Description
Fully road worthy and road legal this car was prepared by Rally Preparation Services a few years back. I have used it for regularity rallies and it goes fantastically well. For this asking price (and, frankly much higher asking prices) I don't think there is a better car mechanically (see below). As regards the body, please don't be put off by the awful paint! This was me during lockdown doing some rust treatment on the eyebrows (badly as it turns out... I don't have the skills) and then trying to colour match with rattle cans (as I was using the car for Regularity Rallies I was not too fussed about the paint). I then used a lacquer which reacted as you can see. Disaster. However, underneath the awful paint is a solid car. The bulkhead and around the base of the window are very solid as is the whole car generally except as described below.
If you can live with the paint this car could be used immediately for regularity rallies or as a daily runner. It goes really well and quite swift and set up to be quite pointy. The handbrake it fettled well with good grab. Otherwise, for a renovation this is a fantastic starting point. It's structurally strong with no serious rust.
Key Features
The car is generally really solid.
Rebuilt Engine (by Jon (Trackerjack) Jackson). Fitted in 2019. Only used in regularity rallies since then (trailered there and back) so probably driven about 1500 miles since then total. Actual car mileage may or may not reflect what is on the odometer. The engine is very smooth.
Trackerjack uprated brakes. These are amazing, feel very modern and offer a significant advantage on speed tests.
Gaz adjustable height suspension. It is currently set up quite high and stiff for some rough roads on the regularities and speed tests. It can easily be lowered and softened.
Sprintspeed adjustable drag struts / Tie bars.
Electric Fan conversion (original fan is included in the sale)
Distributor rebuilt by the Distributor Dr in 2021 or 2022
Aluminium sump guard
Electric fuel pump mounted in the boot (new in 2022)
MG F Seats (but originals included in the sale)
Pertronix Ignitor Electronic ignition (new in 2022) recommended by the Distributor Dr and way better than the previous Magnetronic.
High power flamethrower coil.
The good:
The car is generally very solid and is "all there", right down to inner splash guards and headlight splash guards in the front wheel arch.
It goes very well indeed and with the uprated brakes has quite a significant advantage around the cones. The engine is very smooth.
It starts on the button when warm or the following day when cold. It will always start from cold even when having sat all winter in a carcoon provided the battery is maintained.
It handles very well
Doors are mostly pretty good and there is a complete spare nearside rear (I think OEM) door
The warts:
Wheel arches are not too bad but will need a little work.
Eyebrows and the bottom of the front wings and valance are also in need of sorting
Rear offside wheel arch has some filler
Front of rear nearside wheel arch has a fair bit of filler too.
The rear offside quarter appears to have had a shunt at some point. It was repaired (badly) by some previous owner and I am confident that it was not a serious impact.
The paint is diabolical. Mismatched colours and some awful chemical reaction producing a leatherette appearance as described above.
Included in the sale
Spare rear nearside door (I think OEM) (photo available on request)
Spare Rear Window
Original Sprint front seats. Condition OK
Original Steering Wheel (Motalita currently fitted)
Numerous Dolomite Sprint bits and bobs
Reason for Sale
I retired in March 2024. I used to keep the car and various spare parts (engine, gearbox etc) at my place of work which is no longer available to me. My navigator was not consistently available, having changed job. So, rather than let the car sit unused it’s best to let someone else enjoy and, hopefully, give it the TLC I don’t have the skillset for.
Please Note: The Brantz rally instruments are NOT included in the sale. I hope one day (when I get more space) to find another car. Originally sold from new in Bristol. Some history plus Heritage Certificate. A lot of receipts over the past few years.
It was prepared for Regularity Rallies by Rally Preparation Services in Witney (albeit a few years back now)
