demand is outstripping supply these days and they don't make the old girls any more. So, make some allowances and drive away with a smile on your face. It goes with the territory, and therefore must be accepted, that they are always going to need on-going care, attention and repair. Don't tell me some way down the line that the full beam doesn't work or that you have discovered something I knew nothing about. They are bloody old. It happens. They come in and they go out. It seems as though I have become a "re-homer" of classic cars.
I accept all major debit cards and a ten per cent deposit is required at the point of sale with the balance due within three days. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Thanks for reading, Martin. the details below).
