Practically Classics Forum

Went to see a car last week, an ex fleabayer that I watched and didn`t make reserve located within a few miles of me. Anyway, I couldn`t say yes to but its one that I keep thinking about. A bad omen I hear you say. Its got promise but then so haven`t all lumps of rusty metal? There was no price the owner was "open to offers" think he wanted rid appreciating the amount of work needed.

Vital Statistics
Bond Equipe 1968 2.0 manual & o/d looked complete (save for the rerar screen which was smashed).

Good points
errrrrrrr. Well The Mrs liked the shape. (WAF is an important factor in any resto)
The GRP had been heavily sanded and showed little sign of heavy stress cracking. Is that a plus and a minus?
Central chassis looked relatively ok, outriggers best described as furrier than Chewbacca although the seller was adamant that they were "solid" Suspect not if you stripped them dorm with a wire brush and any gusto
The seller hadn`t a clue that there were some odds and ends in the boot. Looked to be a second set of carbs and some other stuff?


Bad points
Not run in an extended period
Boot once open was difficult to shut
Bulkhead holed in several areas
Floors, err visited by Mr tim worm and his many relations.
Doors, there well mostly anyway, if you dont look at he bootom 6"
Did I mention the rust?

Comments (especially those confirming that I remain sane / I should avoid a complete nightmare) welcome

Thanks and Regards

Do you have a plentiful supply of time & money?
How soon wo you want to have a classic which you can use?
I got mine in 2005/2006 & hoped to have it done in 2 years. I still haven't driven it yet!!

On the plus side the metal and oily bits are pure Triumph so availability of repair sections should be simples

As for time of resoration? How long's a piece of string? Depends on whats missing, and what nasties you find

When a restoration is as dubious a prospect as this one sounds, then the value is in its parts, of which the overdrive gearbox is worth the most: £150 - £250.
I've sold Vitesse twin Stromberg carbs needing a rebuild for £70 on eBay in the past.
Diff's go for £75 or so depending on their ratio.
If you're sure the main chassis is good - no accident damage and no rust in the centres around the diff (where it's hard to see) then that could be worth a hundred or two on a good day.
Engines are ten a penny, so only scrap value.
Suspension bits - vertical links, etc. can fetch decent money.

But realising any of the above requires work, transport, time, etc. So if I was you I'd try an offer of £200 for the car. I definitely wouldn't go over £300 unless there's something you haven't mentioned - like good wire wheels.
Then if you get the car you can start a restoration without committing yourself too much and can get your money back if it turns out to be too far gone.