Newbee Questions

[ClarkeKent]

I have made up my mind to take the plunge and buy an amazon. The next step, of course, is to find a well loved and maintained example. Any suggestions of where I might find one?

[Burdekin]

Some nice examples on eBay at the moment and well priced good I think.

[Othen]

Originally Posted by Burdekin

Some nice examples on eBay at the moment and well priced good I think.

I agree - there are some nice motor cars for sale on eBay at around £12,000.

There is a chap selling a couple of estates in the 'For Sale' section of this forum for £6,000-£8,000; they would both need a bit of work if you wanted a project.

:-)

[Burdekin]

Originally Posted by Othen

I agree - there are some nice motor cars for sale on eBay at around £12,000.

There is a chap selling a couple of estates in the 'For Sale' section of this forum for £6,000-£8,000; they would both need a bit of work if you wanted a project.

:-)

And JPs project car in the for sale section over in Ireland looks decent as well.

[Natedog]

Originally Posted by ClarkeKent

I have made up my mind to take the plunge and buy an amazon. The next step, of course, is to find a well loved and maintained example. Any suggestions of where I might find one?

Good choice. I’ve stopped looking for new classics since getting mine.

As a tip when looking at motors to buy lift the rear carpets or mats and check out the floors, take a look around the footwells in the front, and under the dash panel where it meets with the windscreen. Wings and rear quarts can be expensive so have a good look over them. The Amazon is monocoque construction so not the easiest to replace panels on. The later models have a 2ltr twin carb set up.

[142 Guy]

Originally Posted by Natedog

Good choice. I’ve stopped looking for new classics since getting mine.

As a tip when looking at motors to buy lift the rear carpets or mats and check out the floors, take a look around the footwells in the front, and under the dash panel where it meets with the windscreen. Wings and rear quarts can be expensive so have a good look over them. The Amazon is monocoque construction so not the easiest to replace panels on. The later models have a 2ltr twin carb set up.

Indeed! Having done the 'on the rotisserie' full restoration its all about the rust. Be willing to spend more money to get less rust or a car that has already gone through a 'good' body restoration project. Following the Ferrari maxim - the cheapest classic to own is generally the most expensive one that you can afford.

Just about all mechanical problems can be fixed with a wrench - even if it involves removing the engine to do the fix. Mechanical fixes typically can be done in small(er) steps requiring less time and work area and don't disable the car for months on end. Body work requires time and a lot of dry work space. I suspect that there are a lot of project cars requiring body work that are sitting under tarps 1/4 done because the owners ran out of time or enthusiasm.

[Othen]

Originally Posted by 142 Guy

Indeed! Having done the 'on the rotisserie' full restoration its all about the rust. Be willing to spend more money to get less rust or a car that has already gone through a 'good' body restoration project. Following the Ferrari maxim - the cheapest classic to own is generally the most expensive one that you can afford.

Just about all mechanical problems can be fixed with a wrench - even if it involves removing the engine to do the fix. Mechanical fixes typically can be done in small(er) steps requiring less time and work area and don't disable the car for months on end. Body work requires time and a lot of dry work space. I suspect that there are a lot of project cars requiring body work that are sitting under tarps 1/4 done because the owners ran out of time or enthusiasm.

That is all pretty good advice for the OP. Restoration hardly ever makes financial sense - unless the OP particularly wants a project to keep busy it would be best to buy the best motor car he/she can afford.

You are probably right about there being many 1/4 completed projects in back yards under tarpaulins :-)

[Dibble]

Originally Posted by ClarkeKent

I have made up my mind to take the plunge and buy an amazon. The next step, of course, is to find a well loved and maintained example. Any suggestions of where I might find one?

There's a 'G' Reg 131, 2 door, non overdrive, green with tan interior for sale in Camden, London. £10500 ONO. If interested let me know and I will put you in touch with my friend.

[ClarkeKent]

Hi
Thanks for all the advice. I have had classic cars on the past, so know all too well that it pays to buy the best you can afford.

Re the 131, sounds interesting, and I am after a 2 dòor. However, I am in no rush, so plan to hold out for a late model in red or white.

[csm22]

FWIW... before I chose to refurb my Amazon and make her a garage princess, she sat curbside with a breathable waterproof cover year round. Although the windshield seals were petrified and leaky, that cover kept the water out. As for reliability... aside from the classic snapped key event (remedied with Ron K's pushbutton start kit), my Amazon has never left me stranded, and I drive her regularly aside from the winter months.

Cheers from Ohio,

Chris