Potential new workhorse...

[shampooefficient]

MrsSE and I are trying to reduce the number of cars and projects we have laid about. Hence trying to sell the Golf and 406.

Obviously then the most sensible thing is to take on a 27 year old 4x4 as a long term loan, on condition of me doing a couple of bits of welding and tidying and giving the chassis a onceover. We need something to tow a trailer, mainly.

Sense be damned however because it has my favourite name of any 4x4 ever...

[shampooefficient]

So. After cleaning about 15 years of filth from it (owner is not known for washing his cars)... and judicious application of air freshener (its been a dog car for a long time)....

First drive. Once we put more than the 15psi it had in the tyres it drove a lot better. Feels like it could just climb up the side of a house. Not fast, just strong.

And the gearchange. It is STAGGERING. It's got the most wandy gearlever this side of a Mk1 Mini, and it sits at peculiar angles unrelated to the gate pattern, the gearchange itself is magnificent. Precise, mechanical, one of the best I've ever driven. I haven't quite got my head round that.

The pedals are perfectly set and spaced too, and all nicely weighted.

I think this might become a keeper. Let's see what the angry grinder makes of the bodywork when we come to sort the rusty bits, however...

[Rustybullethole]

Makes perfect sense to me. I am largely regarded by my friends to be a bit retarded mind. 
This thread needs more pics.

[timolloyd]

Is this the one of the ones with Handling by Lotus?

[shampooefficient]

1 hour ago, timolloyd said:

Is this the one of the ones with Handling by Lotus?

You have just stirred a tiny distant memory of my boss's first imported one from over 20 years ago (!). I can now picture the little badge on the boot! Christ that's niche.

But I don't think this one has. For god's sake don't tell MrsSE such a thing exists or she'll be on eBay before the night is out trying to get the full setup ...

[tom13]

Love these. Seem a great buy still for the money.

[bezzabsa]

 just keep an eye on rear chassis as they love to rot there