End of year Tat Accounts.

[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!

[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!

[dome]

A pretty busy year for me this year. 

Out

My Rangey. 2 1/2 years of joy with a sprinkling of trepidation. It never let me down though and was an amazing car to own. Would absolutely have another. As long as it had a supercharger.

In and Out

It's replacement, a 530d Msport

An excellent mile muncher with one of the best diesel engines ever made, sadly flakey electrics and me reaching the end of my tether meant it was fucked off.

Random purchase from a friend who was trading this in.

Nowt exciting but it gave me something to do getting it through an MOT and made presentable. Tried it as a daily for a while but it was thoroughly uninspiring, as you'd expect. Sold on to be someone's first car.

In and fucked

Never meet your heroes. After looking at 6 I bought this one. The £10k engine rebuild gave me some confidence it might be a good one. 

It shat itself big time 2 months later. 

Engine is out and ready to go to a specialist in the new year. Expect to see this in the "out" column next year.

In and still here.

Bought after the BMW went and 911 shat itself as a palate cleanser. Has given me back the joys of fixing cars as it's pretty simple to work on. 

4.7 V8 on LPG. Has had a lot spent on it but not necessarily in the right places. Busy making it better at the moment.

And.

Sensible* replacement for the BMW. Ex Kent police Focus ST estate. High miles but well looked after. 250bhp standard but it's been dyno'd at 280😳

 

No change.

Kangoo

I'll have had this for 4 years come February. Easily the longest I've had a car van on the road. Practical, fun (2.0 with 182 bhp) and as it's non standard it's good fun to mess around with. Hopefully will get a few more upgrades over the next year. 

Manta

Still with @GingerNuttz who is doing an amazing job of building me my dream car. More updates in the new year on this. 

[Schaefft]

The car I was considering bidding on went for the price its actually worth (over 3 times the estimate) so there should be no further changes for the rest of the year. So with that in mind settle in, here's the score:

Out:

The ex-Spain expat/AS GS300 purchased last year, sold in summer. Utterly excellent car, probably one of the overall best luxury cars you can buy for rediculously silly money right now. Driven it as daily doing a few longer trips in it. Replaced one headlight and done front brakes, would have kept going forever with minimum investment but needed the space so sold it to a mate as his first car in the UK, now living in Leith. Might get a V8 one thats not silver in the future, just can't go wrong.

Edit: Forgot about the A6 Avant! Sold in spring, was an excellent car for little over a year I owned it. Was basically completely free motoring in the end aside from petrol:

In and Out:

The oxford green 1999 BMW E38 728i. Bought on ebay beginning of the year (abysmal ad) for very little money to get it back on the road. Fixed a few minor things, cleaned it up and had the bonnet resprayed, first viewer bought it. Now also happens to live in Leith.

The ex- @sdkrc Alfa 166 Twin Spark. Bought for just a few bits I needed for my busso (in the In section below), very rough example that however benefitted many of the other few remaining 166 in the country. I'm fairly sure there was very little left of it in the end once the next owner got what he needed out of it.

The ex- @HMC 1997 Citroen XM V6. What an excellent car, very thankful to have had the opportunity to own one of these with such low miles. Done many detail improvements that made it a better car while I had it. Now with @Rocket88 receiving more attention, no doubt making it even better.

The 2007 BMW E65 750i parts car. Bought as interior donor for the 745i and made a few quid while at it. Had a ruined engine so no regrets, was a very nice car before it ran out of oil (the poor previous owner must have lost thousands on it within 2 months).

In:

2000 Alfa Romeo 166 Super 3.0 manual, in Aurora Iridescent. To me the holy grail of Alfa 166s. This one was bought in March right after returning from the NEC in Birmingham, having had a chat with a 166 owner there. I was interested in them for quite a while and always said I would buy any 166 in this color, should I ever find one. Well, this one happened to have the perfect engine/gearbox combo AND be low mileage. Unfortunately the latter doesn't necessarily mean much for Italian cars, as I have learned that they age about twice as fast as a comparable German car, evidence of it absolutely everywhere. Poor engineering decisions/cost cutting everywhere, if it wasn't for the badge it could be mid-2000s Chinese. However, it is glorious to drive and after getting it back on the road (after some struggling) I'm glad I have it. If it just wasn't made by Fiat...

The 52k mile 2002 BMW E65 745i. Bought on FB marketplace somewhere near Southampton where it was abdondoned in a muddy yard for 3 years. Clogged up sunroof drains eventually caused leaks that wrecked havoc inside the car. However, after months of investigations, learning and fixing one issue after the other its finally back on the road. The plan is to fix the remaining electrical gremlins and sort all the cosmetics, with a few upgrades like soft close taken from the donor 750i and fitted with most of the replacement interior eventually.

The 1994 Infiniti Q45! Most people here know what Lexus had with the LS400 in the 90s, hardly anyone in Europe knows that Nissan launched its main competitor around the same time with the Infiniti Q45, which was never sold here. I bought this incredibly clean, low mileage (around 50k km!) facelift example in Birmingham of all places. It came on Primera wheels and coilovers that a waay too low for what this car is supposed to be. I always wanted one, although ideally the more distinctive pre-facelift. With this one selling for rediculously little money and maybe a handful (at most) in the country I couldn't say no though. Unfortunately put on the back burner due to many other, more needy arrivals.

R129 attempt #2! After buying (and selling) a cheap R129 SL320 last year I didn't want to miss the opportunity to pick up another facelift example, however this time in better shape, with the way more desireable 5.0l V8, but for the same money! Currently still in the process of sorting the ESP related issues it has, with it being winter on the backburner for now. However, Im hoping to get it on the road for summer at the latest.

The German E39 523i Touring. Why spend hundreds on a rental when you can have an E39. I miss driving my 528i (further below) and ideally would have a car available when visiting family flying over there. It will need its TUV inspection soon so I'm hoping the bills will not ruin my whole justification for owning it. Received a deep clean shortly after getting it, should see more of it soon.

I always liked the Z3 and with both of my brothers currently owning Z cars (among them a black facelift Z3 like this) I felt like I will end up with one sooner or later. It had to be a clean facelift 2.8 or 3.0 manual, and with this one popping up at Mathewsons car auctions I thought why not register for a car auction for the very first time to see how things might go. Well, I put my test bid (also the first bid) in and to my surprise only won the car! Turns out it was an utter bargain as aside from a CEL I got a well sorted Z3 in a desireable spec for crazy little money. If you can get one of these for under 3k, just do it, now! Currently in hibernation.

When you see a Buick Riviera for sale for 250 quid, or anything else interesting really, you don't wait around and just buy! Well, I had to pay a hundred quid more to actually seal the deal. This 1989 example with the CRT touchscreen (!) arrived somewhat recently. Clearly a longer-term project, I'm currently waiting for the V5 to arrive. Non-runner, high mileage, but with the 3800 V6 I'm not particularly worried. Surprisingly clean underneath, too. Would part out for much more easily.

Many people regret not buying their dream car when they still had the chance to aquire one for relatively little money. Many of them were once common vehicles that age and neglect reduced to now comparatively small numbers. The E30 BMW is one of those examples, once cheap, now desireable, with the rarer variants demanding big money. The E39 will (and in some cases already does) follow the same path, and a manual transmission E39 540i Touring is pretty much as rare and desireable as things can get for the 5-Series. RWD, manual V8 sports wagons just aren't a thing that you can buy nowadays. Having found one, in somewhat neglected state, for as little as I paid for it, would be pretty much unheard of no matter where you live in the world. This one runs, drives, has MOT, new tires and is a nice spec, so naturally I had to jump on it. This will most likely be a rolling restoration for the next couple of years, doing every bit of preventative maintenance it will need to get it in perfect shape again. 1 of maybe 15 left in the country.

Last arrival for this year, the Japanese import S500 Coupe. Once again bought sight unseen for very cheap, this S500 will need a bit of attention going forward. With around 61k miles it should be a very nice thing to drive though. Together with the SL500 and 500SEL this is 5.0l 90s Merc #3 right now.

No movement:

1996 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC, semi abdondoned since summer last year, needs a replacement gearbox, currently no space on the drive to do the work.

My 1996 E39 528i. Not my first car but sure feels like it. Currently waiting to have its jacking points repaired. Hopefully early next year after the Celsior comes back.

1995 Candian-spec Oldsmobile Aurora #1 Now two decades off the road, 6 of which in my possession. Still in storage, might receive some attention eventually. Fuel system is the main issue.

1991 Opel Senator B with the 3.0 24V inline6. Actually in my drive now, which means I might have to force myself replacing the steering column, which was damaged when some d*ckhead attempted to steal it last year.

The 1992 JDM Toyota Celsior. After sorting (almost) all the typical LS400 weaknesses last year not much has happened this year, as it's been waiting to get MOT welding work done. This will finally happen now so fingers crossed it will be MOT'd early next year.

The 1992 W140 500SEL. One of my favorite cars. Started removing the entire front suspension on it (things escalated), de-rusted the subframe as much as I could, haven't put anything back together yet. Hopefully back on the road until summer next year.

1995 Oldsmobile Aurora #2 (with the Autobahn package!). Bought right before the pandemic hit. First attempt to get it to my parents failed when transporter person crashed his trailer into oncoming traffic in September, next attempt will happen soon hopefully.

1989 Toyota Corona EXiV. Being a Toyota it just works after having been off the road for almost a decade. Short distance daily during the summer, enjoyed some attention at this year's Toyota Enthusiats meeting in Carlisle. Continues to improve with detail by detail sorted over the last months.

2002 Audi S8. After patiently waiting the entire year to get this in a queue to be checked over by a specialist I finally had enough and sent it to a more local VAG specialist to have a few things sorted. Hopefully the list of issues won't be too horrific and I can get on with it next year.

1997 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC. This really hasn't been driven much at all since returning from Germany in January. A shame as its in good order, waiting to be used.

1995 Oldsmobile Aurora #3 (on the left). I haven't done anything with this aside from robbing its fuel pump I believe. Suspected omghgf so long term project.

The 60k mile ULEZ refugee 728i. Not a whole lot of action for this one this year aside from family transport when they were visiting. Received new wheels and a few odd bits.

The dutch-market '92 Caprice. Not much has happened, I replaced the stuck ignition cylinder and the coil died, other than that its really just waiting for the MOT and to be registered here properly.

The 1995 Caddy Sedan DeVille, bought together with SL #1 late last year. It received an interior clean, drop links, a functioning remote and a few other detail improvements this year. Taken on a few shorter journeys. As most other of my cars just waiting for spring.

And that's it. As you can see, the fleet is massive, even after considering the cars that have left. On average I bought a car every 4 weeks this year, something that ovviously can't continue. Every sale is a struggle though knowing that it might be the last chance to pick up X for such little money, most of them are in the single digits in the UK (usually thats true btw, haven't seen many of previous years purchases for similar money again). Lets see what next year brings though, with a planned move at least space might be less of an issue going forward. Which obviously can't end well...

[Spottedlaurel]

A modest year for me, but I managed a bit better than the even quieter 2022 by managing to buy one new car:

Had no real need for it, but I was on the rebound after being unsuccessful in trying to buy a Carina E saloon for £600 and when Wuvvum pointed out the ad for this tidy estate on here I couldn't resist. Have since spent more than the purchase price on tyres, radiator, service and MoT but it should now be a reliable, useable back-up car. Has less than half the mileage of the Avensis SR (itself in daily use with Miss SL) so should have a good few years in it yet.

Laurel, LS400 and modern daily driver RX450h continue to do their thing. A little bit to report on the latter as I finished paying the loan off and it's now 100% mine, and something I'm planning to keep as long as possible.

Within the extended family fleet Master SL took over the Yaris, which was recently treated to a set of Uniroyal Rainexperts as it does quite a few miles. Miss SL's boyfriend bought himself two Mk4 LS400s:

RH one was his daily until its MoT became due, just a few minor issues to sort and it'll be back in use. LH one he then bought cheaply because of an engine noise that just turned out to be loose and missing bolts. Condition-wise it's actually better than the first one, so at some point there'll be a bit of parts swapping and he'll get it back on the road. Bit of a bonus being the UK only DHP (Dynamic Handling Pack) model.

[DVee8]

I still have the Daimler, I have had her for 16 years.

In August I px-ed the modern daily X-trail for a modern daily X-trail.

In September N01 son bought a BMW 220i, he then had the alloys refurbished, a colour change, a rear defuser and M2 spoiler and then a remap.

Last week MrsV8 px her modern daily Bini Cooper for a BMW 1 series.

Around the 20th of this month, I should have an umm, err new arrival. 

We still have the Fiat 500 Abarth on the drive. anyone want to buy it?

 

[AnnoyingPentium]

Ever-constant is the Fabia. Despite its one foot in the grave moment in July at Shitefest. Still running, slightly better than it was before it was stuffed in a ditch. Although, the MOT is due in this coming February, so I've got that to look forward* to. Still hanging about for towing, and for stoating about places the Vectra isn't allowed to be in.

 

(Yes, the towing eye is still stuck in the front from July - I can't get it out)

In, the repmobile Vectra Arctic 1.8, which sort of wormed its way into being my daily. AVAS in action, and all that, but I love it.

Looking forward to 2024. Hopefully nothing else in, unless the MOT for the Fabia flags up anything massive, but I'm overly confident that it'll be fine.

[JJ0063]

I’ve had a busier year than normal

 

Out:

Scirocco. 
 

Nice car and did me well for about a year, but small and it’s one of those cars I like more looking back at pics of than I actually did during ownership

In then back out:

Replaced the Scirocco with an X5, such a lovely comfy car and I wish I could have afforded to keep it but the reality of coming from the easily 60+ MPG scirocco, to the X5 which barely did 20mpg, hurt and I sold it very quickly.

I then bought back my old 335D, 364 days after selling it. Just simply my favourite car I’ve ever had and if it were a touring, I’d certainly still have it now. Re-ownership was shorter lived than expected as we bought a Labrador pup so a coupe was no longer a viable car choice. 

I picked up the £400 Volvo V50, what a bargain car, I thoroughly enjoyed giving it a second life and also made a tasty profit on it. Only sold it as I decided I didn’t need to run two cars so sold the 335D and the V50.

 

That leads us nicely on to IN:

VW Transporter T5

A bit of a bucket list vehicle for me, heavily overpriced because VW tax but it’s got a certain quirkiness about it that I love. It gets more attention than anything I’ve driven, I just love it. Yes I often wish I could go for a proper spirited drive which you can’t do in a van but I have no regrets and no intention for it to be going anywhere soon. 
 

2024 forecast:

Keep the T5, I have a real urge to buy an E39 so if I happen to be in a position to buy a car, it’ll likely be an M sport M57 E39…