Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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May 13, 2021 18:44:06 GMT
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I've got the Alfa back from the 166 specialists down in Bradford, where it was for about a month. I must admit, I missed it. Anyway, they had recently moved units, and it was quickly apparent that their lift hadn't been safely mounted on the floor, so there was no way it was going to lift a big Alfa. Consequently, a few of the jobs like timing belt had to be postponed. Jobs that were done were: New heater matrix New central locking ECU New Airbag ECU New climate control fan New front badge General clearing out/cleaning up behind the scenes when disassembled I've booked it into Lyles of Newcastle on 1st June for the timing belt/water pump and a service. I was pretty glad to get it back, and the drive back from Bradford was rather good. Spotted it's rather younger descendent, so had to uphold the law and get a couple of pics.... It's now met my other big green executive cruiser, the 1999 E39 528i... Some comparison shots of the turn of the millennium rivals... The next day, I fitted my private plate, the one that was on my Maxima for a few years... and then removed the non-relevant sticky quattrofoglio badge (four leaf clover) from the boot... Next on the list....four new matching tyres. I chose Avons. Always liked them, and they were on offer on Blackcircles ...wheel alignment too... Time for another little job to be ticked off. I'd noticed the backbox seemed to hang a little low....and I found out why.... ....time for a new hanger.... ...and the back end looks instantly better... My mate is a detailer, and he's coming over tomorrow to work some of his magic on all those upper facing surfaces which are marked from it's two years sat under a tree without moving.
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Last Edit: May 13, 2021 18:44:37 GMT by Geordie
CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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May 12, 2021 17:16:09 GMT
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They both look clean things. How many miles has the beemer done? Doesn’t look like it’s got much wear. I had an 03 model, great car The E39 has done 133k miles, the Alfa is on 103k miles
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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May 12, 2021 16:46:42 GMT
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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May 12, 2021 16:27:39 GMT
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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May 12, 2021 16:04:03 GMT
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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SOLD
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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I nearly bought this one about 18 months ago, but couldn't agree a price with the seller, but as these things tend to do, it came back up for sale of FB Marketplace a couple of weeks ago. Rather than nine years without an MOT, it's now ten years, but I reckoned it was worth the punt just for the digital dash! 1989 Fiat Tipo DGT 1.4 manual 41k miles (odometer shows 67k, but that's km's as it defaults to that after a dead battery) I studied to become a driving instructor years ago, in around 1990/1991. No zoom or skype in those days. The theory section was done by distance learning using the postal service to send practice multiple choice question sheets back and forth to the company running the course. Anyway, I passed the theory test, so next was the practical driving instructors driving test. The practice for this was done over a long weekend stay away down near Leominster. I went down in my K10 Micra, and received lots of mentoring in that car. I had to share the study time with another lad who was doing the course, and half my time over that long weekend was spent sat in the back of his car, which was, yes, you're ahead of me, a Tipo DGT. I remember being wow'd by that dash, and it's been a car that I would have found it difficult to say "no" to for many years. For those interested, I went on to pass my driving instructors practical driving test, but got a driving job, and never followed up with my third part of the course (the teaching part) so it just never happened. I've regretted that a few times over the years. Anyway, back to the car. All Tipos are now rare, but this one, being the DGT, has the super-dooper ever rarer digital dash. Digital dash, electric windows.....manual choke haha. Got to love the Italians How many Left website (yes, I know, just used as a guideline) says there are 5 DGT's left registered, one from 1989. I'm not sure if the lower silver section was original, possibly not, but I'll have a better look and feel about with it at some point in the next week or so. First thing to note, the exhaust might have a hole or three in it. It's fruity. A quick look underneath whilst lying on the ground showed that the rears of the sills looks pretty good, however, the fronts maybe not so, particularly the floor where it meets the sills. So, welding definitely required. The car will go up on the ramps in the next few days when all will be revealed, good and bad. The interior is really rather clean and in good condition... Car of the Year 1989 sticker still in place... Original plates... The plan? Tidy it up, fix what needs fixing blah blah...the usual. Is it a keeper? Not sure, but I've been told that I'll be very surprised at how these drive. Updates to come...
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Last Edit: May 4, 2021 18:29:18 GMT by Geordie
CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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Small deposit taken. Awaiting completion and collection.
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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Apr 29, 2021 19:36:05 GMT
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Still available, with a price drop.
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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Apr 25, 2021 16:42:44 GMT
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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Apr 25, 2021 16:33:18 GMT
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I keep seeing this in my head with the full Alpina kit, slightly lower with staggered 18" style 5's You might be seeing it in your head, but you'll not be seeing it in my photos mate ;-)
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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Apr 24, 2021 19:02:05 GMT
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Dan, that looks great.
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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Apr 24, 2021 18:37:45 GMT
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I'm always keeping my eyes and ears open for opportunities to buy really good examples of cars. Sometimes you just hit lucky trawling the usual internet and social media sites. Other times, you just know the right person with the right car at the right time. If you've read my thread on my recently acquired Rover 216GSi, you'll know it's a really lovely example. It was owned by a friend of mine who I know loves his top examples, so when he also decided to sell his E39, I was instantly tempted. 1999 E39 528i 2.8 straight six (190bhp) Auto with tiptronic 133k miles Beautiful Vermont Green 16" Type 48 alloys with 4 matching Falken tyres Full heated cream leather interior This was my first sight of the car at Taunton railway station, following my train journey from Saltburn to Darlington, Darlington to Bristol Temple Meads, and Bristol to Taunton. And it rewarded me with such a composed 320 mile journey back. Here it was, pulled up on the driveway reunited with it's former stablemate, the 216GSi The following morning was a bit chilly... After a bit of a wash, polish and wax, it looked rather splendid... Now, I once promised myself I wouldn't buy another big German car. And here's why....I've had a few before, from an Audi A6 V6 quattro to an E34, from a S320 to a CL500, from an E55 AMG to an E60, and even a nice E39 530i Sport. The overwhelming feel I've had from pretty much all these cars (possible the E55 AMG apart) was that they are great cars, well put together, and I like them a lot, even love some of them, but never fall 'in love' with them if you know what I mean. This car feels completely different. The interior is such a nice place to be. I've managed to adjust the drivers seat perfectly for me, the engine seems perfect for the car, the auto box is silky smooth, and it's just, well, 'right' for me. This particular car had some extras ticked when new...such as the BMW mobile phone in the centre armrest, which I always just thought was available in the 7 series... I might try and get this up and working at some point, although I remember reading the issues fellow retro rider bstardchild had getting a compatible sim card for his in the E38. It's also got rear folding seats, which I've heard is even rarer than the phone. How true that is I can't really confirm.. Silky smooth straight six... The interior really is a lovely place to be... Clean boot floor and a full size fifth alloy wheel Lovely alloys, and very clean arches (unlike my previous E39)... And a final few pics for now..love the original style amber repeaters... The plan?....I don't think there's too much to do really. Clean the leather and get the phone working. I'm currently thoroughly enjoying smoking around in it most days. I really do now believe that a good E39 is definately the highpoint of the 5 series.
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Last Edit: Apr 24, 2021 18:43:30 GMT by Geordie
CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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Apr 23, 2021 19:16:24 GMT
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As people of this parish might remember, I experienced my first ever Alfa last year. That 166 auto, with the 3 litre Busso V6, was a lovely thing. Like really lovely. forum.retro-rides.org/thread/214645/99-alfa-166-litre-v6Sold for the usual reasons, and regretted for, yes, the usual reasons. Too many cars, something else had caught my eye etc etc. Anyway, it's fair to say it made a really positive impression on me. Owning that car had actually come about because I had an awareness, and curiosity, of the 166 due to a few conversations I had had with a customer of my coffee shops. Her son had one, and was toying with the idea of selling. She had asked if I would be interested, to which I said I would be, obviously. Then, the commitment of her son to sell the car became the main issue. He ummmed and arrrred for a bit. And some more. Then I bought the black one, and the whole thing was parked to one side. A bit like this 166, which spent about 18 months parked up on the guys friend's driveway. Fast forward a bit, and a few weeks ago I got a message from the guy to ask if I was still interested, as he had come to the decision that it wasn't fair to just keep it at his mates and not use it. Would have been rude not to go and have a little look........ here it was on first sight.... Apart from lots of old bird poo marks on the bonnet, this scrape on the rear bumper was the worst bit... Full MOT, looked great, sounded great...yes, hell yes. Beautiful interior... Year 2000 2.5 Litre Busso V6 Rare Manual 102k miles Full MOT Beautiful Minerva Green Zender body kit 19" Supersport alloys There were things I knew I had to get done though... Full service Timing belt Water pump Heater matrix leaking Aircon fault Needs 4 good matching tyres Bumper scrape to sort Lots of bird poo marks to sort So, a deal was done, and I picked it up a couple of days later. Love a first wash... Scrubs up pretty darn lovely This was my first sight of the beautiful lump, whilst still on the sellers drive... and under closer inspection, it showed quite a bit of evidence of being sat under a tree for quite a while... After a bit of a clean up... Little things...reg plate screw caps needed sorting... A bit more washing, polishing, waxing....nice There's a good amount of history with the car... Another couple of pics of the V6 you say? Well, go on then... Love it... The car is currently down in Bradford with the 166 specialists who are carrying out the work listed earlier in this post. I'm missing the car actually. I have to say, being a manual, it is noticeably more rewarding and smile inducing than the Sportronic auto that was in the black one. What a bloody car...
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Last Edit: Apr 23, 2021 19:29:54 GMT by Geordie
CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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Apr 22, 2021 19:34:20 GMT
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I was lucky to be in a position to buy this one recently. It's a really early R8 from 1990, as they were launched in 1989, and I'm pretty sure G platers were the earliest you could buy. 1990 Rover 216GSi Automatic 80k miles Full leather interior Obviously long before any cost cutting, it's obvious to see how well appointed these were, and this one in particular, compared to their direct competitors in 1990. This one was bought new as a company car, and then one year later the chap retired and bought the car from the company. It was thoroughly pampered, as proved by the absolutely massive folder of history, right from it's original bill of sale. Sadly the owner passed away a few years, whereupon his wife took over ownership of the car. She kept it for another couple of years before a guy I know saw it being advertised for sale at a local car show two or three years ago. A deal was struck, and lots of tears were shed by the lady when it left her. The car has continued to be pampered by the two owners it has had since. The pearlescent Cherry Red has has a respray in the last year or so, and it's just such a bobby-dazzler of a looker. I've never seen an R8 with full leather before this one, and it's in great shape apart from two or three split seams. I'm hoping to get these sorted in the near future. On the day of collection, I took a train from Saltburn to Taunton, with changes at Darlington and Bristol Temple Meads, and was met at Taunton station by the seller. The car performed flawlessly on the 320 mile run back up north, and I just knew, straight away, that I had found a gem. Some pics. Here it is at Taunton Station... Well, had to be done...first fill up... I left Taunton at 4:30pm, and pulled up at home at 9:30pm. And the following morning, seeing it's mate the Tomcat for the first time... The 1.6 Honda engine... And it has shined up well after a wash, polish and wax... A shop shot or two... I love seeing these two together... Curious little differences between the dash dials on this early R8... ...and the '98 Tomcat dash dials (bubble dash)... The interior on this GSi is lovely... ...and the history that came with the car is 100% comprehensive. Possibly the best history I've ever seen in a car I'v bought... So, things to do...obviously service it, sort the leather seats where a couple of seams need attention , then just enjoy it a couple of days a week, and get it to some shows.
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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As usual, Derek, the painter, tends to run to his own timetable, and he overran to when I had expected to pick the Tomcat up, but, I have to say that as he has on the previous four cars I have given him to work on, he has done a great job. On the day I was supposed to collect, I turned up to see it thus... So, another couple of days later.... Very, very pleased with the finished result. The guy has been doing this for 50 years, and although he may be old school in some ways, the finishing result is always amazing. I'd just sat down to a nice glass of wine on the evening the Tomcat was back with me, when another hailstorm hit us. The hailstones were quite soft, but the thought of another night at sub-zero temperatures and some harder hail meant I decided to move the freshly painted/lacquered car down to the lockup to protect it. Of course, that meant a couple of nights out in the cold for the blue Stanza. I can imagine, if he could talk, he'd not have been a happy chappy... He could chat happily to his fellow Stanzas though... So, Tomcat.... I'm looking forward to getting it out of the lockup and giving it a nice warm soapy wash in the next few days to get the dust off. Should look great when done.
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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**Edit 06/05/21** CAR NOW SOLD I've come to the difficult decision to sell my 1989 Saab 9000. I was recently lucky enough to get the car back for a second time, but I could do with the funds to get my Alfa 166 back to tip-top health, so something has to go sadly. My Stanzas are keepers, as are my Rover Tomcat and 14k mile Rover 25. The K10 Micra should really stay too, as I've wanted an early pre-facelift one for ages. So.....time for someone else to enjoy this one. 1989 Saab 9000 CD Saloon 2 litre Manual 101k miles MOT until 11th August 2021 Approximately 7 owners in it's 32 years, and low miles of 101k for it's age. An impressive stamped service history is present with the car, together with the original bookpack, every paper MOT, lots of receipts, two original keys with an original dealer keyring. Original dealer plates front and back, plus an original dealer sticker in the rear window. Lovely grey velour interior Heated front seats 4 x electric windows Electric mirrors Original 15" alloys Power Steering Central locking with the keys The car was serviced by my mechanic mate about three months ago (December), with oil, plugs and filters. The car went up on his ramps, and I can confirm it's very clean and solid under there. We waxoiled as much as we could get to whilst under there too. There was some welding done to pass it's MOT in 2019, but it was done to a high standard and nothing flagged up as worrying when under the car. New battery in November New clutch master cylinder last week (03/21) Starts, runs and stops well. One slight quirk is that even when warm it tends to idle at around 1200rpm, but give it a blip on the gas pedal and it drops down to a perfectly normal 800rpm or so. The idle control valve was taken out in December and cleaned, but it didn't cure that little quirk. It doesn't affect how the car drives at all. It polishes up well, but it'd be wrong for me to say its mint. It's a little rough at some edges such as the back of the rear arches, down the drivers door leading edge (where an edge protector has been on for years by the looks of it), and on a couple of the door bottoms. Without doubt the worst looking bit of the car is the rear panel between the rear lights. The red, white, orange backflash was faded with a couple of small cracks, and had been previously DIY repaired with bits of sealant. I covered it in black vinyl, but it ideally needs replacing (if one can be found) or repaired properly. The headlining has sagged, and has been stapled up. A couple of front bumper scuffs, but dent free and very straight. Overall, this is a fantastic cruiser, a rare and comfortable survivor, which has been clearly looked after during its life.. Asking price: Around £1450, but I'm a nice guy, and I'd certainly look favourably on any interest from fellow Retro Riders. Car is in Saltburn by the Sea (TS12) Message me on here, or call/text on O7961OO6667 Thanks for looking. Chris Pics...
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Last Edit: May 7, 2021 7:07:04 GMT by Geordie
CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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Saw the datsun above today...looks like it has been set up for targa rallies or something similar. Caught my eye as I think it was for sale recently. Something unusual... That belongs to the guy Geordie bought his wheels from. LinkyOne of the only Stanzas left that I DON'T own haha. I do, however, own the original alloys that were on this car years ago before it was raced in classic rallies.... The alloys are now on my blue five door.... and the silver four door in the background of that pic was previously utilised as a parts donor for the green rally car. Great to see the green one spotted out and about nomanisanisland
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,514
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Mar 30, 2021 17:54:55 GMT
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CURRENT FLEET '99 Ford Mondeo Ghia X (60k miles) '99 Alfa 166 (3 litre V6, 89k miles) '01 Mini (#869) '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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