17 replies to this topic

[w.murfitt]

I've resently purchased, but not yet collected a 1961 Austin Seven.

Whats it worth?

Been Garage stored for the past 20 years

61551 gen miles from new, I'm the fourth owner...































The only rust hole i found on the whole body was here...



Whats it worth then guys? I'm happy with the price I paid, I intend to restore it to a original spec, but i've been told not to touch the paint???

Thank you in advance.

Will

[rally1380]

Can't quite see how you're gonna be able to not touch the paint?.....there is some welding to be done and possibly new A panels, and repairs to the wings so how you do that without paint i don't know.

[rally515]

Wowzer......good find

[w.murfitt]

Well i thought the same, people say the car is devalued if i touch the paint, i would say a full respray would be needed......

Not really wanting to replace many panels, i'm hoping that once cleaned up and rust protected the panels will be good?

Not sure what nasties are hiding behind the paint though....

[js183379]

rust outside = moreso inside. With all of the said, excellent find!

[rally1380]

Well i thought the same, people say the car is devalued if i touch the paint, i would say a full respray would be needed......

Not really wanting to replace many panels, i'm hoping that once cleaned up and rust protected the panels will be good?

Not sure what nasties are hiding behind the paint though....

Trust me.....A panels won't look too clever once you start having a poke around with a screw driver

And I think if you look under the headlights there may be a hole or two that'll need a welding torch pointing at them

This is all before you start to look at the usual rot areas.....front floors don't look to good either.

That said, its a cracking find and if it was at the right price....all the better....and to be honest if you're happy with what you paid then who cares the value.

If you are doing it as a restoration project....do it properly..... and if you've never done one properly before....store this car in a dry place and learn how to do it properly before you even touch this car. Its easy to get too carried away and ruin a very nice car. I think you will struggle to save the original paint. Good luck and fingers crossed for ya.

[blacktulip]

wow, that looks all there. not sure about the price thought. i would be happy to pay up to around £2500 for that as it is.

[sonikk4]

It looks very tidy I have to say. Keeping the original paint even though it would be nice to I think is a tad optimistic.

There will be rust unless you are incredibly lucky and I bet that rust behind the A panel will turn into something more.

[retrodave]

Thats a great basis for restoration and what a find. Who said not to do touch the paint? how the hells that going to be possible considering what it appears to need. If it devalues it then why are restored cooper's etc fetching crazy money, one's that have all had major rebuilds and "paint work". Crack on with it !!

[w.murfitt]

I joined the Mk1Forum, having never worked on a Mk1 before i thought it best to look around and see the jobs that are likely to need sorting,


they said that a respray will have a major impact on the value of the vehicle.

Also whats Pintella? that word has been thrown about a bit....

I'm thinking this is going to be a bigger job than first it would seem.

One question i do have...... How can you tell if the car runs Postitive or Negative Earth? The Haynes manuel would indicate that all 850's have a positive earth, and with no battery attached i wouldn't want to connect it up the wrong way!

[GTIAlex06]

Worth to you whatever you payed for it.
Worth to someone else what they would pay for it.

Your obviously going to have to touch the paint. As soon as you weld it/paint it, it wont be all original and never will be.

If your going to keep it and use it , why are you bothered about what its potentially worth to someone else?...unless your just out to make a quick buck. If you are them maybe you should of researched it yourself instead of asking on here.

[w.murfitt]

If your going to keep it and use it , why are you bothered about what its potentially worth to someone else?...unless your just out to make a quick buck. If you are them maybe you should of researched it yourself instead of asking on here.

This is an area to get valuations. I've done my research to an extent, and now asking on here for a second oppinion.... There is no need to be rude.

[sonikk4]

"Also whats Pintella? that word has been thrown about a bit...."

Do you mean Patina?? this is the oxidization of the paint giving it the matt appearance.

[mercenary62]

think you meant pattina mate its when its better to leave the vehicle as is for that worn look ,however in your case id strip it right down and start from there including a full respray , loads of work to do ,but still a good find , be prepared for loads of hard work , not a five minute job

[Clubber Lang]

mine looked like that before I started it, then, many panels, welding, paint and parts later it is fully restored, once you start on these old cars you will uncover all sorts of things. If you are on the mk1 forum have a look on our cars and projects and you'll find mk1 bitsa which is my little baby its also in minimags 2013 calendar under November. Just remember take your time do it right or you will regret it. cut out and replace the whole panel if its rotten and don't plate it. Tell yourself it will all be worth it when its finished lol. I paid £1200 for mine but threw £1100 of it in the bin lol! With the way prices for mk1's are I would say around £1600 would seem right to me.