Happened to be ear-wigging a conversation in the pub last week (as you do) about SORN'ing a car.
The two guys were obviously ill-informed so I chipped into the conversation.
Net result is that I'm off to look at said car next week.
Unseen the asking price seems more than affordable but it needs an engine re-build and some bodywork re-furbed and it would seem rude not to buy it.
One like this...

So the question is - do I really need another project given the F27 is SORN, the Eunos s/c is proving to be the most fun you can have with your clothes on (next to riding a motorbike that is) and the resto MX5 is occupying the space where the Riley would go?
No1 son reckons I could use it for wedding car hire.

What also concerns me is that I seem to be turning into a Scootz - must be my Scots ancestory!

Any thoughts/suggestions gratefully received.
Cheers, Pewe10

I like that

As long as its complete and you have enough room to keep it and work on it then no problem.
I'm guessing it'll have a leather and walnut interior so it would be good to know what condition that is in aswell ?

Sounds like your pretty busy already though ? So it might be sat for awhile before you get chance to work on it...

The condition of the fabric roof & wooden bodywork support may be of concern ... not cheap or easy to rectify.

Please can I have first dibs if you decide to 'do a Scootz' and sell it on later (for a loss )

Cheers

Mark

As an object to own, very nice if complete

As a car to enjoy driving.... I suspect it will disappoint in most respects unless you are mr Chumley Warmer

Most definately yes. That's lovely.

I would as long as it dont smell inside like...well you know

If the price is right, and affordable, and the car seems resonable, i would be inclined to get it home, give it a wash and brush up, and stick it on ebay,

something like a Riley is a very aquired taste, and personly, not mine

Steve

Rebody it they make fantastic 1930s style specials

Whatever the reason. . . .go for it. You know you want to.

Go for it.

With regard to the engine rebuild you could always fit a small modern engine and gearbox and put the originals to one side to either restore when the time and money were right later or just to eventually sell on with the car for the sake of originality.
A (non transverse) BLMC A series lump and either Morris Minor or Marina gearbox is the most practical transplant on old British cars as it still looks the part, gives a few bhp more which helps the driveability in traffic without placing undue extra strain on the rest of the mechanicals.

I restored a Sunbeam Rapier IV, a 1960s 280S Merc and a Triumph Herald many years ago: Theres nothing like driving something that youve restored yourself plus you'll get free road tax and theres no IVA or even MOT to worry about.

[Edited on 12/3/2013 by Not Anumber]

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo dont do it

If you think you can fix it, then MX-who?

He's right something like that is ripe for a wedding car

Thanks for the comments guys, though Conrod's probably worried about being a Mr Teasy-Weasy-no-mates hairdresser.

Had half thought about a transplant as either a short or medium term solution as I just happen to have a Lancia 1.6 twin cam engine and a rear wheel drive Fiat gearbox lying around.
It probably wouldn't look too much out of place.
Do like the idea of creating a 30's type Sporster if the current body's shot - maybe steal the Volumex engine out of the F27 - now there's a thought - definiteley not Mr Cholmondley-Warner then!
There again a lot to be said for keeping it as original if possible.

I think I'd better start clear-out of current stock to keep SWMBO on side.

As you gather I'm sorely tempted even though I haven't seen it.
Watch this space.
Cheers, Pewe10

quote:

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Originally posted by mark chandler
As an object to own, very nice if complete

As a car to enjoy driving.... I suspect it will disappoint in most respects unless you are mr Chumley Warmer

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If it were me, I would stick a V8 in it and hot rod it.

The Riley engine was a wonderful classic unit with real heritage the idea of fitting a tiny BMC A in its' place is a bit odd a bit like fitting a Xflo in an E type.

These post-war Rileys like the pre-war ones were very very good cars but the body work just isn't viable unless you want to spend a life time making ash frames and covering them with fabric.

Hot rod is the way to go
Atb
Mike

Ive been looking for one of these for a while now. I have bid on a few on ebay. the one wanted i forgot when the bid finished. Should have put a sniper on. Beautiful looking cars in my humble opinion. Although I really should get rid of the Spire first.