Description
I was offered this car at the beginning of the year and felt it was too good to refuse.
I bought it from the family of the original owner, who had amassed ~21, 000 miles in the first 6 years of ownership and only 2, 500 in the next 18(!!). The current mileage is very low sitting below 24, 000.
My first move was to have the car collected from storage and taken to Trophy Cars who are a local MG TF dealer specialising in K-Series engines. They put the car back on the road and did the timing belt, water pump and uprated the headgasket as a precaution.
My first drive was rather disappointing, I was surprised by how quick the car was given it's meagre ~120 HP but the suspension had suffered badly from sitting. I have installed a new set of Quantum Zero shock absorbers, Seriously Lotus suspension overhaul kit and Uniball toe link kit as well as having the front calipers overhauled, wishbones powdercoated and plenty more besides. Full details below and invoices available. I'm very pleased to say that it worked and whilst I'm no Lewis Hamilton it feels fantastic to me.
The good:
- Engine in fine fettle, preventative works done.
- Plenty of money has been spent overhauling the suspension.
- New discs and pads all round, front calipers overhauled.
- New fuel pump (~£400) and tank properly cleaned.
- Low mileage, 2 owner car. Original dealer plate and registration.
The bad & the ugly:
- No paperwork prior to my ownership. I can put you in contact with the family of the original owner upon purchase.
- Paintwork suffering from osmosis in several places, various scuffs and is showing her age. Looks good from a distance but could really use a full respray in the future. Wheels likewise, original paint.
- The seats are showing their age and the door squab is scuffed.
- The immobiliser works but the alarm has been disabled / doesn't seem to do anything.
- The backing is coming away from the rear of the seats and I haven't tried to reattach it.
I bought the car with my heart but with two young children my brain is telling me this probably isn't the one to keep. I have enjoyed working on the car and it's fantastic to drive. Hoping there's someone out there who will use and enjoy her, ideally with the ability / budget to do the paintwork and bring the car up to top condition. Priced with this in mind. Factory colour hardtop included @ asking price.
Documented recent expenditure:
09/ 01/ 2024 - Trophy Cars Ltd - £2714. 98
27/ 02/ 2024 - Uniball Toe Links & Quantum Zeros - £1541. 88
26/ 03/ 2024 - Seriously Lotus Suspension Kit - £431. 94
+ front caliper overhaul, powder coating & misc ~£500
