Practically Classics Forum

Can you not fit a renault 12 anymore John? I haven't really been keeping up with things round here so apologies if its already come up somewhere, looks pretty nice and an auto at least... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-12-TR ... SwCQZZLt9u

R12 suggestions are always interesting as I loved the pair of estates that I owned, one after the other, about 34 to 30 years ago. They're roomy in the front but too short in the door aperture for me to get in & out without causing dislocations and more pain. But imagine an R12 with a roof around a foot higher at least than the factory one. Then increase the total size of the doorway by moving the floorpan downwards by a good three inches, but adding deeper seat subframes to maintain the seat's clearance between the cushion and the dashboard crash rail.
However, if the chance of a shot in a genuine R12 Gordini - around Knockhill or Croft would be equally suitable - were to fall into my lap, I'd put up with a few extra dislocations and more wear on my upper ball joints, as my annoying GP will insist is a good analogy for the wear in human-style hip joints built out of some sort of modern thermoplastic.

as you have a weakness for french tin john, i still think you should try an avantime..
is this an auto?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1961-ford-con ... 3641.l6368

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1993-MODEL-TO ... 3641.l6368

rich. wrote: Fri Aug 11, 2017 5:43 am Is this an auto?...

Nope, it has a clutch pedal sitting flat against the floor, and the clutch master cylinder suggested that it was a manual, but what a solid looking old thing eh? That could be lovely with a little TLC.


It's very naughty of the seller to list that Estima as the more desirable, wider bodied Previa as found on the UK Toyota menu back in the late '90s. Very naughty and it has the Diesel option, I'd have the petrol and fit LPG as there's room for a 90 litre gas barrel under the load floor of one of these.
But ironically, the smaller bB has much easier access than Estima or Previa-shaped things because the floor is much lower and the roof only very slightly lower in the smaller car. Previas are nevertheless fantastic things to drive, with handling that's uniquely good among these bigger MPVs, rear wheel drive and mid (well technically, yes it is..) engine, which gives the vast old bus the balance and the poise of a Chevette, Mazda 323 or even a RWD Escort, though the Toyota is also supremely comfortable, well damped and refined. I could live with one of the many variations on that theme, getting in & out wouldn't be the easy thing it is in a bB but neither would it be the worst way to feel a little pain! Once you're in the Estima's driver's seat and the first corner looms, you discover a most rewarding new way to have fun. MINI Cooper Heffalump Bigbott SD? Pah, nowhere close!

OK, so let me get this right; I just compared an early '90s Toyota bus with some legendarily fine handling 1970s/'80s classics and then with the current BMW MINI, and I didn't just think it, I actually posted it in a car enthusiasts' forum, in plain view of the whole world?
Seriously, I've driven both the BINI and the Estima at various times, the BINI only once though, as I'd have had to be cut free from the ridiculously cramped yet massive on the outside type of motor, had I spent another minute sitting most uncomfortably in BMWINI hell!

i recently parked next to a proper mini.. id forgotten how compact & bijou they were...

how about one of these john?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/22261133 ... rmvSB=true
i could have a lookie for you next week..

rich. wrote: Sun Aug 13, 2017 6:54 am ..
i could have a lookie cos I want it, but I'd tell 'er indoors that I was looking at it for you next week..

There, I fixed that for you! Suggestion much appreciated, thanks for the thought.
I have enjoyed the odd miniMETRO and Metro in my time, but now I'd find one of those unsuitable, the legroom isn't too bad and the driving position is actually pretty upright, but I'd struggle to lift my legs over the sill, especially if the checkstrap on the driver's door was weak and those doors on the 3 door models are bloody heavy. I think I could still find the scars from the windy day when I found that out the hard ( and heavy) way!
It's good to see that metros are still appearing out of hiding though, I was sure they'd all have been gone by now.

JPB wrote: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:26 amIt's good to see that metros are still appearing out of hiding though, I was sure they'd all have been gone by now.

If only, horrible car. Worse, they put an MG badge on a few of them. Another reason why I don't attend any MG meetings. I'm getting a headache.

John, when you get your senses back and stop dreaming about one of B/L's worst offerings, can you explain something about number plates please?
The missus has got her eyes on a 1980's Merc, it has Ulster plates. Her own cherished number is A14 CET. Am I right in assuming that the DVLA won't allow her cherished plate on any car prior to August 1983? That being the threshold date on the A prefix. Or do you know of any exceptions.

i once owned a metro.. a hateful piece of s###e... even the day i dragged it to the crusher was a disaster...
john, this is what you need...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DR-WHO-BESSIE ... 3641.l6368
& one for ght too!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-METRO-1300 ... 3641.l6368

GHT wrote: Sun Aug 13, 2017 12:26 pm


John, when you get your senses back and stop dreaming about one of B/L's worst offerings, can you explain something about number plates please?
The missus has got her eyes on a 1980's Merc, it has Ulster plates. Her own cherished number is A14 CET. Am I right in assuming that the DVLA won't allow her cherished plate on any car prior to August 1983? That being the threshold date on the A prefix. Or do you know of any exceptions.

You are correct.