Visiting London very soon... UPDATE: now Northampton!

[abgwin]

Work is sending me to London March 9 - 14 for a trade show. I won't have a lot of time on my own, but will make time if I have good reason.

Are there any bookshops or parts shops where I can find a shop manual or browse parts?

I am negotiating right now on an 81 Beta coupe and there are a few things I'll need right away, but the manual is probably the greatest need.

I'll be staying in central London, at the Hilton Waldorf Aldwych.

Any suggestions or thoughts welcome!

[rossocorsa]

Not sure about browsing parts I think you'd need to be in Italy to manage that! With regard to manuals you would probably be better off browsing eBay, ideally you need the large workshop manual which covers the first series cars and then additionally the technical data book and the relevant North American market manual update for the year of car you've bought. Unfortunately I am too far away from London or you would be welcome to visit and look at my collection of beta stuff.

Alan

[abgwin]

Thanks for the response.

I was hoping to find a used bookstore that caters to automotive interests, but the only ones that Google tells me about seem to be more about trains and planes.

[rossocorsa]

There used to be some in London not sure what's still there maybe someone local will contribute some suggestions?

Depending how technical you want to get but even if you don't want to work on an engine at such a level of detail you might find guy crofts latest book of interest
http://guy-croft.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=3156

[abgwin]

So now I'll be visiting a customer in Northampton Aug 9 - 14. I have the weekend (9th & 10th) free, so wondering if there's anything doing in the area, especially Lancia and/or interesting car-related events.

[HFStuart]

If you're into classic minis there will be hundreds at Santa Pod drag strip which is not far.  Prescott Hillclimb has a classic event on that weekend - a bit further away but do-able. You could also try the BRSCC races at Silverstone.

EDIT - Or move the visit back by a week and come here http://www.rockinghamcastle.com/128/Midlands_Italian_Car_Day/

[abgwin]

Isn't that typical... these last minute trips make me crazy, as I always seem to just miss great events!

Rockingham Castle looks fantastic.