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Unfinished restoration.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7418
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2026 2:42 pm    Post subject: Unfinished restoration. Reply with quote

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C2038544

I would normally steer clear of an unfinished project but perhaps in this case I would make an exception.

1934 was probably the last year when family cars were still being built in the "vintage" tradition. For that reason alone I feel this would make for a very nice restoration.
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alastairq



Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 2181
Location: East Yorkshire

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2026 2:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If the description is correct, it looks as if not a lot needs to be done to get the car up & running, as it is?

I have always had the view that with an 'old' car, get the engine running nicely, the transmission doing it's job, more or less properly....and the brakes, fuel supply & electrics in functioning order.
Oh, and I think a new set of tyres are in order?

Either way, if Fedex are up to the job, then in 2 weeks that car could be running & driving on the roads, as a daily driver.

If I had a couple of grand to spare, I'd have it, get it up to snuff mechanically, and start using it before I become physically incapable.
The bodywork can be tackled as & when...I notice it seems to have all its glass? Which is a blessing?

The important thing to me is to get it used and enjoyed..
Sticking it in a garage for 3 years or more, getting the bodywork up to snuff, before it sees light of day, means 3 years lost enjoyment of the car, as a whole.

Doing up the bodywork is no good if the thing won't run & drive reliably, is it?
_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
----------------------------------------------
Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7418
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2026 4:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree. Having been through that particular mill I would do just as you recommend; If the body is sound, then O.K.... but then I thought that with my car until I realised I had been hoodwinked by a crooked Dealer masquerading as a private seller Rolling Eyes

Assuming the car is as described, I think it would be a satisfying restoration but I wouldn't over spend on it. No point.

Does the car have to stay that shade of green?

I know originality is important but I am not a fan of pale green. British Racing Green can look nice; even eau de nil ... but not that wishy washy pale green. Razz
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Rootes75



Joined: 30 Apr 2013
Posts: 4263
Location: The Somerset Levels

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2026 5:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Its a nice car. We had a 34 Minx and they're nice cars.

I often wonder why someone going to the trouble of selling a car doesn't add many photo's?
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Various Rootes Vehicles.
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alastairq



Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 2181
Location: East Yorkshire

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2026 6:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hmmmm...6 hours to get there....plus tackling the M25? Normally I'd call it a 'nice day out for a pensioneer,' but my passport is out of date, and it's....''in the sarff!'' So maybe a twitch too far just to go take a look-see?

Or, take a blind punt, make an offer, arrange for moving it [plus spares]....and trust to chance?
_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
----------------------------------------------
Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7418
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2026 7:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

alastairq wrote:


Or, take a blind punt, make an offer, arrange for moving it [plus spares]....and trust to chance?


You only live once. If this is your "once in a lifetime" opportunity to get the car you want, then what have you to loose.?

I would, however, want to see a LOT more photos; particularly of the chassis. Although these cars had a separate chassis (and pressed steel body), it was not until 1936 that the chassis was made more robust... so look out for corrosion especially at the rear spring hangers. Also, one area that can get overlooked is under the radiator. (similar problems to the Standard Big nine / Ten.)

On the plus side, the 1934 model features a 4 speed gearbox which was, apparently, transformative.!
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Rusty



Joined: 10 Feb 2009
Posts: 299
Location: Bunbury, Western Australia

PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2026 1:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree, it "looks" like it could be a nice project, but if you are buying something that has "had a lot of mechanical issues addressed" I would be very careful to check out what has been done, who did it, and how well they did it! I have seen some incredibly bad rebuilding of crucial components over the years!
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alastairq



Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 2181
Location: East Yorkshire

PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2026 9:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rusty wrote:
I agree, it "looks" like it could be a nice project, but if you are buying something that has "had a lot of mechanical issues addressed" I would be very careful to check out what has been done, who did it, and how well they did it! I have seen some incredibly bad rebuilding of crucial components over the years!


I agree....Not wise to take anything for granted, regarding old vehicles [and especially, new vehicles, it seems? ]

The main thing is, does the purchase price paid, reflect the risks or chances one is taking?

I would hate to find out previous workmanship was appalling, having paid out many thousands of pounds on a 'vintage' item.

So the price to be paid must reflect the risks being taken.

All too often that does not seem to be the case...if one follows up on various auction winners, and what they find 6 months down the line?

The same, in my mind, applies when someone acquires a new or nearly new motor?
When something goes wrong, quoted thousands of pounds to mend /replace, and finding guarantees aren't what they seem to be?
_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
----------------------------------------------
Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7418
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2026 9:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rusty wrote:
I agree, it "looks" like it could be a nice project, but if you are buying something that has "had a lot of mechanical issues addressed" I would be very careful to check out what has been done, who did it, and how well they did it! I have seen some incredibly bad rebuilding of crucial components over the years!


You have a point. I am as guilty as the next man of taking people at their word.


We sadly live in a wicked world where a person's word is not always their bond.

May I always live by the Latin: "dictum meum Pactum".

Old fashioned, perhaps, but it is how I was raised.

.
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alastairq



Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 2181
Location: East Yorkshire

PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2026 9:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ray White wrote:
You have a point. I am as guilty as the next man of taking people at their word.
We sadly live in a wicked world where a person's word is not always their bond.


To be fair, they may only be repeating what they themselves understood to be the case? To be fair.....

Best to pull sump and take a personal gander...see what you've actually got?
Or pull brakes apart....or fuel system.....anyway??
_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
----------------------------------------------
Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7418
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2026 6:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you know the car will need work, the question is how much?

Assuming you can do most things yourself it just then remains to establish how much what needs to be farmed out will cost?

You pays your money.......
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7418
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Sun Apr 19, 2026 1:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Looking at this car again...and I noticed something which I had missed. I thought there was something not quite right about it ...and I am sure the back is too high in relation to the wheels; they don't sit high enough in the wheel arch ?

What could that be?
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Rootes75



Joined: 30 Apr 2013
Posts: 4263
Location: The Somerset Levels

PostPosted: Sun Apr 19, 2026 4:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I actually messaged the owner in the week, more than once...no replies as of yet.

And yes Ray, that back end doesn't look right at all. Something isn't right and still not sure why they won't post anymore photos...
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Various Rootes Vehicles.
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Rootes75



Joined: 30 Apr 2013
Posts: 4263
Location: The Somerset Levels

PostPosted: Mon Apr 27, 2026 11:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Hillman has been removed and still not a single reply to our messages.
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