Cars - For Car Enthusiasts

And that they were relatively good at it. Shame that the British car industry (British Leyland) became so bloated, confused and self defeating. They created some truly pioneering cars, both in their contemporary and in hindsight.

Honestly nothing more than any other car of its age and heritage.

When we got it, it was a runner. But it was rough. The obligatory oil leaks from knackered gaskets, carbs needing cleaned and rebalancing, brakes sticking and undoing the years of the most egregious naff bodges (mainly around the dashboard).

Basically mostly stuff resulting from it being sat for a bit too long.

It was about 2000£ worth of work off the top of my head.

Honestly the biggest thing to worry about with them (or any old British car) is rot. Mechanically and electrically they're really simple.

Things that are still 'wrong' with it? Hard top is held on by what I can tell is 2 of the 6 bolts that should be there. The gear box is on its way out. 1st synchro is a bit iffy and it likes to be caressed into 3rd.

But nothing that you wouldn't expect from any car of its type for its age.

In regards to a choice between the 124 or Spitty? It really depends on what you want. The 124 is a modern machine with its comforts and performance. The Spitty won't pull the skin off a rice pudding. It's depends on if you want a car that won't let you down, start on the button every time and require very little fettling, or a 50 year old British sports car!