Beschreibung
I purchased this car 12 months ago from the elderly former keeper, a true car enthusiast and member of the Dolomite Club who had treasured the car and kept the car garaged since he purchased it in 1980 (30 yrs ago!). For a while it was his main family car (though he cycled to work and back as you will see from the mileage) and later he purchased a Fiesta and kept the Dolomite only for shows and special occasions.
The previous owner was an instrument maker by trade and his attention to detail is clearly visible in the way he has maintained this car as can be seen from the photographs.
The car itself was first registered on 2nd July 1973 to a Mr. Humphrey of Wembley, and is VA 997, one of the first 1, 000 produced. Thus it is rare in being one of the very few “L” registered Sprints. Analysis of various data sources, show that this car is one of only approx. 20 “L” Reg Sprints remaining on the road today. The car is Mimosa Yellow, the only colour available for the first 2, 000 Sprints produced.
Being an early car it benefits from the better quality steel and rustproofing treatment from the factory and therefore this car is in excellent condition for it’s age and has not needed a body rebuild at any stage. It’s been described as one of the best, unrestored examples of an early Sprint that exists today.
The car benefits from being undersealed at some point early on and every garage that has seen the car from the underside has said its in good condition. The car benefits from having two new wings and front panel fitted during it’s life, although being 37 yrs old there are areas where chips and scrapes have been touched in. In terms of rust then the only area where this can be spotted is 3 tiny spider paint rust spots at the base of the passenger door. The side chrome trim strips are still with the vehicle but these aren’t fitted at present simply because they are an obvious moisture trap. The bumpers are in good condition, the front one has lost it’s shine slightly and has some spotting though still in good condition for it’s age whilst the rear still sparkles like a new car. All of the tyres have plenty of tread and are mounted on the original polished alloys.
The car is now showing 96, 400 miles, with only 6, 000 miles since a full engine rebuild by the previous owner. The mileage on the car is backed up by MOT certificates going back a long number of years, the last of which was only issued on 5th November and the car passed with flying colours. Mechanically the car is excellent with no overheating issues and always starts first time. Over the years it has benefited from a replacement clutch and rear differential, re-conditioned gearbox and overdrive. A twin pipe stainless steel exhaust system has also been fitted. I have also fitted an oil pressure gauge for safety and electronic ignition/ 12V coil to increase efficiency (the points and 6v Coil retained for re-fitting by future owners should they wish) plus new Distributor cap and Rotor arm.
The Interior is in original and excellent condition, with no fading of the seats, the carpets are original although slightly thin in some areas so I have fitted over mats to protect the original carpet. The wood on the dash is in fantastic condition as can be seen from the photographs, there is some very minor cracking to the door veneers but this is only noticeable on close inspection and doesn’t warrant replacement at this point. The original MW/ LW radio is still fitted and working with the single speaker in the dash (and electric aerial). As I’ve used this car with my family I’ve fitted rear seat belts and replaced the front belts as well just to be on the safe side. The car is fitted with the optional tinted glass and door mounted mirror.
I have the original handbook and “Passport to Service”, old style V5 from previous owner’s purchase and MOT certificates back to 1979 to prove the car’s mileage (it’s only done 3, 000 miles in the last 10 yrs!).
The car has only been used in the summer months and garaged by myself throughout my ownership as well, however with two fledgling businesses to run now I’ve realized that I’m unlikely to have time on my hands for the next couple of years to enjoy it and therefore it deserves an owner who will be able to both cherish it and use it in the correct manner (and keep it original) rather than hide away in a garage. So with much regret I am offering it for sale. I do have some parts (e. g. spin on filter conversion and club plug tubes) that I’ve purchased but not fitted for fear of ruining the cars originality and these will come with the car.
This is a rare car in terms of condition, provenance and just for being a very early Dolomite Sprint, however I would rather it went to the right owner so I am offering it for sale at just £4, 900. The photographs reflect the car’s condition however inspection is essential to truly appreciate the vehicle’s condition. More pictures can be viewed at - details above details below02/ show/
