Classic Car Mart

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DATSUN 240/260Z BUYER’S CHECKLIST THE BEST BUYNG ADVICE! SIX BATTERY CHARGERS UP FOR GRABS HOT REPORT NEC CLASSIC MOTORSHOW MISSED IT? DON’T MISS OUT! CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE PERFECT PRESENTS FOR PETROL HEADS COMPETITION MINIS PLUS GET THE X-FACTOR HEROES - ROY AXE YOUR DISCOVERIES 1000s OF CARS FOR SALE INSIDE WHY THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUY A JAGUAR XJS CLASSIC DAY OUT - BMW M6 SERVICE SHOP - DISTRIBUTORS THE NUMBER 1 MARKETPLACE FOR BUYING AND SELLING CLASSIC CARS TWIN TEST: FORD SIERRA VAUXHALL CAVALIER READER’S RIDE - TRIUMPH TR4 www.classic-car-mart.co.uk Incorporating Vol.17 No.01 January 2011 BUYER’S GUIDE BABY BOOMER Get the best performance from your Austin A35 DEALER’S WHEELS 5 K MILE 1980 MGB AUCTION ACTION BARGAINS REVEALED vs Vol.17 No.01 £3.90

description

The number one market place for buying and selling classic cars

Transcript of Classic Car Mart

Page 1: Classic Car Mart

DATSUN240/260ZBUYER’S

CHECKLIST

THE BEST BUYNG ADVICE!

SIX BATTERY CHARGERS UP FOR GRABS

HOTREPORTNEC CLASSIC

MOTORSHOW MISSED IT?

DON’T MISSOUT!

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE PERFECT PRESENTS FOR PETROL HEADS

COMPETITION MINIS

PLUS

GET THE X-FACTOR

HEROES - ROY AXEYOUR DISCOVERIES1000s OF CARS FOR SALE INSIDE

WHY THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUY A JAGUAR XJS

CLASSIC DAY OUT - BMW M6 SERVICE SHOP - DISTRIBUTORS

THE NUMBER 1 MARKETPLACE FOR BUYING AND SELLING CLASSIC CARS

TWIN TEST: FORD SIERRA VAUXHALL CAVALIERREADER’S RIDE - TRIUMPH TR4

www.classic-car-mart.co.ukwww.classic-car-mart.co.uk

Incorporating

Vol.17 No.01 January 2011

BUYER’S GUIDE

THE BEST

NUMBER 1 MARKETP

UP FOR GRABS

Vol.17 No.01 January 2011

DATSUN240/260ZBUYER’S

CHECKLIST

D SELLING CLASSIC C

BABY BOOMERGet the best performance

from your Austin A35

CE FOR BUYING AN

DEALER’SWHEELS5K MILE

1980 MGB

AUCTIONACTION

BARGAINSREVEALED

vsCOMPETITION MINISSERVICE SHOP - DISTRIBUTORS

FORD SIERRA VAUXHALL CAVALIERFORD SIERRA VAUXHALL CAVALIERFORD SIERRA VAUXHALL CAVALIERCOMPETITION MINISSERVICE SHOP - DISTRIBUTORS

Vol.1

7 N

o.01

£3.90

£3.90

CCM_JAN_11_COVER.indd 1 16/11/2010 19:51

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BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

3Classic Car Mart January 2011

ell here it is, the fi rst issue of Classic Car Mart to incorporate Classic Car World – and what an issue

it is! As you can see, we’ve kept all the solid buying advice, money-saving tips and readers’ stories from CCM and included the popular technical features and driving stories from Classic Car World.

The fun begins on page 48 when Paul Wager grabs the keys to an M635 CSi from BMW’s UK headquarters in Bracknell and heads off in search of Eighties Yuppieville, before arriving at BMW’s Park Lane dealership for the launch of BMW Classic.

Starting on page 61 is our new eight-page technical section. This month, we’ll be showing you how a distributor works before giving you a step-step guide on how to strip down, assess and rebuild yours. There’s a handy guide to all the parts and tools you’ll need, as well as some useful hints and tips to help you get the job done quickly.

I’d also like to welcome the esteemed Peter Simpson to these pages. Many of you will know Peter from his time editing Practical Classics, or his current day job at the helm of weekly newspaper Classic Car Buyer. As our executive editor though, I thought it was about time he earned his

keep with a new regular column at the back of the mag.

Of course, we’ve got all the usual great buying advice – and if you’re looking to get yourself a value-for-money classic, then it’s worth checking out the Jaguar XJS. These car’s have had mixed fortunes over the years, but we reckon they’re a great motor – as long as you buy right. If you fancy something a bit quirkier, then why not check out one of Datsun’s stunning Z-cars? We’ve got a two-page buyer’s checklist on page 80.

Enjoy the magazine,

With his Mk I Toyota MR2 currently off the road, Chris is learning to MIG weld the hard way – but loving every minute of it.

He’s owned a string of MG and Triumph sports cars, but David still hasn’t found that elusive early Midget or Sunbeam Rapier.

Former Classic Car World editor Paul grabbed the keys to a BMW M635CSi this month and headed off in search of Yuppies.

Paul’s been paying tribute to British styling legend Roy Axe this month. You can read all about it on page 55.

Executive editor Peter Simpson begins a new column this month: Tailgate. You can read his thoughts on p192.

This month, Steve satisfi ed his desire to get behind the wheel of a true blood British classic – the Triumph TR4 (page 31).

Rod’s been stripping down and rebuilding distributors this month for our new technical section. You can read his guide on page 62.

THE CLASSIC CAR MART TEAM

CHRIS HOPE DAVID BOWERS PAUL WAGER PAUL GUINNESS

PETER SIMPSONSTEVE WILSON ROD KER

Rock-loving petrolhead Mark has been eyeing up Ford Mustangs in the classifi ed – let’s just hope he can fi nd what he’s looking for.

MARK HYDE

Welcome

ell here it is, the fi rst issue

– and what an issue

solid buying advice, money-saving tips and

Keith Moody, Editor

CLASSIC CAR MARTKELSEY PUBLISHING GROUPPO Box 978, Peterborough, PE1 9FLTel: 01733 347559 Fax: 01733 557235www.classic-car-mart.co.uk

EDITORIALEditor Keith Moody 01733 353356Email: [email protected] Editor Peter Simpson 01733 353358Email: [email protected] Editor Mark HydeWeb Guru Jason WardEmail: [email protected] Barnwell, Nigel Boothman, Dave Bowers, Richard Dredge, Peter Entwhistle, Graham Flemmington, Simon Goldsworthy, Paul Guinness, Chris Hope, Rod Ker, James Ruppert, Paul Wakely, Steve Wilson

ADVERTISINGAdvertisement ManagerSarah Garrod 01733 353382Email: [email protected] Ad ManagerJason Baker 01733 353353Senior Sales Exec Wendy Loftus-Martin 07971 685839Sales Executive Susan Cook 01733 353353Production Manager Charlotte Riley 01733 353352

MANAGEMENTEditorial DirectorPhil Weeden 01733 353372Email: [email protected] DirectorMatt Carson 01733 353362Email: [email protected] Director Steve WrightChairman Gordon Wright

SUBSCRIPTIONSNew subscriptionsTel: 01959 541444 Web: www.great-cars.co.ukSubscription QueriesTel: 01959 543530, Email: [email protected]

FREE ADsChristine Badley, Angela Barker, Robert Hotchin, Sandi Rizzo, Rebecca Butler, Adam Gray, Emanuela CatanesePlace your adEmail: [email protected]: 0906 802 0279 (calls cost 60p per minute, 10am-4pm)Fax: 01733 557235Queries & repeat adsTel: 01733 347559 Email: [email protected]

DISTRIBUTIONRetail Marketing Arthur HeapNewstrade Circulation Eleanor BrownCan’t fi nd Classic Car Mart? Call Marketforce on 020 3148 3333 for details of your nearest stockist. Printing: William Gibbons, Willenhall, West Midlands

Kelsey Publishing Group 2010 © all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with permission in writing from the publishers. Note to contributors: articles submitted for consideration by the editor must be the original work of the author and not previously published. Where photographs are included, which are not the property of the contributor, permission to reproduce them must have been obtained from the owner of the copyright. The editor cannot guarantee a personal response to all letters and emails received.

Kelsey Publishing GroupPO Box 13, Westerham, Kent, TN16 3WT, ENGLANDTel: 01959 541444 Fax: 01959 541400www.kelsey.co.uk

CLASSIC CAR MART

Incorporating

CCM_JAN_2011_WELCOMEmhkmpg.indd 3 17/11/2010 11:36

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Classic Car Mart

06 PLUGS & LEADSConcerns over winter motoring and BMW launches its new classic initiative

10 NEW PRODUCTSAll the latest gear for your garage, including a new suspension kit for Mk II Escorts

14 WHAT’S ONA look back at this year’s Bristol Restoration Show

16 DRIVE ONPlan your classic motoring over thefestive season

18 NEC SHOW REVIEWMissed this year’s season fi nale? Don’tworry – we bring you all the highlights

23 POSTBAGTackling a tricky MG Magnette resto, plus the classic crossword

CONTENTS JANUARY 2011

25 WIN A BATTERY CHARGERYour chance to win one of six battery chargers, worth up to £75

26 PRIDE & JOYAn eclectic mix of cars on show, including a Mini Clubman Estate

31 READER’S RIDESteve Wilson goes wild behind the wheel of a Triumph TR4

WWW.CLASSIC-CAR-MART.CO.UK

‘The XJS definitely got better with age, so focus on searching through

our classified listings for post-1991 models.’

WIN A FANTASTIC MODEL!

36 DISCOVERIESHidden gems uncovered from all over the UK, including a Stag found at the bottom of a garden

40 SIERRA V CAVALIERTwo Eighties fl eet favourites fi ght to be king of the fast lane

48 M6 CLASSIC DRIVEPaul Wager grabs the keys to this BMW and heads off to Bracknell in search of Yuppies

88

48

INSIDE YOUR GREAT NEW ISSUE

ON THE COVER

ON THE COVER

ON THE COVER

ON THE COVER

CCM_JAN_11_CONTENTSmh.indd 4 17/11/2010 11:10

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If your company is launching a new product aimed at today’s classic car enthusiast, we want to hear about it. To benefi t from free publicity in this section, send full details by post or email. Write to New Products, Classic Car Mart, Kelsey Publishing, 14 Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1JA. Or email: [email protected]

RANGE ROVER WORLD The much-loved Range Rover celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2010. And to mark the occasion, Kelsey Publishing has produced a one-off magbook called Range Rover World.

Edited by Land Rover authority Mike Gould, the publication covers the evolution of the model, details of the current line-up, an overview of the Evoque unveiled at this year’s Paris Motor Show, plus a profi le of the expedition G4 Range Rovers.

There’s also a feature on the Land Rover Experience Centre at Eastnor Castle, and pieces looking at the Range Rover Sport and modifi ed Overfi nch versions, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the Solihull plant.

It’s essential reading for any Range Rover enthusiast. Grab your copy from your local WH Smiths for £5.99, or order using the contact details below.

CONTACTKelsey Publishing: www.kelseyshop.co.uk, 01959 541444

NICE LEGS GAZ’s Gold coil spring over strut suspension kit for Mk II Escorts has been popular with fast road enthusiasts for some time now. But if you wanted to make the swap, you had to provide standard suspension legs so that the hubs could be used as donors and welded on to the new items. Not anymore, though.

Gaz’s Gold Kit now comes with brand new hubs, as well as coilovers for both the front and rear suspension. The units are fi lled with a multi-grade high-viscosity fl uid to help resist fade under extreme conditions.

They’re ride-height adjustable through 60mm and cost £997.

CONTACTGAZ Shocks: www.gazshocks.com, 01268 724585

DETAIL KITSpautopia’s new Scholl Concepts Detailing Kit contains everything you need to give your vehicle a showroom shine all year round. Included are waxes, a clay bar, a general purpose cleaner, polishes and drying cloths – all for £58.

Interested? Then be sure to check out Spautopia’s Valet Towel, too. It costs £12 and measures 60cm x 90cm – big enough for drying a large estate car in one sitting without having to be constantly wrung out.

CONTACTSpautopia: www.spautopia.co.uk, 01780 721460

10 Classic Car Mart January 2011

KEEP COOLEngine cooling can be something of a weak spot for classic Minis, but even if the plumbing inside your pride and joy is in fi ne fettle, there’s still the chance the needle will creep into the red when you’re stuck in traffi c.

Now Mini Spares has taken cues from more effi cient, modern multi-core radiators to produce a new alloy dual-core unit that’s suitable for all classic Minis.

Priced at £137.99, this rad exceeds the cooling ability of original radiators and is suitable for everything from fast road to race use. The radiator also has the correct facility for the sender unit if required.

CONTACTMini Spares: www.minispares.com, 01707 607700

CCM JAN NEW PRODSmhkm.indd 10 16/11/2010 17:32

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23Classic Car Mart January 2011

Post Bag: Have your say!

Rants, raves, politics, faves – whatever’s on your mind, get in touch and let us know. Email: [email protected] or write to: Classic Car Mart, Kelsey Publishing, PO Box 978, Peterborough, PE1 9FL

TRIUMPH ACCLAIMI thought you might be interested to see a picture of a rather unusual car that I’m selling – it’s a Triumph Acclaim Turbo Avon – which I believe is one of the last survivors. Used as a press car, it was fi rst off the production line and carries the serial number 001.

If anyone is interested in this, they can drop me a line at [email protected].

Chris Rodrigues, via email

A FINE DAIMLER

I thought you might like to see a photograph of our 1976 Daimler DS420 hearse, which was coachbuilt by Thomas Startin Jnr. It has been the subject of a total body restoration and complete respray.

Bodywork included new wheelarches all round, new sills as well as repairs to doors and fl oorpans. The interior is totally original and needed nothing other than a good valet and new carpets. The process took 10 months to complete and was carried out by Hanna Coachworks, Dromara, Co Down.

Mechanically she was perfect, and having covered only 80,000 miles from new must mean she is one of the fi nest examples of an early Startin available today.

Trevor & Carolyn Wilson, Co Down, Northern Ireland

Great story guys - remember, if you’ve got a classic with an interesting tale, get in touch.

Keith, Ed

MAGNETTE RESTORATION

I am a current subscriber and enjoy your publication very much. As a matter of interest, I enclose these pictures of a 1954 MG Magnette that I am currently having restored. It was rescued from a soon to be emptied garage in Solihull a few months ago, after being left there for some 17 years. After registering the vehicle with the MG registry, they were in contact almost immediately as this was a very early example of this lovely classic.

It was built between April 8 and April 14, 1954. It is not in a pretty condition, but shortly after shot blasting and etch priming, I hope that I can return this car back to its former glory.

Upon its completion, I hope to drive it up to Weston-Super-Mare where I have promised to meet the former owner and his grandson and take them for a spin down memory lane.

Neil Golding, Devon

STARLETTER

THIS MONTH’S STAR LETTER WINS AN OXFORD DIECAST MODEL

WORTHUP TO

£19.99THIS MONTH’S STAR LETTER WINS

WORTHUP TO

£19.99

CCM JAN 11LETTERSmh.indd 23 16/11/2010 17:55

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FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WINTo be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the question below, complete the form and send it to: SMARTCHARGE+ Competition, Classic Car Mart, Kelsey Publishing, PO Box 978, Peterborough PE1 9FL or visit www.classic-car-mart.co.uk and click on competitions before MONDAY, DECEMBER, 20, 2010.

Question: According to the AA, what is one of the most common reason for a call-out?

Answer

Name Daytime Tel No. Email

Address

Rules: Employees of Kelsey Publishing and Ring Automotive and their immediate families are not eligible to enter. The winner will be selected at random from all correct entries after the closing date. No alternative to the advertised prize is available. Only one entry per household. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Kelsey Publishing accepts no responsibility for any damage or injury caused by competition prizes and any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer or retailer. The winner’s name and postal town will be published in Classic Car Mart and the winner will be notifi ed in writing within 14 days of the closing date. Kelsey Publishing will use your information for administration and analysis. We may share your information with carefully selected third parties. We, or they, may send details of other goods and services which may be of interest to you. Please tick this box if you do not want your details shared with carefully selected third parties. ■

WORTH UP TO

WORTH UP TO

According to the AA, a fl at battery is one of the most common reason for a call-out. This being the case, CCM has teamed up with Ring Automotive this issue to offer you the chance to win one of six new battery chargers from its SmartCharge+ range.

This consists of four different units: the fi rst, RSC516 has a charge rate of up to 16A and comes with LED display and charge stage indicator (it’s priced at £89.99). Also up for grabs is the RSC512, with a charge rate of up to 12A and boasts similar features to the RSC516 (expect the charge stage indicator). It costs £74.99. Next is RSC508, an 8A charger (£64.99) and fi nally, the runner-up

prizes are three RSC504 4Amp chargers (£39.99). SmartCharge+ battery chargers from Ring Automotive have been designed to not only prolong battery life, but also simultaneously diagnose, recondition and service batteries. What’s more, we’re told that the most taxing thing you’ll need to do is plug these units in, with the entire range designed to maintain batteries automatically.

With winter now upon us, we think any one of these chargers will make a welcome addition to you garage. To fi nd out more, call Ring Automotive by calling 0113 213 2000. Alternatively, check out the Ring Automotive website at: www.ringautomotive.co.uk.

WIN ONE OF SIX NEW RING AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY CHARGERS

WORTHUP TO

WIN A BATTERY CHARGER

£75

CCM_JAN_2011_COMPmhkm.indd 1 16/11/2010 17:57

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We received this photograph from Classic Car Mart reader Mathew Jones, who spotted a suburban

garden in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, with some interesting features – including this rather down-at-heel Triumph Stag.

‘I just happened to see it while walking past recently,’ explains Mathew. ‘I’m not from that area, so hadn’t seen it before – although, judging from the dirt and moss down the sides of the car, it looks like it’s been there for a long time.’

Despite showing signs of rust along the driver’s door and rear quarter panel, the Stag looks to be complete and in surprisingly sound condition. Could it be one discovery that actually ends up back on the road at some point?

What really caught Mathew’s eye though, was the Sunbeam Rapier fastback largely hidden by the Stag: ‘I’m a real fan of the fastback Alpine and Rapier shape, so to come across one in someone’s back garden was quite a surprise. Unfortunately, there was nobody around when I went to enquire about the cars, so I can’t say whether or not they’re likely to be for sale. There were other cars also in the garden, including a Mk III Escort, but nothing as interesting or as old as the Stag and Rapier.’

If you can shed any light on why these classics have ended up in an East Midlands garden, we’d love to hear from you.

Discoveriesyour

THE GARDEN STAG

Just £1495 will get you this fascinating project: a ’39

Morris 12.

36 Classic Car Mart January 2011

Solid-looking Triumph Stag keeps the Sunbeam Rapier hidden from view

GREEK TRAGEDY

Whenever a Classic Car Mart contributor travels abroad, you can almost guarantee

they’ll come back with photographs of classic discoveries they’ve seen on their travels. And that was certainly the case when Dave Bowers ventured to the Greek island of Kefalonia recently – and came across this 1928 Singer Senior four-door tourer, fully rebuilt by Gerasimos Kosmatos, who lives in the island’s capital, Argostoli.

This car had been exported to Kefalonia when it was just four years old, and although it wasn’t used during the Second World War, the war would have a direct effect on its fate. Sadly, the Singer’s owner was killed by the occupying German forces and the car stood neglected for several decades. In fact, it wasn’t until the late owner’s widow sold the Singer as recently as 1996 that Gerasimos – who is a mechanic by trade – managed to acquire it and embark upon a chassis-up restoration, using parts shipped over from the UK.

Sadly, the same can’t be said for the Hillman Avenger, Ford Cortina Mk II and Austin A40 ‘Farina’ that Dave also spotted on the island, all three of which look like they’d been unused for many years.

Gerasimos Kosmatos stands proudly next to his fully restored 1928 Singer.

Hillman Avenger looks reasonably sound – will it ever be restored?

Mk II Cortina has seen better days and is suffering from rot, despite the Greek climate.

Repainted Austin A40 is in a sad state, with rust to most if its outer panels.

CCM_JAN_11_DISCOVERIESmhkm.indd 36 16/11/2010 18:08

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Service Shop: Distributors

SERVICE SHOP: DISTRIBUTORSCLASSICKNOW HOW

If you suspect an ignition fault, it’s best to start investigations in the dark! With the engine ticking over, and keeping hands and clothing well clear of rotating fan blades, or an electric fan that can switch on at any moment, look for arcing from (or inside, denoting a break or high resistance) HT leads and in the area of the distributor and coil.

Before doing anything else, make sure you know which HT leads go to which plugs. Mark the leads, make drawings or take photos.

Distributor cap usually held in place by spring clips. Awkwardly-sited ones may have to be removed with screwdriver, but be careful because too much leverage in the wrong spot can break the cap.

Inspect HT lead sockets in cap, which may be eaten away by arcing if the connections have been loose. Using incorrect leads

or just not pushing them home properly are common causes of trouble. Check for cracks and condition of spring-loaded carbon brush in centre of cap. Look for signs of internal tracking (arcing). Posts normally wear, but should not be burnt stumps!

1

3

Pull the HT leads from sockets and check for loose terminals. A multimeter (a worthwhile investment with prices starting at

about £5), will establish whether the leads are open-circuit or are outside spec for resistance. The fi gure will depend on length, but shouldn’t be more than about 25k Ohms. Old-style plug caps can also be checked. Some have built-in resistors, but some also have additional internal spark gaps, so will read open-circuit.

2

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52 Classic Car Mart January 2011

CONCLUSIONThe ravages of time have hit the Cavalier harder than the Sierra. Vauxhall’s penchant for rusting had still not entirely disappeared, which means many fewer Mk IIs are left. Successive waves of scrappage deals and the unstoppable march of the tin worm have probably reduced the survivors to well under a thousand. By contrast, the Sierra has fared rather better; for a start, more were sold (1.3 million over 11 years, against 900,000 Mk II Cavaliers in an eight-year run). Indeed, the Sierra was just taking its second breath as the Cavalier mutated into the altogether rounder Mk III.

The Sierra also proved a shade more resilient than the Cavalier in the demanding hands of the UK’s sales reps. The Ford’s engines – whether the 1.6 or 1.8 CVH or even the later twin-cam version of the 2.0-litre – never had quite the zest of the Vauxhall overhead-cam engines and consequently tended not to be driven quite as hard. The Sierra’s later six-cylinder versions (using Cologne V6s) were attractive to enthusiasts, and so many have lasted. Vauxhall, on the other hand, focused the second Cavalier on the family and fleet markets and never deviated from the sub-2000cc segment; it would be left to the post-1988 Mk III to spawn (less successful) turbo and V6 versions.

The Sierra was a real workhorse and a classic utility; its looks in many people’s eyes improved with age. The sharper, racier Cavalier was like a new-fangled disposable razor: it was, above all, in tune with the ‘go for it’ attitude of the Eighties. But as soon as sharp edges were out of vogue and the Mk II had served its purpose, then – like those razors – it was thrown away. n

Buying tips – SierraEarly carbureted cars (if you can find them) tend to be thirsty and pre-1985 were not designed for unleaded fuel. The later 2.0-litre twin-cam shared the same block as the Cosworth and lasts well. Look out for possible problems with fuel-injection; the carburettor 1.8 CVH is also a reliable and economic performer, but check that its cam belt has been replaced regularly. Most Sierras were fitted with Ford’s very hard wearing five-speed ’box, which should still function reasonably after 20 years’ use.

Inevitably, Sierras have rusted: wheelarches start to fray and the ‘chassis’ (particularly around the back axle) should be inspected carefully. This area can be the difference between a runner and terminal MoT failure. The colour-coded bumpers can be hard to replace; the practical interiors wear well, but missing or broken trim parts will probably require a scrapyard visit, though eBay is always worth investigating first.

Buying tips – CavalierCorrosion, corrosion, corrosion is how a former prime minister might have put it. The Vauxhall rusts so readily that finding a serviceable body and chassis is the priority. Sills and wheelarches must be suspect until proved otherwise, while underneath particular attention is needed round the rear suspension mounts. The bulkhead behind the pedals is also a crucial rust area; access is awkward and it can make or break a Cavalier.

By comparison, the mechanicals are robust if noisy. Spritely performers, the injection cars were often driven hard, so look for evidence of regular oil changes. The beauty of the Vauxhall is the accessibility of most of the engine: Cavalier enthusiasts claim they can change a clutch in 25 minutes. Injection parts for the 1.8 are scarce; the 2.0-litre engine stayed in production well into the Nineties, so spares are still available. The inside of the Cavalier was never as robust as the Sierra’s and items of trim can be very hard to locate.

Thanks to owners Ron Jarman (Sierra) and Tim Parker (Cavalier), as well as the Ford Sierra Owners’ Club and www.mk2cav.com. We’re also grateful to Surrey Research Park for the photographic backdrop.

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70 Classic Car Mart January 2011

With the Amazon’s engine freshly rebuilt, it was time to tackle the Swede’s transmission. Although there wasn’t anything wrong with

the standard four-speed gearbox, things weren’t really working out between us – using the car as a daily meant that I really needed overdrive for comfortable cruising. You see, the Amazon’s overdrive unit is pretty neat because it reduces engine revolutions by about 25 per cent, which means a substantial reduction in cabin noise, improved fuel economy, and reduced engine wear. Trouble is, sourcing a suitable unit is easier said than done.

After spending a few months trawling breakers yards and keeping in regular contact with specialists, I eventually got a call from Brian at Suffolk-based Amazonia, which had managed to

dig one out of a P1800 that was being broken.Wasting no time, I headed off down the A14

to see Brian and make a start on the gearbox swap. Although it’s a fairly straightforward job, there were a couple of points to mull over on the journey down. Firstly, you can’t just bolt the overdrive unit onto the standard four-speed ’box (M40) – you need a compatible M41 ’box with the longer mainshaft and inhibitor switch, which makes sure that overdrive can only be used in fourth. Secondly, the additional overdrive unit means that the gearbox itself is longer – so the propshaft has to be shortened. It’s also worth

fi tting new universal joints at the same time, and checking the condition of the clutch. Finally, you need a longer speedo cable (waving goodbye forever to the an accurate speedo… unless anyone’s found a way round this?).

There are, of course, other issues to consider – like the differential. My 121 is fi tted with the 4.1:1 diff; I could try and source the 4.56:1 unit that most overdriven Amazons had, but sticking with the standard item meant that my car would be long-legged – perfect for munching the motorway miles that make up my trip to CCM HQ.

Many people also fret about where to put the switch. Overdriven Amazons had a column-mounted stalk to engage top but, not being particularly precious, I’ve opted to fi t a simple toggle switch and light combo in the centre of the dash, just below the heater unit for minimal fuss.

With the big questions answered, it was time to get the car up on the ramp and get to work – but not before removing the gearstick and rubber gaiter while they were still within easy reach. The next job was to drain the coolant, disconnect the upper radiator hose and hoses from the engine to the heater and remove the exhaust pipe at the manifold fl ange. Finally, it was time to disconnect the battery and throttle.

Up on the ramp, it was easy to gain access to the ’box, drain the oil and remove the speedo

Keith Moody decides that fi ve gears are better than four

when it comes to his daily driver.

STAFF CARS1965 VOLVO 121STEP INTOOVERDRIVE

After a few months searching, a suitable overdrive unit and gearbox turned up at Suffolk-based Amazonia.

… but it’s heavy, so be careful!

It’s a fairly simple procedure to get the

Volvo’s gearbox out…

CCM_JAN_STAFF CARS_AMAZONmhkm.indd 70 16/11/2010 19:11

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81Classic Car Mart January 2011

Buyer’s Checklist: Datsun 240Z/260Z

DATSUN 240Z/260ZBUYER’S CHECKLIST: PARTS COUNTER■ Exhaust (stainless) £400+■ Wing £230■ Bumper £275■ Dampers from £118■ Clutch kit £140-175■ Alternator £130 ex

SPECIALISTS■ Auto Active, Bristol0117 9442068■ DJ Road & RaceGlos, 01453 833451■ Fourways Engineering, Kent, 01732 884288■ MJP Eastern Auto01277 374201■ Z Farm, Yorks01845 587110

818181Classic Car Mart Classic Car Mart Classic Car Mart Classic Car Mart Classic Car Mart Classic Car Mart Classic Car Mart Classic Car Mart Classic Car Mart Classic Car Mart Classic Car Mart January 2011January 2011January 2011January 2011January 2011January 2011January 2011January 2011January 2011

240Z resto projects start at £1k, while a tidy one can fetch over £10k. 260Zs are rare and diffi cult to value, but

Condition One cars are between £6000 and £8000 with the 2+2 between 10 and 20 per cent cheaper.

VALUES

JAN_CHECK_LISTmhkm.indd 81 18/11/2010 15:50

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Classic Car Mart January 201188

GET THE X-FACTORIt was the car that everybody hated when it was unveiled as the E-type replacement. But now, says Chris Hope, the unloved Jaguar XJS is finally achieving the recognition it deserves Photos: Jackie Skelton

CCM JAN 11 JAG BGkm.indd 88 16/11/2010 19:37

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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>MAGAZINE OF THE MONTHWho remembers this from the early 1990s? Launched by former CCM editor Frank Westworth, Jalopy was a jolly little magazine celebrating all that was great about running a cheap and cheerful banger. Personally, I loved its fresh approach to real-life, every-expense-spared motoring. Shown here is the second ever issue of Jalopy, dating from June 1992 and featuring such ground-breaking topics as 28 pages on buying an old motor and the pros and cons of owning a Morris Minor. Issue two even came with a splendid cover-mounted bumper sticker, and an opportunity for the reader to win a secondhand Skoda Rapid. Ah, now you’re talking.Frank was part of a three-man team (including CCM contributor Rod Ker) that put Jalopy together each month. And for the sheer humour and witticisms involved, the mag was worth every penny of its £1.40 cover price.

HOME, JAMES!You might think of the good old Volvo 264 as just a 244 with a six-cylinder engine. But Volvo reckoned it was something rather more special than that. ‘The understatement of the year’, was how those canny Swedes referred to it. And they even hinted that, should you buy a 264 yourself, you might also want to employ a chauffeur to really do it in style. That’s evidently what this David Niven lookalike decided to do after visiting his nearest Volvo dealer.

BROUGHT TO BOOKCrikey… the Highway Code has certainly changed over the last 75 years. Not least when it comes to the writing style of the 1935 edition compared with today’s: ‘This Code is put into your hands in the sincere hope that the study and observance of its provisions will make the roads safer and more convenient for you and all others who use the King’s Highway’, suggested the Transport Minister back then. He went on: ‘Respect for the Code … is so much a moral duty that its practice should become a habit and its breach a reproach’. And he insisted that ‘…sudden noisy acceleration is unnecessary and disturbing’. Ttry telling that to the 17-year-olds in their Vauxhall Corsas outside McDonald’s.

WITH PAUL GUINNESS

BROUGHT TO BOOK

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192 Classic Car Mart January 2011

Wheel clamping on private property – as opposed to by councils and government – is going to be made illegal next

year. A good thing, too, and something that is way overdue.

Naturally, the vested interests are bleating about this being a charter for illegal and/or inconsiderate parking. But I don’t think so: it’s

been illegal in Scotland since 1992, and there’s no evidence of widespread parking problems existing there any more than elsewhere in the UK. In truth, this so-called ‘industry’ has always been on dubious legal grounds and taken advantage of the lack of regulation surrounding private parking enforcement. It’s also been given every opportunity to put its house in order, but has failed to do so.

A lot of clampers – or Private Parking Contractors as they like to call themselves – say they intend switching to ‘ticketing’. However as things stand at present, that’s also of doubtful legal validity. Their case, it would seem, relies on the driver of the vehicle – by

parking on the land, and therefore entering into a legally enforceable contract – paying a parking ‘fee’ if they park for more than a certain time… hmm. They will obtain registered keeper details from DVLA – electronically if they’re a member of the British Parking Association – and send you what looks like an offi cial Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), but is actually nothing more than an ‘invoice’. Helpfully, they refer to these invoices Parking Charge Notice – or PCN (again).

However, the crucial point is this: any ‘contract’ is with the driver at the time – and it is for the company to correctly identify him (or her). The registered keeper doesn’t have to help. PPCs are simply private companies with no special authority whatsoever. So, for once, you really can say, ‘I wasn’t the driver

and I’m not going to tell you who was’. These companies also have no right whatsoever to demand anything from you – legally, the onus is on them to prove you were driving and have entered into a legally enforceable contract.

As those of you who’ve had the (mis)fortune to read my rantings elsewhere may know, I’ve been doing battle with a PPC since mid-May, who seriously thought I was going to give them £70 because someone (not me) allegedly overstayed by 20 minutes in a supermarket car park in a car registered to me while doing a weekly shop. I got three letters from the private parking contractor, the third of which added a £40 ‘admin fee’, making it £110 that I didn’t

CLOSING THOUGHTS FROM PETER SIMPSON

TAILGATEWORKING

FOR THECLAMPDOWN

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CLASSIC DAY OUT - BMW M6 SERVICE SHOP - DISTRIBUTORS

THE NUMBER 1 MARKETPLACE FOR BUYING AND SELLING CLASSIC CARS

TWIN TEST: FORD SIERRA VAUXHALL CAVALIERREADER’S RIDE - TRIUMPH TR4

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Incorporating

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As those of you who’ve read my rantings elsewhere may know, I’ve been doing battle with a private parking contractor since mid-May...

CCM JAN 11 TAIL_GATEmh.indd 192 16/11/2010 19:56

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193Classic Car Mart January 2011

Tail Gate: Peter Simpson

owe. It was then passed to Debt Recovery Plus, a debt collection agency who sent three threatening letters, demanding £149 or they’d take me to court and I’d have to pay £253. Probably unnecessarily, I replied to the fi rst one saying again that I wasn’t the driver, and eventually received a rather strange standard letter saying, among other things, that because in a civil case the standard of proof is only ‘balance of probability,’ courts will ‘fi nd that the registered keeper was the driver because he usually is.’ Er, I don’t think so!

Then I received another letter, which appeared to come from a different company – Parking Collection Services Ltd. They claimed to have bought the debt and were going to pursue it ‘to a conclusion’, but because they had bought the debt at a discounted rate, were prepared to accept a reduced settlement of £99. How nice of them!

However, close perusal of the letter revealed that Debt Recovery Plus and Parking Collection Services are one and the same – the ‘return’ address on the envelope from Parking Collection Services was Debt Recovery Plus. It might sound complicated, but it’s really very simple: they were pretending to be someone else. So I ignored

that, too. That was nine weeks ago. I’ve heard absolutely nothing since so hopefully they’ve now got the message. If I hear from them again (or they try taking me to court) I’ll let you know…

So if you get one of these, for now anyway, I recommend that you DON’T pay, unless you really did outstay your welcome in Asda and have been having sleepless nights since. Make sure, though, that the amount demanded is proportionate to the loss incurred by the landowner.

The ‘ticket’ is an invoice from a private company. It’s not a fi ne, and they have no more enforcement powers than you, me or Scooby Doo. If you want to cover yourself totally – and assuming it’s true – you can reply to the initial invoice saying that you were not the driver, therefore aren’t liable, and will be ignoring all future correspondence.

Other than that, just ignore them and get on with your life. Despite all the threats and intimidation, experience shows that these parasites avoid court action – their business model is based on frightening a percentage of recipients into paying up, and if they can extract £70 from 30 per cent of those they invoice, they’re making money. ■

PETER SIMPSON’S MONEY-SAVING TIP OF THE MONTH

As part of Classic Car Mart’s policy of saving our readers money, every month I intend giving you a money-saving tip. Starting with one I discovered last weekend.

It concerns sandpaper – or whatever it’s called these days. Don’t buy it in sheets from a DIY shed, instead go to a proper builders’ merchants and buy a 10-metre (nearly the length of a classic bus!) roll of the stuff. I did on Saturday and it cost me £7.40. At effectively 25p per 300mm sheet, it’s cheap cheap cheap…

CCM JAN 11 TAIL_GATEmh.indd 193 16/11/2010 19:56

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Incorporating

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Vol.17 No.01 January 2011

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CHECKLIST

D SELLING CLASSIC C

BABY BOOMERGet the best performance

from your Austin A35

CE FOR BUYING AN

DEALER’SWHEELS5K MILE

1980 MGB

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