Description
DEPOSIT TAKEN. SOLD SUBJECT TO COLLECTION.
Open to sensible offers. Let me start by saying this car starts and drives as it should (as I appreciate I have provided quite a lot of information below). New MOT and recent service.
I purchased this car in February 2023, from a private seller. I have service history and receipts up to the year 2000. The last receipt including mileage was in 1998, at which point it had done 60, 686 miles. MOT history shows MOT on 2006, where it had done 88426 miles. At some point just after this, it apparently went into storage, where it remained until it was next MOT'd in 2019.
It was then stored until 2022, where it was purchased by the individual I purchased it from, who proceeded to complete the recommissioning. The car had 88, 859 miles (give or take a few miles) when I purchased in February 2023.
The first thing I did after purchasing was get in touch with a ford specialist mechanic to have the gearbox serviced / fluid changed. I could find no previous record of this being done, so thought it prudent to do. When performing the gearbox service, I obtained a new sump and gasket to replace the slightly corroded one. Engine was also not idling entirely correctly, so the idle valve and throttle position sensor were changed. The rest of the engine did not require anything immediate, as a lot of the service parts (plugs, filters, belts, etc) were changed in April 2022 when previous owner was recommissioning. I purchased a new Bosch battery for it in August 2024.
I had an annual service and check over performed by a classic Ford Specialist in September 2024, along with an MOT (a little early as I did not want Winter MOT's), where I had the leads replaced, new plugs installed, and fan belts replaced (as the existing ones were squealing a little on cold starts). He also resolved an issue with the rear near side window motor not working, by restoring the contact. This was an issue I purchased the car with, along with a cracked fog light, which I replaced.
On my return from the garage, I noticed a light oil leak coming from the rocker cover. Given the car was not going to be used until the spring, I did nothing, and the car remained under covers until May 2025, when I took it back to have the rocker cover gaskets changed, and a new temperature sensor fitted.
It was at this point, I decided to get another (early) MOT, in preparation for selling on, as I simply don't have the time or space for this in my life any longer.
The only issue of note currently is the odometer stopped working at some point last year. I don't know exactly when, given the car only goes out a couple of times a year. This was only noticed just over a week ago, when the garage noted the mileage on the MOT was the same as that done 9 months earlier. The MOT before, in Jan 2024 had 89, 124, so it stopped at some point between Jan 2024 and Sept 2024. Current reading is 89, 202, but actual mileage would be around 89, 300, accounting for the journeys to and from the garage. The rev counter does occasionally decide not to work when starting up, but a tap on the top of the dash above it (thanks to my mechanic for that advice) does bring it back to life. Happens rarely, but if you're looking to resolve the odometer, might be worth tackling this at the same time. You will see on the MOT history, advisories on corrosion on the rear. I am told that it's minor currently, hence the advisory, but will probably need work at some point in the future, but on these cars, this is expected. I was considering underside coating / protection, but given my decision to sell, I did not want to appear to be covering anything up. I have been very happy with this car while I have owned it, and want to be as honest as possible when passing it on to the next owner.
The car has the original Tape / Radio, and CD Player (with the codes). CD player powers up but does not read discs, and volume from tape / Radio is quite low. Not sure what exactly the issue is, but again, have not had the time to dig into since purchase.
Also worth mentioning, while the car did come with air conditioning, it uses an old refrigerant which is no longer available, so I couldn't get it re-gassed. I was told that upgrades / retrofits are available, but I never pursued this due to the very light use the car gets. I don't think this will be a surprise to anyone who is aware of this issue with pre 1993 air con cars, but thought it best to mention.
As you will see from the checkable online MOT history, the car has only done about 400 miles or so under my near 2 1/ 2 year ownership (7 previous keepers on V5). I purchased to fulfil a long-time ambition to own one of these, but cannot justify keeping when I am not able to spend the time I want to enjoying it. It sits under car covers for all but a few days of the year. I also now need the driveway space. I purchased this because it looked like a very clean example, with only some minor bits to do, purchased from an older gentleman who had it garaged since he had it recommissioned. Some slight rusting to some wheel arches, as is common with these, but otherwise, tidy. It comes with the factory Ford RS Bodykit, which does make the car look great.
All the electrics (windows, sunroof, seats) work as they should, and due to all the work listed earlier, starts and drives as it should too. There is the odd stonechip to the bodywork, as you would expect from a 34-year old car, and some slight rusting to one of the alloy wheels, but fairly minor stuff for whoever wants to continue what I started with this car.
There are very few of these on the road now, which I feel is a shame. On the rare occasions I take this out, I am always greeted with at least one person who takes a photo of it. No doubt, seeing it rekindled something from their youth too!
With the recent MOT and service, there is nothing to do upon purchase, other than the odometer, if it really bothers you.
I even have a spare box of parts I have accumulated since I purchased the car, as some bits can be hard to come by. Bits include new rear mud flaps, couple of bulb kits, rear light bulb holder, rear passenger window regulator (which I purchased due to the window issue I had on purchase, but didn't need in the end as it was a simple contact issue), and some window and seat switches. Will throw this in if the offer for the car is sensible.
I have tried to be as honest as possible with the above, but am happy to take questions.
