Hi Everyone,
i'm sad to say I have become a part of the "project started but not finished" club that I was warned against joining in this thread a few years ago: https://www.theminif...ted-experience/
I just simply couldn't dedicate the time to get the job done - and so the car now sits partially stripped (though only superficial aspects have been removed, it's still a rolling shell with engine in place).
This was my first car, purchased for £1750 back in 2011. It was far from perfect then, but I managed to get it through an MOT and then enjoy a happy first years motoring in it before I went away to university. The last time it was driven was in September 2012, and the last time it was started was some time in 2013/14.
It has been stored in dry garages since it was last on the road, so rust wise has not deteriorated further whilst sat dormant - but it does have some rust - notably on the floors and presumably hidden under the oversills it had when I bought it).
I was never going to let go of this car, but 6 months ago I moved away from the UK, leaving it in the garage of my home in Manchester.
That home is now in the final stages of being sold, and so I need to move the car on before the completion date. I am unfortunately unable to store the car at my new home, and paying for some form of self storage indefinitely whilst I kid myself in to thinking I will get back to working on the car soon does not seem sensible.
As such I'd like to pass the car on to a new owner - someone who can put the time and love in and ultimately enjoy driving him in the future.
It is more important to me that I find the right buyer (someone who will appreciate the car) than get the most possible money, but I'd still like some help with a rough idea on value - hence posting here first.
Good Points
- Limited edition 1983 Sprite
- Car will roll on and off a trailer no problem, all parts are currently stored inside the car
- All parts are present
- Original seats are present as well as Cobra recliners for the front
- Comes with 12in revo wheels and also factory original 10in alloys
- Has original 1275GT clocks (which were fitted to the 1983 Sprite from factory)
- Has 7.5in disk brakes up front (possibly original early cooper brakes - though can not confirm this)
- Has a nice aftermarket wooden dashboard
- Has a nice KAD quick shift gear change
- Has "Spax Krypton Gas" adjustable dampers - not sure if these are any good or not though
- Has smart black front and rear bumpers
- Engine supposedly had work before my ownership but can not verify this - drove like a normal stage 1 998cc to me
- Overall there is probably some decent value in the parts included if nothing else - it has clearly had decent money spent on it in the past (before my ownership)
Bad Points
- The car is partially stripped including engine ancillaries so cannot be shown running
- It hasn't been driven in over 10 years
- Viewing the car will be difficult given I will need to fly back to provide access to the car
- All tyres are perished from age
- The car has signs of rust and dodgy repairs in its history - e.g. oversills, floors on top of floors - though it looks quite smart from 10ft when cleaned up
- The wiring loom is a mess and realistically needs replacement
- The door cards have developed mould in storage
I have attached a photo of the car as it stands now - and you can see some photos from when it was on the road here: https://www.theminif...83-mini-sprite/
There are also photos in this old thread showing the rear wheel arch, suspension, subframe condition visible:
https://www.theminif...spension-cones/
Sorry for the unorthodox way of sharing visuals on the car, not having easy physical access myself does not help.
There is probably a lot more to say about this - the above are just thoughts that came to mind. I'd be happy to answer any follow up questions.
