I bought the 53 Minor a year ago (there was a topic about it at that time too, advertised on ebay and people were not sure if it was value for money.
I took a "punt" and bought it unseen "SCARY", but I had allowed for it being a disappointment and basically it was VERY solid but very tired.
So it came off the road straight away.
It took a few days to completely strip it and nearly 9 months to out it back together again!!!! (doesn't it always)
I had a full spray done in two pack black (the original colour). But unfortunately the guy who sprayed it died within days of finishing it (His hunting gun slipped and killed him in his own home!!!!!). So now that it is all together it really needs a good cut and polish (this was left until it was reassembled). I will let you know how that turnsd out.
No bodywork needed replacing, but I have replaced EVERYTHING else with new (apart from the back axle).
Isn't it just great that you can buy almost every part brand new!!!!
New interior, new chrome etc. etc. Recon (Lead free) engine (was a 948 in the car when I bought it).
Tracked down a clock for the glovebox at a reasonable !!!! price.
Fitted a servo, front discs and an anti roll bar (OK, sorry purists, but I don't intend this to be concours, that is not my way)
Finally drove her to the MOT station and (thankfully) no problems at all (no surprise really, but you can never tell).
Drives LOVELY and it is easy to see how a car like this back in 1953 became so popular. Light on the steering, nippy enough and (these days) a real headturner.
Still some final sorting to do, not a lot but just detailing.
I will post more photos after the polishing / detailing, to see if you think the £500 is worth it, I think it will be, black always shows the swirls etc. in the sun.
Taking her to the Uxbridge Auto Show in July (a GREAT show if you have never been!!!!
More later[frame]
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I use a carnauba stick then plenty of wax and elbow grease which makes it nice and shiny but it would need a respray to get it looking really good.