Laid up Series 1

[Malc]

I've been offered a Series 1 2+2 that has been laid up for about 12 years. Apparently the vendor has recommissioned it and all is well. From the photos, it looks pretty sound. Having read Peter Crespin's book, I am a bit wary, but can anyone advise me what DEFINITELY should have been done to the car (i.e. new fluids at the least) and what SHOULD have been done (new brake cylinders?) and thirdly, what would be great if it had been done (new suspension bushes and shocks?). Before going to see it to prod it with a screwdriver, it would be good to have some good advice! Thanks

[Heuer]

For a start everything rubber needs to be changed - hoses, bushes, brake hoses, brake seals, tyres etc. check the screen and door seal rubbers for deterioration as well.

[Malc]

David - thanks for your advice, I've passed on this car. I think that there is too much that might go wrong in the future for peace of mind, especially as the vendor did not know the history - too much of a risk! Malcolm

[stef]

You need to be wary of ANY old car. You may be able to judge the paint, the leather seats, the tyres but hidden rust and mechanical condition is harder.

A car that has been laid up for 12 years is not a car you buy and expect to start driving without a lot of service and reconditioning.

If you were to allow a couple of months to work your way through engine, suspension, brakes etc you may have a nice runner, but all depends on what condition it was when it was parked.