[For Sale] FREE Montego/barn find Stafford

[Guest]

Had this to the club inbox - please contact l.purcell824*at*btinternet.com if interested.

There is a sad old red Montego in my father's garage in Stafford which has been off the road for twenty years (he died in in 1995 and had not used it for some time before that). He was a mechanic so the car was always well maintained but heaven knows what it's like now. It's certainly very dusty and the tyres are flat but the garage is a modern building and quite sound and dry. It is filled with so many tools and other things that it's not possible to walk around the car to view it as a whole but I think it would be fairly easy to get it out.

It's high time for us to get rid of the car and clear the garage. Have you any members in the Stafford area who might be prepared to come and have a look at it to see if it's worth rescuing for restoration or as a source of spare parts? It would be free to take away provided that we were not asked to pay any of the costs of removal.

LAURENCE PURCELL

[The Express Valeter]

Hopefully it will be of use to someone. At least they had the sence to contact an enthusiasts club.

[bodgit0_0]

Anyone arranging to view this? Im passing there on the 16th so might be able to pop in with a camera.

[turbo_stu]

I want it at that price lol.
But I very much doubt id get it on my truck

[Guest]

I have had a reply from Mr Purcell in regards to his Late fathers car.
I contacted him as I would be passing the Staffs area on Sunday with an empty trailer, having been up to see family and help a friend move a car or two.

So having the trailer with me already will mean the cost of recovery is minimal.

I am currently awaiting Mr Purcell's conformation that the car can be removed on the day.

My hope is that the car may well be "restore-able" and a possible first or next car for a forum or club member.
If the car can return to the road, then the price will only include "expenses" such as parts and any labor for work I cannot do / have time to do myself.(as well as MOT fee/s etc)

Should the car not be viable, then it's spares will be made available.

I understand the car is an early B plate 1.6L Model.

Mal.

[Guest]

Great stuff, Mal - hope it's possible to return it to the road

[Guest]

As do I Chris,
Can't be many L spec B plate cars around in any engine size.

I just hope it isn't as bad on the back end as that red Turbo that also spent 20 plus years in storage.

Mal.

[Austin-Rover]

There aren't that many B reg Montegos around of any flavour.

Hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised by its condition.

[Ed]

Ooooh, I love a good garage find!

[Guest]

At first I was reluctant to post up the picture's, as I am only too aware of some of the reply's I may get when it is made available for re-homing.

Some of you may have seen them on Facebook, and thankfully, the car already has two prospective new owners.

Hopefully link to pictures are below.

As described by the late owners son, it was very dusty and greasy, it has been treated to a pressure wash and a good scrub, so far nothing has been done to the interior, although it is still "under cover" and protected by seat covers, and carpet across the parcel shelf.
Original radio is present, and the dash is mint.

Had to use original spare TDX wheel and tyre(as new) to load onto the trailer, as I mistakenly picked up a 200/400 steel rim and tyre for the recovery.
The car had a semi seized/very stiff engine, which has been treated to Castrol R down the bores, which has free'd them off nicely.

The car will now "try to catch" with the use of easy start, so I know it will run.

Next job is a strip and clean of the carb and associated parts and a large amount of fresh fuel. (has a 1/3rd of a tank of 20 year old fuel still in it.)

The body work is much better than most of us would expect, and will likely only need one arch and sill end sorting to pass MOT. minor rust issues elsewhere, but as this is a non sunroof car, none of the usual A pillar issues are present, and the quarter light glass area is well above averedge.

There was no Log book or service history with the car, apparently lost in the house clear up following Mr Purcell Seniors passing, But his son Lawrence, believes it is a former demonstrator and his Father was the only private owner.

http://s236.photobucket.com/user/MGT...ego%201600%20L

[Austin-Rover]

That looks like a lovely car. These early Montegos really do it for me over the later ones...and it's nice to see another long stored one get a shot at going back on the road!

I don't know what your thoughts are on the matter, but the fact it needs only a little welding is surely testament to the fact that the earlier ones are better built?

[Guest]

I agree Richard.

It's quite well known in Motoring circles that the majority of manufacturers suffered early corrosion issues from the mid 80's onwards due to cheap recycled steel from the far east.

I doubt the motoring press of the time where aware of just how close they were when describing ARG's products of "Rusting so quickly, anyone would think they are made of recycled Morris Oxfords"

[Guest]

It's Alive!

New Cam driven fuel pump fitted and it starts on the key. Need new pump to tank pipe and pump to carb pipe as the rubber as expectedley failed! otherwise, one more monty up and running.

[The Express Valeter]

That looks a cracker. I too love the early ones as they just seem to have more character.
A 1985 Model year with that trim.

[Guest]

Lovely looking car and a great story, I hope all goes well with her! Great save indeed