SIX BATTERY CHARGERS UP FOR GRABS www.classic-car-mart.co.uk
BABY BOOMER Get the best performance from your Austin A35
Vol.17 No.01 January 2011 Incorporating
THE BEST BUYNG ADVICE!
AUCTION ACTION BARGAINS REVEALED
DATSUN 240/260Z BUYER’S CHECKLIST
DEALER’S WHEELS 5K MILE 1980 MGB
THE NUMBER 1 MARKETP MARKETPLACE CE FOR BUYING AN AND D SELLING CLASSIC CARS C
GET THE X-FACTOR BUYER’S GUIDE
HOT RT REPCO LASS IC
WHY THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUY A JAGUAR XJS
NEC W MOTOR S HO M ISSE D IT? S DON’T M IS OUT!
PLUS
HEROES - ROY AXE YOUR DISCOVERIES 1000s OF CARS FOR SALE INSIDE TWIN TEST: FORD SIERRA vs VAUXHALL CAVALIER READER’S RIDE - TRIUMPH TR4
COMPETITION MINIS SERVICE SHOP - DISTRIBUTORS
Vol.17 No.01
£3.90
CLASSIC DAY OUT - BMW M6
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE PERFECT PRESENTS FOR PETROL HEADS
Welcome Incorporating
CLASSIC CAR MART KELSEY PUBLISHING GROUP PO Box 978, Peterborough, PE1 9FL Tel: 01733 347559 Fax: 01733 557235 www.classic-car-mart.co.uk EDITORIAL Editor Keith Moody 01733 353356 Email: ccm.ed@kelseypb.co.uk Executive Editor Peter Simpson 01733 353358 Email: peter.simpson@kelseypb.co.uk Art Editor Mark Hyde Web Guru Jason Ward Email: webmaster@kelseypb.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Martyn 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 ADVERTISING Advertisement Manager Sarah Garrod 01733 353382 Email: ccm.adsales@kelseypb.co.uk Deputy Ad Manager Jason Baker 01733 353353 Senior Sales Exec Wendy Loftus-Martin 07971 685839 Sales Executive Susan Cook 01733 353353 Production Manager Charlotte Riley 01733 353352 MANAGEMENT Editorial Director Phil Weeden 01733 353372 Email: phil.weeden@kelseypb.co.uk Commercial Director Matt Carson 01733 353362 Email: matt.carson@kelseypb.co.uk Managing Director Steve Wright Chairman Gordon Wright SUBSCRIPTIONS New subscriptions Tel: 01959 541444 Web: www.great-cars.co.uk Subscription Queries Tel: 01959 543530, Email: ccm.mag@kelsey.co.uk FREE ADs Christine Badley, Angela Barker, Robert Hotchin, Sandi Rizzo, Rebecca Butler, Adam Gray, Emanuela Catanese Place your ad Email: cars@kelseypb.co.uk Tel: 0906 802 0279 (calls cost 60p per minute, 10am-4pm) Fax: 01733 557235 Queries & repeat ads Tel: 01733 347559 Email: cars@kelseypb.co.uk DISTRIBUTION Retail Marketing Arthur Heap Newstrade Circulation Eleanor Brown Can’t find Classic Car Mart? Call Marketforce on 020 3148 3333 for details of your nearest stockist. Printing: William Gibbons, Willenhall, West Midlands
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS ell here it is, the first 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 eightpage 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,
Keith Moody, Editor
THE CLASSIC CAR MART TEAM
CHRIS HOPE 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.
DAVID BOWERS He’s owned a string of MG and Triumph sports cars, but David still hasn’t found that elusive early Midget or Sunbeam Rapier.
PAUL WAGER Former Classic Car World editor Paul grabbed the keys to a BMW M635CSi this month and headed off in search of Yuppies.
PAUL GUINNESS Paul’s been paying tribute to British styling legend Roy Axe this month. You can read all about it on page 55.
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.
STEVE WILSON
ROD KER
MARK HYDE
PETER SIMPSON
Kelsey Publishing Group PO Box 13, Westerham, Kent, TN16 3WT, ENGLAND Tel: 01959 541444 Fax: 01959 541400 www.kelsey.co.uk
This month, Steve satisfied 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.
Rock-loving petrolhead Mark has been eyeing up Ford Mustangs in the classified – let’s just hope he can find what he’s looking for.
Executive editor Peter Simpson begins a new column this month: Tailgate. You can read his thoughts on p192.
Classic Car Mart January 2011 3
Classic Car Mart
CONTENTS
JANUARY 2011
WWW.CLASSIC-CAR-MART.CO.UK
88
‘The XJS definitely got better with age, so focus on searching through our classified listings for post-1991 models.’
E U S IS W E N T A E R G R U O INSIDE Y 06 PLUGS & LEADS
Concerns over winter motoring and BMW launches its new classic initiative
10 NEW PRODUCTS
All the latest gear for your garage, including a new suspension kit for Mk II Escorts
14 WHAT’S ON
A look back at this year’s Bristol Restoration Show
16 DRIVE ON
Plan your classic motoring over the festive season ON THE COVER
18 NEC SHOW REVIEW
Missed this year’s season finale? Don’t worry – we bring you all the highlights WIN A FANTASTIC MODEL!
23 POSTBAG
Tackling a tricky MG Magnette resto, plus the classic crossword
ON THE COVER
25 WIN A BATTERY CHARGER Your chance to win one of six battery chargers, worth up to £75
26 PRIDE & JOY
An eclectic mix of cars on show, including a Mini Clubman Estate ON THE COVER
31 READER’S RIDE
Steve Wilson goes wild behind the wheel of a Triumph TR4
36 DISCOVERIES
Hidden gems uncovered from all over the UK, including a Stag found at the bottom of a garden ON THE COVER
40 SIERRA V CAVALIER
Two Eighties fleet favourites fight to be king of the fast lane
48 M6 CLASSIC DRIVE
Paul Wager grabs the keys to this BMW and heads off to Bracknell in search of Yuppies
48
If your company is launching a new product aimed at today’s classic car enthusiast, we want to hear about it. To benefit 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: news@kelsey.co.uk
NICE LEGS
RANGE ROVER WORLD
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 filled with a multi-grade highviscosity fluid to help resist fade under extreme conditions. They’re ride-height adjustable through 60mm and cost £997.
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 profile 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 modified Overfinch 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.
CONTACT GAZ Shocks: www.gazshocks. com, 01268 724585
DETAIL KIT
Spautopia’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.
CONTACT Kelsey Publishing: www.kelseyshop.co.uk, 01959 541444
KEEP COOL
CONTACT Spautopia: www.spautopia.co.uk, 01780 721460
Engine cooling can be something of a weak spot for classic Minis, but even if the plumbing inside your pride and joy is in fine fettle, there’s still the chance the needle will creep into the red when you’re stuck in traffic. Now Mini Spares has taken cues from more efficient, 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. CONTACT Mini Spares: www. minispares.com, 01707 607700
10 Classic 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: ccm.ed@ kelseypb.co.uk or write to: Classic Car Mart, Kelsey Publishing, PO Box 978, Peterborough, PE1 9FL
MAGNETTE RESTORATION
STAR LETTER TRIUMPH ACCLAIM I 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 first off the production line and carries the serial number 001. If anyone is interested in this, they can drop me a line at chrisr53@hotmail.co.uk. Chris Rodrigues, via email
A FINE DAIMLER 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
WORTH UP TO
THIS MONTH’S STAR LETTER WINS AN OXFORD DIECAST MODEL
£19.99
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 floorpans. 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 finest 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
Classic Car Mart January 2011 23
WIN A BATTERY CHARGER WORTH UP TO
WIN ONE OF SIX NEW RING AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY CHARGERS WORTH UP TO According to the AA, a flat 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 first, 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 finally, the runner-up
£75
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 find out more, call Ring Automotive by calling 0113 213 2000. Alternatively, check out the Ring Automotive website at: www. ringautomotive.co.uk.
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN To 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.
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 notified 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. ■
s e i r e v o Disc your
Solid-looking Triumph Stag keeps the Sunbeam Rapier hidden from view
THE GARDEN STAG
W
e 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.
36 Classic Car Mart January 2011
GREEK TRAGEDY
W
henever 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 chassisup 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 Just £1495 will get you this also spotted on the island, all three fascinating project: a ’39 of which look like they’d Morris 12. 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.
Service Shop: Distributors
DISTRIBUTORS C
LASSIC KNOW 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.
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 figure 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
1
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!
3
Classic Car Mart January 2011 63
Buying tips – Sierra Early 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 fuelinjection; 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 – Cavalier Corrosion, 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.
52 Classic Car Mart January 2011
CONCLUSION The 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
an four s are better th ar ge ve fi at th ecides Keith Moody d ver. to his daily dri when it comes
After a few months searching, a suitable overdrive unit and gearbox turned up at Suffolk-based Amazonia.
STAFF CARS 1965 VOLVO 121
It’s a fairly simple procedure to get the Volvo’s gearbox out…
STEP INTO OVERDRIVE
W
ith 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 … but it’s heavy, so be careful!
70 Classic Car Mart January 2011
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
fitting 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 fitted 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 columnmounted stalk to engage top but, not being particularly precious, I’ve opted to fit 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 flange. 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
Buyer’s Checklist: Datsun 240Z/260Z
DATSUN 240Z/260Z
PARTS COUNTER ■ Exhaust (stainless) £400+ ■ Wing £230 ■ Bumper £275 ■ Dampers from £118 ■ Clutch kit £140-175 ■ Alternator £130 ex SPECIALISTS ■ Auto Active, Bristol 0117 9442068 ■ DJ Road & Race Glos, 01453 833451 ■ Fourways Engineering, Kent, 01732 884288 ■ MJP Eastern Auto 01277 374201 ■ Z Farm, Yorks 01845 587110
VALUES 240Z resto projects start at £1k, while a tidy one can fetch over £10k. 260Zs are rare and difficult to value, but Condition One cars are between £6000 and £8000 with the 2+2 between 10 and 20 per cent cheaper.
Classic Car Mart January 2011 81
GET THE X-FACTOR
It 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 88 Classic Car Mart January 2011
HOME, JAMES!
L WITH PAU
S
You might think of the good old Volvo 264 as just a 244 with a six-cylind er engine. But Volvo reckon ed it was something rath er more special than that . ‘The understatemen t of the year’, was how those canny Swedes referred to it. An d they even hinted that, shou ld you buy a 264 yourself, yo u might also want to employ a chauffeur to really do it in style. That’s evidently what th is David Niven lookalike decided to do after visiting his nearest Volvo dealer.
GUINNES
MAGAZINE OF THE MONTH
BROUGHT TO BOOK
Who 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.
Crikey… 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.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >>
188 Classic Car Mart January 2011
> > > >
TAILGATE
CLOSING THOUGHTS FROM PETER SIMPSON
WORKING FOR THE CLAMPDOWN
W
heel 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
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...
SUBSCRIBE TO CLASSIC CAR MART SEE PAGE 66 SIX BATTERY CHARGERS UP FOR GRABS www.classic-car-mart.co.uk
BABY BOOMER Get the best performance from your Austin A35
Vol.17 No.01 January 2011 Incorporating
THE BEST BUYNG ADVICE!
AUCTION ACTION BARGAINS REVEALED
DATSUN 240/260Z BUYER’S CHECKLIST
DEALER’S WHEELS 5K MILE 1980 MGB
THE NUMBER 1 MARKETP MARKETPLACE CE FOR BUYING AN AND D SELLING CLASSIC C CARS
GET THE X-FACTOR BUYER’S GUIDE
HOT T ORSIC REPCLAS
WHY THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUY A JAGUAR XJS
NEC W MOTORSHO MISSED IT? DON’T MISS OUT!
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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 official 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
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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
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
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 first 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 ‘find 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 fine, 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…
Classic Car Mart January 2011 193
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