Found what I think is a good value original convertible .

[bluegrass]

I have just purchased what seems to be a good value original 1966 convertible. It has had a few light mechanical modifications that seem to have come from the 'Owen Burton' era. These include disc brakes at the front and shocks front and rear, but I have to say, it drives very well. It has also had a roll over bar fitted, I think because the previous owner has a young child and probably felt safer with one. Generally the car is in very good condition. The underside and bodywork is generally excellent. There are just a few places that need a little tidying here and there. The hood is perfect, and 20,000 miles on a recon engine and gearbox. It has some small corrosion in the drivers side inner wheel arch and inside the cabin to the right of the drivers foot under the vinyl trim. There is also some slight surface rust on the passenger side windscreen guttering and the engine bay could do with a tidy up. Otherwise, its very nice. The V5 shows the MAT 5 code as does the plate inside the engine bay, and the general features of the car all point to in being a genuine convertible. Here are a few quick pictures I took. Any thoughts much appreciated. Cheers.[frame][/frame][frame][/frame][frame][/frame][frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Well done - and nice colour. Well done with the roll bar too - I wouldn't travel in a soft top car without one.....it was a major factor in the TR7 I bought. And it gives you a good solid mount for the seatbelts! I dare say it also stiffens up the body shell.

[bluegrass]

Thanks. You are absolutely right about the roll bar, it seems to tighten the car up nicely. To be honest, I was so excited at finding such a good car, that I didn't notice till I got it home that it had any mods at all , other than the roll bar of course.

[POMMReg]

You checked the body number and stamped chassis number?

[bluegrass]

Hi, No I haven't done that yet. I'll have a look tomorrow and get back to you.

[leafie]

So you went for it then!

Looks even better than I thought from our telephone conversation, a good find well done.

[Matt Tomkins]

do watch that fuel line to the pump -- looks like it;s gone brittle and needs replacing

[frame][/frame][frame]

[bluegrass]

A good spot on the fuel pipe Matt, thanks, I'll get that sorted.

A big thanks to you David. Once again you were on hand to help me and I'm very grateful.

Its a good car and runs very well.

In terms of body numbers POMMReg , I'm afraid I cannot find any. All the floor pans have been replaced, so the original stamp has gone.
Are there any other checks I can make?

Thanks

[POMMReg]

Didn't someone on here mention additional strengthening under
the dash(?), don't mean the usual convertable struts.

Body number wise, up under the nsf bonnet hinge, on the
bulkead; should have a narrow strip, AND an NMP plate under
the nsf bumper iron....usually rotted, but the first set of
numbers will tell you what it is.

If you DO have the narrow strip, check the condition of the
screws that attach it.

Chris

[bluegrass]

Ok, thanks, I'll check that out.

[ajay]

Some cars have the body number stamped on the bulkhead between the accelerator cable exit and the bonnet rod. That will be the exact number of the car. Worth a look. It may be hard to see but on later vehicles it should be there. Doesn't appear to be there on vans and LCV's

Allan

[POMMReg]

On the floorpan after 9/65, I think?

[ajay]

Ah Ha. that is probably why it is not on the 2 LCV's I have looked at. Both 1967 models. Thankyou for that info.