End of year Tat Accounts.

[Schaefft]

35 minutes ago, Rust Collector said:

Thank god for my camera roll or I’d have no idea what happened and when.

In:

  

The first new arrival was the BX Leader. Having visited a house two streets away from my house to inspect the car for the BX club, I ended up buying it. I fettled this up to the point it could pass an MOT, used it for a bit and realised that I probably wouldn’t be the person to bring it to full potential. More on that later.

Second in was this beast, bought for scrap money with a fucked radiator and water pump. I had no space on the driveway (naturally) so I fixed it on the trailer at the side of the road I use as overflow. See my build thread for the full miserable experience. It has mostly been my partner’s car, and it is now at the point where I need to do stuff* to it and spend some money to make it nicer.

I picked this up from @calebaaront with a view to getting it back on the road. It had an overheating issue which I’ve fixed, a blowing down pipe which I’ve replaced, and I now need to cut loads out of the offside sill and weld in less rusty metal. I keep saying it’ll be done soon, but I’m only lying to myself. But it will be done soon.

The Disco of Doom (tm). As I repeatedly drone on about, this belonged to my mate who died just over a year ago now. His son was left with this, but (sensibly) didn’t want to run it. It sat for months and developed some exciting faults, and so a deal was struck. It didn’t fit on the trailer so it got driven home whilst the electronics went mental. Cleaning the TCCM and connectors fixed that, and since then it’s just been a Land Rover. I use this mostly as my daily now.

@Stinkwheel is an enabler and offered this XM up for free just before I went on my holidays. This obviously had to come for a ride on the trailer, and is what I’m mostly focussing on getting back on the road currently.

I bought this LS430 in a deal with @rob88h. I then drove it across Europe a couple of days later, as this made sense at the time. It did the job admirably besides from me having to replace the rear discs and pads in Bratislava. It’s not a holiday without working on the car though, so this was fine. Since then it’s had a replacement air strut, and the starter has gotten lazy so I need to swap that out. I absolutely love it though, but sadly my partner loves it more and this became her daily after she briefly borrowed it.

I got the Pontiac Trans Sport in a swap with @Weird Car in what will possibly my last vehicular transaction of the year. This car has probably made the biggest impression on me out of everything I’ve taken in to date, I’m besotted with it. Sadly my love is unrequited and it has shit out its water pump - that’ll be a job for next year now.

Fostered:

I was graced by the presence of the Xantia of Not Many Shiters during the summer, after I collected it from Brighton for @purplebargeken. A combination of French engineering and my local MOT station tried to break my morale, but luckily that died ages ago and so I got the car up to a testable standard. It went through MOT eventually and I waved it off. It’s now lived with a number of shiters, in what could be a threat to its title.

Out:

The Leader, now MOT’d and in use, went to live with @rob88h. He’s made great progress with it, and I’m glad to see it has found a great home with the bonus of it being on the forum still.

The Clio, which is possibly the one car I should have kept and used, wasn’t doing much for me anymore and wasn’t used by my mrs. It went in a swap with @Weird Car for the Pontiac, and is hopefully being a useful an car.

Crashed:

The Insight had a bad year. I shunted a Hyundai in it, and it’s now sitting in the field behind the stables waiting for some love.

Non movers (some quite literally):

Do we have to?

Go on then…

Most of these are sat appreciating* behind the stables.

The Bottom Line:

I make that 22. I desperately want to get that number down, but everything keeps breaking and I only really want to send stuff out in a useable condition. I’m also a fucking idiot and I keep getting more cars.

How many work? Enough that we can normally find a car to use. Up until December it was about 6, which seems to be the natural balance of things. In true winter form however, everything has now broken at once and I’m spending my evenings in the dark and the cold wondering if I should’ve chosen jigsaw puzzles or making ships in a bottle as a hobby.

 

22, this actually rivals (and beats!) the size of my fleet of slightly broken cars! Impressive considering no workshop to be seen anywhere!

[Jazoli]

A fairly quiet year for me as I've stopped buying unnecessary cars

Out

my old W211 bought from @Pat Earrings a large pothole wreaked havoc, damaged two wheels and tyres and damaged the front suspension combined with the SBC pump failing and the rear air suspension failing led to its demise over the bridge, shame really as it felt bulletproof.

In/out

Chevy Volt EV

I bought this on the premise of it being cheap to run, it wasn't really as I was not on a cheap electricity rate and my weekly mileage changed from 10 miles to 200 miles, found it a bit uninspiring to drive with the CVT gearbox and powertrain when the battery was depleted, sold on here.

In

Passat Highline, immaculate one owner low mileage car with massive history, not much to say really it's a brilliant an car

Stay

our RCZ HDi

its nice, wife loves it, I barely drive it, its staying

Stay

Daughters i20

its filthy, stinks of dogs and looks nothing like the pic above any more.

Can't see any changes for 2024 barring unfortunate events.

 

 

 

[fatharris]

Whilst it's been busy, the final numbers haven't changed - 

IN:

The Rover 620ti. Loved it as a kid, loved it when I picked it up from @montytom, adore it even more now it's a lot more reliable and fixed up. There's still niggles and jobs to be done on it, but it's proving itself to be dependable as a winter daily. There are still some jobs to do.

OUT:

Nothing. This has proven to be a bit of a sticking point, as I'd promised MrsH we'd stick to 5 cars maximum. Now at 6.

STAYING:

Laguna - MrsH's daily. Needs a new heater resistor unit power loom, but the temporary repair has been working admirably. Also needs a wash, as MrsH hasn't yet realised that the car-washing fairy falls into the same league as Santa and the Tooth Fairy - it's done by someone else with an incredibly good nature!

Herman - Nothing much to say here - probably due a service. Looking ropey as fuck these days, but still solid where it counts. New battery due very soon, and will be getting some TLC in due course. Will never leave though.

Beat - currently drying out enough to get put under a cover outside for the winter, will be in there for a few days as the carpets were soaked under the mats and there is a prominent musty smell. Needs a new cat which will happen closer to when I plan to use it. Despite plenty of work done, will probably need some more soon, in the brakes and clutch hydraulics area. Will eventually culminate in an engine removal to investigate the burning oil issue.

 

Mazda - currently being used again by my mate Dan whilst his 306 is having alternator issues. Runs and drives lovely, looks like it's fit for the bin. Right way round to be, really.

BX - Hoping to get some work done to it this holiday period, but every time I park it in the garage, it's immediately evicted for emergent faults on one of the others. Don't mind, but it doesn't start or run, and it's a pain to push it on and off the gravel patch! Currently outside and under cover but not for long hopefully.

Hopefully there won't be any major changes for 2024, as I'm pretty chuffed with my lot in life.

[JMotor]

OOT

Chavalier of some shiters. Bought from @GMcD (would buy from again) Great car, but for some reason I didn't completely bond with it. Sold to @RetroShite.

Parts donor Nova. Rusty Nova was rusty! Now scrap.

The trusty Nexia left. Wish I hadn't sold it. But hey ho! I wanted the Cavalier.

Bumped this aff. Scrap again. 306 GTI-6. Was only fit for parts. 

 

As for new stuff. Nahhh. Need to knuckle down and finish current projects and start ones that have been sat for years. You know, be sensible for a change!

*Tap on the shoulder* 

*Looks round*

Aw fuck! 

 

 

[SRi05]

In: fuck all 

Out: fuck all

I've done it, I've actually done it 

Two and a half years with the Honda and just ticked over two years with the Saab this week. 

Looking for something to replace the CRV long term but in no rush, will wait for something good to come along as it's a brilliant motor despite it's outrageous thirst and non ulez status. 

Saab has been great too, I'd maybe replace it if a top spec Aero came about, but I'm pretty happy with it. The 600 odd quid a year tax is it's only downside. 

I hope Santa brings me a for sale section filled with luxury* auto petrol ulez compliant saloons in 2024

 

[Saabnut]

11 hours ago, Schaefft said:

There's still over 3 weeks before end of the year, way too early to say anything! The report will be rather long as is...

This. Many times this! There are at least two to add to the fleet if they ever let me go home!  

[Dave_Q]

Was gonna say it was fairly quiet this year, but reviewing the accounts, not really.

January: Out - A4 diesel (to @Split_Pin via @Smoll Floatylight, @Robson3022 and @paulplom)

February: In - A4 petrol (for sale, see sig)

April: In - Gilera & red van

Out: TMax (featuring bonus stolen/recovered)

May: out - black van

October: in - S3

Not a bad years movements on the SHITEDAQ crockmarket, a couple of instances of replacing a heap with a near identical heap suggesting the market is mature and buyers know what they want (lol)

Net balance is one heap overdraft (the A4), efforts to liquidise the asset are ongoing but might have to wait until the market picks up in Q2.

[95 quid Peugeot]

This year in 

Shogun, BMW 330ci, BMW X3, Citroen Xantia, VW T4, XC90, XC60, Peugeot partner, BMW Z4, Mercedes e320

Whats still here out of them XC60, Z4, E320

[HMC]

I literally cant remember 😂

[Datsuncog]

No changes here.

Toyotas just continuing to Toyota, for the most part.

Yaris started the year needing a new alternator (plus gaskets for the throttle body and inlet manifold, which needed removing for access), then required some drop links, temperature sensors and brake pipes over the summer, before demanding a new driver's door handle (which was finally fitted this week).

Corolla just needed a slow puncture repaired and a stop light bulb.

I like that.

[nev_jr]

IN: BMW 540i, Ford RS2000, Vauxhall Zafira VXR

OUT: Mercedes 200E, Ford RS2000

Packed away because I don’t know what to do with it: Isuzu Trooper

[Soundwave]

Another zero-movement here. I did give some consideration to bean-canning the Rover, but then it went and passed its MOT. Also considered changing my daily, but honestly there isn't really much point. So, the fleet stays as it is:

[ruffgeezer]

On 24/12/2022 at 16:56, ruffgeezer said:

In;

2005 Audi A4 1.9Tdi Sport

Winter beater that nearly beat me, leaky, creaky but still reliable.

2007 Renault Laguna Initiale  2.0T Automatic 

Came in as an MOT failure,  spent a fortune on getting it sorted then sold to @Rocket88 with the Vectra, prince of Halfords. coming as a p/ex.

2007 Vauxhall Vectra SRi

I'm quite enjoying tidying this one, and it's not a bad steer, but inwill probably pass it on shortly to free up funds.
 

Out:

2014 Peugeot Expert

Sold via motorway for a decent sum in January. 

 

2005 Volvo V50 Sport 2.0d;

Fixed it, tried it and just didn't like it.  Sold after a terrifying test drive to a Bulgarian. 

2006 Volvo S40

Sold to a heavily tattooed florist after notching up nearly 190k:

 

Non - Movers;

2007 Volvo V70 D5 Auto 'Hector'

Now MrsR's daily,  really low mileage local purchase, just approaching 60,000.  She has mentioned wanting something smaller though.

 

1995 Citroen Ax Vts

I haven't found time to do anything other than change the radio,  still waiting for a quote to rebuild the workshop so I can get into it properly and rewire the engine bay.

 

I will fully update shortly, these are the edited highlights.

[Eyersey1234]

No changes to the direct Eyersey fleet though madam now has a 2011 Corsa and her partner has a 2019 Lexus of some description 

[Rust Collector]

10 hours ago, Schaefft said:

22, this actually rivals (and beats!) the size of my fleet of slightly broken cars! Impressive considering no workshop to be seen anywhere!

No workshop sadly; I keep telling myself that if I had a unit then I'd get a lot more done, but the reality is that I'd just be indoors stood staring at stuff that I need to sort rather than outside stood staring at stuff that I need to sort.

[Tommyboy12]

Another busy year for me. In Chronological order!

In - 2000 414i. Technically still in the tree I bought it from

Out - 1978 Cavalier. Nice car. I won't miss it but I enjoyed it.

In - 1979 Mini. Bought for next to nothing. Needs absolutely everything welding. Haven't touched it since I bought it obviously

Out - 1989 Suzuki DR600. I'm currently bike-less 🥲

In - 1991 Mexibug. My current winter classic and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I have treated it to an alternator upgrade recently

Also ran - 2001 S80. I flirted with the idea of being given it for free but it was 593 miles from home. It's still there and still being offered to me. Maybe next year.

Non-mover - 2004 Mégane RS. Thrashed round the Ring this year. It responded by shitting out it's alternator and throwing an injector fault engine light. Its a love hate relationship.

Non-mover - 1989 Mini Turbo. I finally got on top of my recurring cooling issue and it's running like a dream. I nearly bought the yellow 1275 GT in the background this year which has a Vauxhall redtop in it.

Non-mover - 1983 Mini. I did an oil pump with the engine in-situ. Never. Again.

Non-mover - 2000 MGF. I am currently ignoring this car as I dislike having to change O2 sensors every 5 minutes.

Non-mover - 1947 TE20. Not photographed. Its being stored at my Dad's currently

[juular]

OUT:

205

Honda Accord

IN:

Celica T-Sport

IN AND OUT:

Nissan Elgrand

NO CHANGE:

LS400

76 Toledo

88 240 GLT

64 Amazon

98 C70 GT

13 Trafic Camper 

IN LIMBO:

88 Citroen BX

[HMC]

5 hours ago, HMC said:

I literally cant remember 😂

Although ive just bought this beast

[Supernaut]

Out:

Honda Civic

 

 

 

In and out:

Rotten Rexton

Clio aRSiehole

In:

Vauxhall Astra

 

No change:

E36 323i

 

 

[Floatylight]

6 hours ago, 95 quid Peugeot said:

This year in 

Shogun, BMW 330ci, BMW X3, Citroen Xantia, VW T4, XC90, XC60, Peugeot partner, BMW Z4, Mercedes e320

Whats still here out of them XC60, Z4, E320

Xc60 still with MrsFL

[HMC]

Oldest shite of the year + young shiters 

[RetroShite]

We'll be here all day!

62ish Out!

 

In/still have for the moment -

 

May have missed/forgotten a couple but that's the majority of them!

[83C]

Start of the year:

Non mover - the Arnage did very little, but required a replacement alternator. Tucked away for winter.

 

Out - the Fabia vRS. Great little machine, went very well. 

 

Non mover - the Range Rover. Plods on, had a load of front suspension bits, needs a few small jobs and a lot of cosmetic support really, maybe next year. Can’t see any reason to sell, it’s a dependable machine.

 

In & Out - the ex-HMC Boxster. Loved driving it, completely changed my opinions on Boxsters and Porsche in general. Would really like to try a 3.2S one day.

In - Tiger 955. Barely ridden it, need to get out more on it.

Out - ZZR 1400. Sold because I’d done 50 miles on it the previous year and I was offered a fair price.

In - the ex-HubNut 106. Currently parked out of the way awaiting the myriad issues to be sorted.

In & Out - C5. Mrs. 83C’s Mini shat itself, so this was the quick, cheap answer to get her mobile, except it was neither quick, nor cheap. Brake judder traced to knackered rear discs, which led to knackered rear calipers, which led to knackered rear brake pipes and then the need to buy a Citroen Lexia unit to bleed the brakes. Still, it only cost me more than the purchase price to put right. Sold when the Min was fixed, but once sorted was actually a nice old bus to drive.

In & Out - MG ZT 1.8T. Acquired from RichardK with a shot turbo, fixed, got running right then sold. Regret selling it to be honest.

In - Kia Rio (no picture). Replacement for MiL’s Jazz but I’ve ended up owning it on a shared arrangement with her.

Out - Leyland Tiger. The bus was sold to someone who has been after it for a while. Letting go was a bit of a wrench but it’s hopefully in safe hands and should see a quicker return to the road than I’d be able to manage. 

In (& not Out, yet!) - ex-Kiltox A8. Bought to be the long distance family barge while the Range Rover was having its front suspension replaced. Incredibly competent, reasonably quick, comfortable barge that does 45mpg on the run and apparently also completely unsaleable.

In - VXR8. Not a planned purchase but couldn’t say no. Needs a lot of work but is great fun to drive. 

 

Can’t see any more acquisitions coming this way before the year end, unless I get offered a p/x for the Audi that fits what I need. At the end of this year I’m up to something like 170 different vehicles owned, with 6 currently in fleet.

[Zelandeth]

Feel I'm reasonably safe posting on here now as attempting to buy anything else now would absolutely definitely result in me living in it.  The fleet really needs to reduce by one come the new year.

 

In:

2006 Peugeot Partner 1.6HDi Escapade.

I'd been on the lookout for a Partner/Berlingo for a while and was irked when I realised I'd been too slow off the mark the first time this one sold on the forum, I was really lucky to get a second shot at it when the buyer had spotted something else they fancied.  Now I've spent a bit of time owning one I can absolutely see why these things have such a following.

1975 Rover P6 3500.

Absolutely wasn't looking for this, and only stumbled across it thanks to a chance posting from the seller.  It's proven to be somewhat cranky about being dragged back out of many years of slumber, but hopefully should be back on the road in the new year.  I think once I've chased the remaining gremlins out of the fuel system it should actually be usable as a car again.

1984 Trabant 601S.

Another car I absolutely wasn't looking for, but couldn't say no to.  I've always wanted a shot of one - and can definitely see why they have their fans.  Quite possibly the second most strange car I've ever driven.  Only had it a couple of days at this point, but very much looking forward to getting to know it properly.

 

In & Out again:

1963 Rover P4 110.

Scruffy but fundamentally solid, and a fantastic machine.  Bought somewhat on a whim and was basically planned to be my main "daily classic" for the next year or so - right up until the point at which the P6 turned up and something needed to move as I'm over capacity.

So naturally I went and swapped it for the Trabant rather than selling it so have achieved nothing in terms of fleet reduction!

Out:

2002 VW Caddy 1.9SDI.

This had been a bloody excellent runabout over the last few years, and vastly exceeded my expectations.  However I really needed something with seating for four adults for more than just local journeys, hence the purchase of the Partner.  As such it was surplus to requirements and was sold on through here.  Then promptly shat its ECU mere days after I sold it, much to my embarrassment!

1990 Mercedes 208D Autotrail Navajo.

Selling this required a bit of soul searching, but was fundamentally decided on simply because it wasn't getting used.  My desire to go gallivanting has been somewhat curtailed with medical issues following contracting COVID, so I'm more likely to just get hotels/B&Bs if out and about in the future.  If we were to go out as a family we really do need something larger than this to accommodate all of us plus the dogs, so that's something for the future.

Non movers:

1973 AC Model 70.

Let's face it, this is a car I'm really never likely to part with unless something dire happens to me.  I'd never be able to replace it with the way values of them has gone, and aside from anything else, several members on here would probably murder me if I did sell it.

1988 Renault 25 Monaco.

Patiently waiting for the spring.  At which point it will need a fair chunk of time and money thrown at it, but hopefully should be in a reasonably usable state soon.  I definitely have no desire to move this on any time soon given that I spent so damned long looking for one and that they're basically extinct.  It also fits my driving style well.  Comfy, lazy and wafty, but because it's French it will also stick to the road uncannily well if you chuck it into a corner or roundabout at speed.

Five REALLY is too many though, so come the Spring I'll really need to have a serious talk with myself and chose something to move on.  Trabant is the one in that "slot" at the moment, but I can see that thing managing to get right under my skin based on my limited experience so far, so it may well be a pretty hard call to make!  TPA and the Partner are safe, but something else really will need to move!

[EyesWeldedShut]

Started the year with (and still have)

2008 R55 Bini, 2013 Pug Boxer

In and out

2008 Freeloader

In and still here (or with various sprogs)

2013 Citroen C4
2005 R50 Bini
1998 Ovlov 940 Estate

Latter is 'mine' as nobody else will drive it and I really like everything about it except the fuel consumption. It's had a complete front brake system renewal. Backs slated for next Spring. Stainless exhaust and a vacuum pipe - not bad for it's age.
Bini #1 needs rear subframe replacing or cleaning/coating. Advisory on front suspension bush also needs looking at.
Bini #2 needs exhaust and rocker cover gasket doing
C4 got  full overhaul on purchase - EOLYS, cambelt, discs, pads etc etc and sprog likes it (it's also a fairly nice drive in my book)

Biggest expense all round has been tyres - 2 complete sets plus one axle set - only baldy in this house is me.

[brownnova]

12 hours ago, Rust Collector said:

No workshop sadly; I keep telling myself that if I had a unit then I'd get a lot more done, but the reality is that I'd just be indoors stood staring at stuff that I need to sort rather than outside stood staring at stuff that I need to sort.

Never has a more relatable word been spoken… 

[High Jetter]

15 hours ago, JMotor said:

Aw fuck! 

T reg Maestro? It's late...

[JMotor]

9 hours ago, High Jetter said:

T reg Maestro? It's late...

Indeed. 

It's a PPG/T.E.T/Ledbury assembled one.

[mat777]

20 hours ago, Zelandeth said:

 

1990 Mercedes 208D Autotrail Navajo.

Selling this required a bit of soul searching, but was fundamentally decided on simply because it wasn't getting used.  My desire to go gallivanting has been somewhat curtailed with medical issues following contracting COVID, so I'm more likely to just get hotels/B&Bs if out and about in the future.  If we were to go out as a family we really do need something larger than this to accommodate all of us plus the dogs, so that's something for the future.

 

Is this the one that's appeared recently in Practical Classics with one of the staffers? (Or are you said staffer?)

 

 

My Fleet

In:

April - 1913 Cadillac 50hp
Completely unplanned and had to borrow money for it, but having spotted it in the VSCC small ads there was no way I was going to pass up the chance to own a race-eligible Edwardian speedster for 1/10 of the usual entry fee - even if it will require rather a lot of work!

 

 

November: 1962 NSU Quickly 
Actually my dad's, but I had a large hand in procuring and collecting it. It's his actual first bike from age 16, last ridden in 1973 and kept for all these years by my grandfather before being recommissioned and gifted for a landmark birthday. Has yet to see the road again given the current weather 

 

 

November:  Carmichael Commando (N.O.S. Chassis)
Another unplanned impulse purchase, luckily this time I was in the midst of offloading various surplus items so had cash to burn. After the debacle of the Land Cruiser, thoughts had turned to building my ultimate "keeper" of a workshop/events/towing SUV, using the best combination of chassis, engine, body and other bits gained from years of ownership experience. I hadn't planned to start quite so soon, but when the only know example of a prime starting point is being offered for sale you don't tend to ponder....

 

 

In and Out (and possibly shaken all about)
 

July: 2006 Land Cruiser Amazon
I had very high hopes for this, it was supposed to be a long term, old-skool replacement for my modern Hilux as a daily. Unfortunately things definitely did not pan out.... I will be able to spill more details once things have fully settled

 

Out: 

December: 1957 Green Goddess
Bought on a whim in 2017 with grand ideas of an internal camper conversion, the khaki horror had sat in a corner of the workshop ever since as a big reminder of what happens when ideas far exceed current technical capability.  With the future extended-length 6x6 towcar now providing a much more practical proposition for "car-camping" in conditions unsuitable for tents, the future looked uncertain enough to think about selling it, as offered on here.
As chance would have it, I was then visited by the owner of a new glamping site for an unrelated purchase, and I jokingly offered it to him. Some negotiation later over keeping it in my custody for the time being, and a deal was agreed. Whilst in some ways I'm sad she won't see the road again, this chap's creative vision will give a unique new lease of life. 

 

Non Movers (and non-shakers)

82 Land Rover CSW: A keeper for life. Another summer of shows, cars'n'coffee mornings, and the occasional jaunt to work.  

99 Omega Track Slag: Another year hibernating with just the occasional start-up and wash (I can assure you that's snowfoam and not my excitement at the car, stop sniggering at the back). Some minor work such as fitting new seats and a bonnet latch, but next year I *really* need to pull my finger out and get the brakes and timing belt changed so it can go back on track. 

90 Sea King Cockpit: Work slowly progressing, with a current focus on a permanently mounted road trailer for it. Oh, and a friend built me a lovely model of it!

?? Rolls Royce Meteor: Untouched in a corner of the barn for nearly 7 years now. Next on the list after the Sea King!

[Zelandeth]

32 minutes ago, mat777 said:

Is this the one that's appeared recently in Practical Classics with one of the staffers? (Or are you said staffer?)

 

 

My Fleet

In:

April - 1913 Cadillac 50hp
Completely unplanned and had to borrow money for it, but having spotted it in the VSCC small ads there was no way I was going to pass up the chance to own a race-eligible Edwardian speedster for 1/10 of the usual entry fee - even if it will require rather a lot of work!

 

 

November: 1962 NSU Quickly 
Actually my dad's, but I had a large hand in procuring and collecting it. It's his actual first bike from age 16, last ridden in 1973 and kept for all these years by my grandfather before being recommissioned and gifted for a landmark birthday. Has yet to see the road again given the current weather 

 

 

November:  Carmichael Commando (N.O.S. Chassis)
Another unplanned impulse purchase, luckily this time I was in the midst of offloading various surplus items so had cash to burn. After the debacle of the Land Cruiser, thoughts had turned to building my ultimate "keeper" of a workshop/events/towing SUV, using the best combination of chassis, engine, body and other bits gained from years of ownership experience. I hadn't planned to start quite so soon, but when the only know example of a prime starting point is being offered for sale you don't tend to ponder....

 

 

In and Out (and possibly shaken all about)
 

July: 2006 Land Cruiser Amazon
I had very high hopes for this, it was supposed to be a long term, old-skool replacement for my modern Hilux as a daily. Unfortunately things definitely did not pan out.... I will be able to spill more details once things have fully settled

 

Out: 

December: 1957 Green Goddess
Bought on a whim in 2017 with grand ideas of an internal camper conversion, the khaki horror had sat in a corner of the workshop ever since as a big reminder of what happens when ideas far exceed current technical capability.  With the future extended-length 6x6 towcar now providing a much more practical proposition for "car-camping" in conditions unsuitable for tents, the future looked uncertain enough to think about selling it, as offered on here.
As chance would have it, I was then visited by the owner of a new glamping site for an unrelated purchase, and I jokingly offered it to him. Some negotiation later over keeping it in my custody for the time being, and a deal was agreed. Whilst in some ways I'm sad she won't see the road again, this chap's creative vision will give a unique new lease of life. 

 

Non Movers (and non-shakers)

82 Land Rover CSW: A keeper for life. Another summer of shows, cars'n'coffee mornings, and the occasional jaunt to work.  

99 Omega Track Slag: Another year hibernating with just the occasional start-up and wash (I can assure you that's snowfoam and not my excitement at the car, stop sniggering at the back). Some minor work such as fitting new seats and a bonnet latch, but next year I *really* need to pull my finger out and get the brakes and timing belt changed so it can go back on track. 

90 Sea King Cockpit: Work slowly progressing, with a current focus on a permanently mounted road trailer for it. Oh, and a friend built me a lovely model of it!

?? Rolls Royce Meteor: Untouched in a corner of the barn for nearly 7 years now. Next on the list after the Sea King!

Nope, though that is an earlier version of the same model.  With the even *slower* version of the engine rated to something like 65bhp rather than my 78!