importing a Dacia 1300 from Romania - using its own engine

[Station]

Was reading in Car magazine one of the writers did this (drove to see the eclipse) in a Dacia. But it was a brand new Dacia, and it was with his horrible kids. He typically complained about the cheapness, etc of a cheap car. And had the gall to say you could get a used VAG vehicle for less.

[lovejoy]

Hopefully, it will be in better condition that THIS one !     (number 15, the non running one... ) I could tell you the saga of this, but

a) you probably don't want to hear it, and 

b -  you won't believe it either...

[RedSparrow]

For the ultimate win get one of these:

 

I'd be bloody amazed if anyone in the UK has one.

[Six-cylinder]

  On 31/10/2013 at 13:08, RedSparrow said:

For the ultimate win get one of these:

 

 

I'd be bloody amazed if anyone in the UK has one.

 

Sorry but I can't open the picture.

[lovejoy]

it's a Dacia RED CROSS vehicle, year 2000- January 1st, space efficient rectangular shape   ...   

[Sigmund Fraud]

  On 31/10/2013 at 12:51, lovejoy said:

Hopefully, it will be in better condition that THIS one !     (number 15, the non running one... ) I could tell you the saga of this, but

a) you probably don't want to hear it, and 

b -  you won't believe it either...

 

If there's one place on the internet where one can share a saga involving an old Renault estate, then this is it !!!

[RedSparrow]

  On 31/10/2013 at 13:11, Six-cylinder said:

Sorry but I can't open the picture.

 

Dacia 2000

 

[Six-cylinder]

Wow looks like a Renault 20 from the front? Anymore pictures? I don't think I have seen one of these before.

[Station]

I think the Renault/Dacia shape is quite nice looking. I'd probably kill myself half way through driving it pan-Romania-UK.

[RedSparrow]

  On 31/10/2013 at 16:28, Six-cylinder said:

Wow looks like a Renault 20 from the front? Anymore pictures? I don't think I have seen one of these before.

 

There's a few if you do a google search.

These were made for top party officials and the secret police.

[Six-cylinder]

Oh yes Renault 20 by another name, you learn something every day.

 

 

 

Maybe there should be an "Autoshite degree" and we should set up a University especially to study this important subject, “Odd cars of the worldâ€Â

 

[Micrashed]

Top plan without any flaws whatsoever

Carry on.

[Six-cylinder]

  On 31/10/2013 at 20:09, Tayne said:

 

I can give you the locations of the two derelict Oltcits from my spotting thread if you fancy going out there and knocking and nearby doors.

 

 

What country have you seen derelict Oltcits in?

[RedSparrow]

[londonm]

Don't bother taking a toolkit, you'll just need a horse and cart. Good luck.

[Six-cylinder]

  On 31/10/2013 at 22:27, Tayne said:

Bucharest in Romania.

 

Have a look for the "some cars seen in some places" thread.

 

I don’t think that is going to work for me without the help of a local.

[Fatchance]

Sounds like a really exciting trip.....what could possibly go wrong?

 

The Renault 20/Dacia thing would have been an Important Person's car in Ceasescu's time. I'd think a few people who had been offered "lifts" in the back of those would never have been seen again........

[RichardMoss]

I'm sure that the OP is Sam Glover in disguise.

[KruJoe]

Where has he gone?

He's posted nowt since he started this..

[Wilko220]

Lost in Bucharest?

[Partridge]

1. Am i crazy?

Yes.

 

2. Would a well-fettled example with no serious issues be capable of making that distance? (i believe its possible)

Who knows?

 

3. Would anyone actually buy it off me, if i get to the UK......? 

Probably not.

 

 

In short, it's a no brainer. Do it!

[Guest dedders]

Im still here!

 

  On 31/10/2013 at 10:38, Six-cylinder said:

I have one of two Romanian built Oltcit 1100R in the UK and I am having trouble buying some parts. I wonder if next time you go to Bucharest you could look for a couple of parts for me, at the moment I need a complete boot handle/lock with key? I understand you could only bring back small aeroplane sized parts until you drive your own car back to the UK!

 

To what lengths have you gone to find the part already? Do you know if there are any shortages of these parts in Romania, or do you need help identifying suppliers?

At this point i dont really know of any shops, but i know a guy who his into his cars there so i can certainly ask him if he can locate what you need.

 

******************

 

Thanks everyone for your replies and encouragement and advice, much to dwell on here. I was hoping you would all give me a good kick up the bum to really consider doing this and im happy to say that you've done a fine job; thank you very much.

 

I'll see if I can locate a Liberta 1325, scouring the online ads in RO it seemed that there are still a few about although every example i've seen thus far has looked extremely ropey!

 

Im not overly fussed about making money, but at the same time, i might as well consider something that might be of interest to people here. I did see Sam Glover's thread where he said that someone should import a Liberta, maybe i should take that particular challenge up. The double-cab pickup would be awesome though!

 

Wouldnt consider undertaking this until Spring next year, but when i do, i will be sure to share the experience with you all.

 

Thanks again!

 

[Adrian_pt]

1. Do it!

 

2. No chance of finding a 2000. Probably under 50 made and pretty much all survivors are either in safe hands or the owners want squillions for them.

 

3. I do know of a super-rare and driving 1301 though .... for 400 quid. http://www.daciaclub.ro/-VAND-Dacia-Securista-1301-din-1976-t271508-s0-p3937506.html?do=findComment&comment=3937506 - a little rough around the edges but driving, MoTd and the owner is a good guy.

 

4. More recent commercial versions are very thick on the ground - double cabs are literally on every street corner. Get a Liberta before they all disappear!

 

5. @sixcylinder - what parts you after?

[dennisthemenace]

Yes, you're crazy. We are all crazy, this why are we here..

Driving a Dacia from Romania is a real adventure,but can be a nightmare too.. The Romanian and the Hungarian cops are not really nice people. They always looking for a reason to give penalties to drivers, especially the drivers of old vehicles. The Austrian police better, but the Romanina numberplate not too popular there.. So, I would rather buy an R12 somewher in France.

The Dacia was an acceptable car in the seventies, but the quality level was falling from the early 80-s. So, hard to find a proper one.. In the nineties they had a fuel voucher; every people were allowed to buy 20 liters of petrol/month. Therefore they add everything to hte petrol (gasoline, alcohol, etc) that also not too good for engines.. And, anyway, thir petrol was terrible poor quality.

If you do not overdrive it, keeping 60-70 miles, it will make the distance. From the Romanian-Hungarian border the whole journey is motorway. But you won't make it without rest, too long. And I'm not sue, you can sell it in the UK. Also, you have to pay fpr the motorways in Hungary, Austria, you need plenty of fuel, so, it can be a too expensive adventure.

[Six-cylinder]

  On 04/11/2013 at 23:26, dedders said:

Im still here!

 

 

To what lengths have you gone to find the part already? Do you know if there are any shortages of these parts in Romania, or do you need help identifying suppliers?

At this point i dont really know of any shops, but i know a guy who his into his cars there so i can certainly ask him if he can locate what you need.

 

 

 

The parts I currently need for my Oltcit are:

 

• The boot handle complete with lock and key
• A grill badge, as mind has been replaced with chevrons

 

I have searched by using the independent Visa Forum and Mike Harker from there has emails his French and Dutch club friends without success.

 

I have found a Romanian supplier that listed the boot handle and emailed using Google translator and an English version but never received a reply.

 

I have also registered on the Romanian Oltcit Forum and requested help. While somebody said they would help nothing has happened.

 

I believe there are parts to be had and it’s just a question of finding a person who is willing to help me find the parts and trust me that all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. I have no idea how the Romanians feel about the English and whether they are happy to deal with us.

[Adrian_pt]

Romanians are hugely happy to deal with the English but their process is invariably slow and complicated - including for payment. I've messaged my contact in Bucharest (who has an eyewatering collection of shite ranging from a Volga to about seven Opel Rekords to a Sixties Toyota Corona) to see what he can do, as I'm off over there quite soon and though my programme's packed I can potentially bring something over.

[Six-cylinder]

  On 13/11/2013 at 20:42, Adrian_pt said:

Romanians are hugely happy to deal with the English but their process is invariably slow and complicated - including for payment. I've messaged my contact in Bucharest (who has an eyewatering collection of shite ranging from a Volga to about seven Opel Rekords to a Sixties Toyota Corona) to see what he can do, as I'm off over there quite soon and though my programme's packed I can potentially bring something over.

 

That would be great if you could get my parts for me. I can send you money by Paypall or electronic bank transfer just pm me.

 

Yesterday I collected my Oltcit from the garage who have had it MOTed for me, it passed this year with just a blocked washer jet cleared – Great. There was a warning about a ball joint that is starting to wear for next year but that’s in the future.

[Adrian_pt]

Tried with my Oltcit mad friend of a friend - no joy sadly. Happy to put the two of you in touch though, or send you a list of what he does have....

[Six-cylinder]

  On 19/11/2013 at 19:02, Adrian_pt said:

Tried with my Oltcit mad friend of a friend - no joy sadly. Happy to put the two of you in touch though, or send you a list of what he does have....

 

Thanks for trying, I would like to be put in contact with your friend as I am sure there will be future needs.

 

The good news is I have found a boot lock and while in France now it is being bought to the UK for me and will be close enough to collect. I have taken the opportunity of buying the front seats as my drivers seat is falling apart. I have also taken the headlights and tail lights just in case.

 

All this parts news has rekindled my enthusiasm for the Oltcit just as I have SORNed it, dam British winters.

[Adrian_pt]

Splendid - I've sent you a PM.