Old member returning - with 1600 Coupe (pre facelift)

[GerardJPC]

Hello all, I have been out of Beta World since 2014, but am just returning to it,  I am awaiting the arrival of a 1979 1600 Coupe that has spent much of its life in the Isle of Man (maritime climate, no MoT test), but despite that is not mega rusty.  A bit rusty, yes, and so it's currently receiving some attention to ready it for an MoT and a return to its old UK numberplate.  

I have hankered after a pre facelift 1600 for some time.   The price was not megabarg, but not too expensive either, and the remedial works do not look like costing big bucks.  I do love the earlier interiors with the crazy seats and dashes.  I think that later Coupes and HPEs are a bit let down by slightly dull interiors.  Me happy.

Here it is -

[HFStuart]

Good to see you again.

Nice looking car  - I think it was commented on on here as being a pretty good bed. With you on the pre-FL designs but then I'm biased!

[RichB]

Totally agree about the interiors. Just love these early cloth ones, ther's a lime green one on here looks fab. I saw this car and was keen but it was too far away to view. Looks great!

[peteracs]

Hi and welcome back.

Looks like a good buy, the colour combination is one of the best with the mustard interior I think.

I too am a fan of the early interiors, now if only I could find an pre f/l HPE in half reasonable condition.......

Peter

[GerardJPC]

Hello again.  I had the car welded up last summer, and after a bit of faffing about and assorted work it received its first MOT since 1983 in December 2017 (the car was on the Isle of Man from 1983 to 2017).   As the car will soon turn forty,  that might be its last MOT.

I advertised the car for sale for a while, as I am relocating overseas, but have decided to keep it, and might even ship it out.

It is going well, but now I need to sort out the slightly worn and shabby seats.  I may have to get all four recovered, as there are holes in the driver's seat, and the cloth on the rear headrests has suffered sun damage.

[smithymc]

That does look very smart. Having an early interior in my car,I appreciate how fragile the fabric is and vulnerable to things like jeans, rings etc. The rear head rests do suffer as you say.

Good look in selecting a new cloth- I would go for getting the colour somewhere near right and never mind it will be a different( and better wearing) material.

I look forward to seeing the results.

Mark