Beschreibung
Car on Birkenhead registration, has had 7 owners. Originally from St Helens, latterly owned since around 2007 by late Andy Mitchell who was a great enthusiast / apologist for the R20/ 30 range (as am I). This car has also been guest of honour at the Whatcar awards, London Park Lane hotel, many photos can be supplied with the car.
There are many issues with the bodywork of the car, however I have managed to have a lovely year of motoring with it. Frankly it seems to have been kept in a state of minimal maintenance for many years, and I have spent the year of ownership doing needed improvements. That is not a reflection on previous owner, these things are horribly expensive to run, it was his daily transport.... and he had 2 of them!
In terms of bodywork, the previous owner apparently improved the appearance by applying a thin layer of filler down the passenger side once yearly - the paint is now very flat, and filler is lifting in a few areas. I have no idea what is underneath. Nor do I want to know! The driver's side is much better, however the rear quarter is badly corroded, and lets water into the boot. This is not an issue for MOT simply because there are no rear seat belts, but a repair panel is present and included in sale. On the positive side, the sills were entirely replaced under previous ownership (I heard a figure of £1200), and photographs of what looks to be a very high standard job come with the car. I have had the sills welded up again in places on both sides at cost £500 for the recent MOT.
The good news is that the car underneath is in really good condition. Very little corrosion to be seen anywhere.
Mechanically speaking it is really good. It is noted as having had a replacement auto box in recent years - and it actually works!!! I have recently had done:
New shock absorbers front and back
New lower ball joints both sides
New pads + caliper cleaned up
Carb cleaned up, new plugs and HT leads
ATF changed
Distributor cleaned
Engine oil and filter change
New heater valve
New gearbox back mount.
Fly in the ointment: I had the steering rack refurbished at great expense, but now the pump has started leaking - and possibly small leaching from top gasket on rack too..... I have simply removed the drive belt and carried on driving it without PAS, but this will need further attention.
That's about all there is to say really. It's actually been weirdly reliable in my ownership. However, whenever it is off the road it's off for weeks trying to get parts and someone to work on it (if you have owned a French classic you know what I mean) I need another car for every day commuting but live in city centre and don't have the parking.
MOT until 28/ 11/ 2022. You could put it away till August next year and it will be tax / MOT exempt.
I have a valuation report for £3750. I am asking £3000, which is less than it owes me. Please don't come making low offers based on the fact that it's rough as a badger's bum.... I've already said so in plain speak. The question is do you want a R20 specifically (Hobsons choice), and what sort of a car can you get for £3k anyway? Only small scale negotiations will be entered into.... and only of you come see the car.
