Descripción
After spending almost 2 years restoring and renovating this delightful car, it is time to move to a new owner that will use and appreciate it.
Overview: 1967 Series V with overdrive; modified and updated 1750cc engine; previous life as a classic rally car now converted back to usable road car; significant restoration of both interior and exterior. Many photos of the renovation are available.
Note the original cherished reg has now been replaced and the car is back to its original registration HJT 120E - see pic. The cherished number is on retention and available for sale separately.
Background: In 2020 my good friend and I decided we would like to take on a restoration project. We are very much amateur enthusiasts but with a degree of experience in classic car mechanics. Both being fans of classic English sports cars, several marques were considered including MGB’s, TR’s and finally the Alpine. When we first came across this car it was kitted out as a classic rally car, complete with bucket seats, harnesses, sump guards, no carpets, no rear seats, and various bits of odd kit. It turned out it had been converted to rallying quite a few years ago and competed in the UK (some competition picture history is available). It had then been acquired and shipped to Italy by a specialist who planned its use in classic European rallies. Unfortunately, it sat untouched, at the back of a workshop in Northern Italy for several years, until being repatriated back to London by an English enthusiast. The intention was to convert it back to being a road car, with a sympathetic view to originality, but with perhaps a few modern upgrades. However, as with many well-intended projects, other life priorities got in the way, and it again sat in a garage untouched for another year or so…and that is where we came in.
We found out about the car through a friend and persuaded the owner that we had the same intentions, but more importantly, had the time and energy to make it happen. And so began the project.
Having transported the car to Yorkshire and into the newly created workshop – a garage now equipped with workbenches, parts storage shelves, and a consolidated collection of many tools – we set about a detailed inspection from bumper to bumper, cataloging all the items we felt needed ‘RRR’ – Replace or Renovate or Repair. Having done the fine-tooth-comb review, the list of jobs was larger than we had anticipated. This list is too large for this advert but can be provided on request. The good news was that the engine, gearbox, axle, suspension, and bodywork all seemed in reasonable condition, with only a good clean required. Unfortunately, we were less pleased with the condition of the underside and chassis, which eventually required significant investment with a local classic repair specialist – not an item we had budgeted for, but not something we could avoid in the end.
Along the way there have been a number of setbacks and unplanned additions to the jobs list, including a new windscreen (the original one shattered when refitting a seal surround!); rear brake cylinders (when they decided to burst their seals on testing); new speedo cable (after old one simply gave in to old age); new carburettor diaphragm’s (after discovering they had rotted); new front brakes (after discovering they were different sized discs on either side!). We have also added a couple of modern upgrades such as electronic ignition, an additional electric fan, and a USB charger/ Volt meter (see pics). The overall lesson is to expect the unexpected when taking on a project of this nature – and have a time and money contingency budget!
Having finished the list of jobs in late October 2022 we decided to get the official stamp of approval and put it through its MOT. Following an initial pre-MOT inspection (at which the different brakes were discovered, plus a couple of other minor niggles such as lights not being up to standard) we finished the list of jobs and, on 15 Nov 2022, while not officially required, the car passed the full test. Since then, the car has been run a couple of times, and a few very pleasant miles added. The English winter is not ideal for a 55yr old car, no matter how well it has been undersealed. So, it is laid up, under a cover in a dry garage, in readiness to move to its next home.
The pics attached are a sample. There are more plus videos of the restoration available. This is the list of jobs, by area of the car, that we have undertaken. It does not indicate all the parts required although we have invoices for the majority.
Area Job
Bodywork: Fit new petrol filler cap
Bodywork: Chassis, inner rear wings, boot floor - repair/ weld
Bodywork: Remove and replace windshield outer seal
Bodywork: Replace wipers and arms
Bodywork: Remove and clean front grille
Bodywork: Remove sump guard
Bodywork: Inspect and clean/ lube door locking mechanisms
Bodywork: Replace door seals and trims
Bodywork: Spare wheel well - refurbish/ weld
Bodywork: Clean, refurb and repaint boot floor
Boot: Replace boot carpet
Boot: Replace petrol tank covers in boot
Boot: Boot lock/ latch - remove, clean and lube
Brakes: Remove, clean front brake callipers – no seals required.
Brakes: Replace both front brake discs with correct size
Brakes: Replace brake fluid
Brakes: Replace rear brake cylinders both sides – note SII required
Drivetrain: Check gearbox rear seal - ok
Drivetrain: Check overdrive - ok
Drivetrain: Check propshaft UV joints - ok
Drivetrain: Remove and clean rear axle
Drivetrain: Strip and inspect differential - replace seals
Engine: Radiator - remove, flush/ clean, test and replace
Engine: Radiator - replace hoses
Engine: Remove/ flush oil cooler and replace hoses
Engine: Remove Carbs - strip, clean and replace parts as required
Engine: Replace inlet manifold to head, and carbs to manifold gaskets
Engine: Check heater matrix/ valves - working
Engine: Replace radiator cap
Engine: Replace oil filler cap
Engine: Bonnet catch mechanism - remove, clean and lube
Engine: Fit electronic ignition
Engine: Remove exhaust manifold – check for cracks/ damage - ok
Engine: Replace exhaust manifold to head, and manifold to down pipe gaskets
Engine: Replace rear exhaust hanger bracket
General: Refurb horn
General: Remove, inspect, renovate petrol tanks
General: Petrol tank connection pipes - replace all pipes
General: Replace washer bottle - update to electric pump
General: Fit new speedo cable
General: Replace tyres
General: Remove all old, unnecessary wiring
Hood: Remove hood - clean and renovate parts as required
Hood: Refurbish hood frame
Hood: Remove, clean and lube roof clips - top of windscreen
Interior: Replace both door cards
Interior: Remove and renovate dashboard
Interior: Replace Carpets
Interior: Clean battery tray
Interior: Replace rear seat
Interior: Replace front seats
Lights: Check/ replace wiring to rear lights
Lights: Clean and restore rear lights
Lights: Replace headlight seals
Lights: Replace headlights
Suspension: Replace rear spring bushes (not done – bushes with car)
Suspension: Inspect suspension bushes – all OK except rear spring as above
Suspension: Replace front track rod ends
