So this car is a bit of an oddball, with an awesome history to it!
Remember the film "The Man from U. N. C. L. E."? - This is one of two stunt cars from that film. This one is the actual car you see sliding around door to door with a Trabant in the iconic opening scene.
This car has been registered in the UK as a 1960 Wartburg and has been fully prepared for film use. The original 2-Stroke engine is gone, replaced with a 1988cc unit from a MK1 Williams Clio, fuelled by twin Weber 40 carbs.
It also has a race fuel cell, welded differential, hydraulic handbrake (not connected) and front disc brakes (rear drums). It has adjustable GAZ shocks fitted up front with new rear ones in a box.
The bodywork is tatty, and the drivers door doesn't shut well. However, it is very solid indeed, with the ladder frame chassis showing some surface rust but no rot whatsoever (I have been around it thoroughly).
The interior is in a bad way (this car was used for the outside shots I presume) but it is useable. There is electric power steering hiding under the dash and a classic style racing seat with lap belt. There is a hole in the floor for mounting a camera back in the day, but the car overall is bursting with character.
The electrics work, but there are no indicators fitted. Brake lights and driving lights are working and the wiring for the modern fuel pump and ignition is all good. It is clear that this car was converted for film use professionally.
Overall, it’s a really cool thing with a really pretty shape. It would be an awesome sleeper or drift car (taking it back to its roots) but I have a MK1 MX5 and my first car (a classic mini) to rebuild, so this one is destined for a new home. It starts and runs really well.
The car comes with new registration plates, a fresh V5 proving it's registration, new rear GAZ shocks (in box) and switches/ wiring/ flasher units to fit indicators should the new owner decide to do so.
Check out this video from the previous owner to see it running:
Thanks for reading!
I bought this car simply because it was cool, and a friend of mine was unable to provide a home for it any longer. I would like to do more with it, but it's not quite my thing. Many people remark about its awesome backstory and how its a good-looking thing, and it's something that deserves to be enjoyed more than I currently can.
How many people can say they own the car from an iconic car chase scene?
