Scratching that car itch - something BL !!!!???

[Anglevan]

Yes I know but I have a car itch that I need to scratch. I must sell one of Lancers first but when I do what to get ??

In the past my only venture into BL / Austin etc has been 2 cars in 24 years of driving both would now qualify as definate autoshite first was a 1972 Austin 3 Litre then an Austin 1300 Mk3 - Out of the 2 I preffered the 1300 and to be honest I miss the old bus.

Since those early days in my motoring career i've been a definate Ford / Vauxhall man (ok I have the Shitsubishi Lancer but thats just reliving my first years in the motor trade working for a Shitsubishi dealer)

 

So what to dabble with next ?? my mate runs a very tidy Allegro / chromebumper one I think it's a 'T' plate and I quite like it even though he gets horredous stick for it - dont know why as it's mint and it's been very reliable in the time he's had it.

 

I feel I need to scratch a 70's BL itch my self and have looked at a few very autoshite cars. as much as I would love say an SD1 or a tidy TR7 it just is not practical. It needs to be something cheap to run / insure / tax so whats the suggestions??

 

1) MG Midget - only rubber bumper one will count on this experiment- very cheap at the moment but whats the 1500 engine like ?? been offered a 'T' plate - very tidy no MOT and would be an easy restore but what are they like ??

 

2) Allegro - I'd only really want the estate model as i'm not a fan of the saloon shape

 

3) Morris Ital / Marinas ?? again get lots of stick but disappearing fast from the roads especially Itals again would prefer an estate for the practical uses (why I mention a Midget earlier i'm not sure now !!)

 

4) Maestro - I quite liked these when they were new especially the MG versions. Now getting rare but maybe a bit new for what i'm after

 

5) back to a 1100/ 1300 - sadly 1300's are getting raped for the engines and nice ones I fear are now out of budget

 

 

What else qualifies ?- I'm looking at around the £500 mark or a part exchange for a lovely Mitsubishi Lancer LOL

 

I know there will be people that will jump on this and slag em off / say windows pop out of Allegros and all that shite but I dont care and we wouldn't be on Autoshite if we didnt have a bit of love for some of the BL tat out there. I just want to save somat that would overwise be scrapped. Do a Bollox job but instead of italian shite - a bit of the BL tat instead. Still regret not buying the beige Ital Bollox had - how does it go now, oh yes Bollox !!!

[dollywobbler]

I don't think you're going to get folk slagging Allegros off on here somehow! All of the above, but the Midgets do have weak engines. That's ok, lob in a K-Series and all is well. It's a shite modern engine for a shite little sports car and therefore a marriage made in heaven (and possibly a very quick way to get there if you opt for a 1.8 VVC...)

[Guest]

TR7 And Austin ( user on here too )

 

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7118&start=19110

[eddyramrod]

Wedge Princess? 1800 should be easy enough to run, it's the B-series ffs. Also, stepping back in time a bit, A40 Farina? 1098 A-series and free road tax! I call that a winner! Shop carefully and you should find a Countryman (split hatchback just like a Range Rover). Would have thought a Dolomite was within reach of your budget too.

 

Dare I suggest a Sherpa? Whatever you go for, you're in the right place, and I wish you luck.

[theorganist]

How about a Maxi, practical, comfortable, good on the motorway.

[Guest]

If you can find one at the right price then a Wolseley Six or Austin 1800 S would be nice to have.

[cort16]

I'd like to direct you to this thread containing two BL bargains -> http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=FSW&action=display&thread=120735

[Lufthansa-Terminal]

I'd like to direct you to this thread containing two BL bargains -> http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=FSW&action=display&thread=120735

 

As per 2nd reply

[cort16]

I'm going to have to lay off the cooking sherry at nights.

[scooters]

That 7 is lovely - in a brilliantly nasty 70's colour and tartan seatz!!!

 

thank god I've just agreed to take on the Torsten 416 or it would be another thing for Mrs S to yell at me about!

[Anglevan]

Cheers for all the replies and suggestions a lot if which i'd already considered

The Farina A40 is lovelly but that goes into the BMC realm and I fancied some 70's shite - cracking car though IMO

The Princess or Ambassador are definate contenders but again I feel a bit to big / higher tax etc. It's only for a second car but fine suggestion

I did see that 1300 on RR and it is a belting price, but I feel that needs loads of work which I dont really want - the reason I wanted, say an Ital is they are still undesirable so for the money I want to spend i'm hoping to get a car in better condition and with the seventies build even though Itals are eighties machines. I have seen a belter Oxford way but the guy wont send pictures and hes a bit of nightmare to deal with..

The MG Midget was again only mentioned as a friend asked if I was interested, still hasn't sent me pictures though so that may fall flat on it's face..

The Maxi again is a fine suggestion but I would have to have a mint one in a nice colour (yes i'm fussy) russet brown just wont do LOL ..

 

I think my main aim is to finish the Lancer off and get that sold to free my garage up and start some serious looking. If anyone heres of owt coming up let me know...