My Super Red MK1b

[coverco]

The time has come to move on so I have decided to sell my car 1987 E reg MK1b. Before I start I need to say that when I bought the car in 2006 it was a category C write off and it states this on the log book. On 20 year old cars this is quite common as a simple dent in the front wing can cost more to repair than the book value of the car, it would appear my car had a small bump on the front passenger wing, if this puts you off then read no further.

Right for those of you still reading the car has had both front wings replaced, both rear quarters replaced, the front valances and bumper bar were also replaced. These were all genuine Toyota replacement parts and cost a small fortune (all bolts were replaced with stainless). The sills have also been stripped inspected and replaced as required using the sill panels available on Ebay. The car was resprayed in the original 3E5 Super Red. There is a full project thread of the rebuild on many of the MR2 forums. Whilst in my ownership I have done a lot of work on the car and replaced many parts, a list follows however I suspect I may miss some of the jobs or parts I have replaced as they are so numerous
New Clutch
New Radiator
Fully poly bushed and all suspension arms powder coated
New rear callipers and discs and pads
Twosrus rear tie rods
New Toyota (and I mean new) alloys and Yokohama A539 tyres including the spare which has never been used
Stainless Braided brake lines
Droplinks all round
Supercharger rear lights with proper lock and fog light conversion
Electric aerial
Short shifter
Option tuning steering wheel
Reverse glow dials
Auto up drivers window
Manual choke conversion
MR2 MK2 turbo seats fitted
Tinted rear windows
Sleepy eye mod
Lights on buzzer modified
LED interior light
K&N Filter
Stainless steel mongoose exhaust
New battery
Engine lid gas ram
Air scoop
Clear indicators and side repeaters
I am sure there are more things but you get the idea. The car is taxed until April and MOT runs until the start of May (although I would happily put 12 months on for the buyer as in the last 4 years I have not had a single advisory). I have absolutely no service history for the car as since I have had it I do it all myself and I did not get any with the car. I do around 500 miles per year but have changed the oil and filter every year I have had the car and anything that needed replacing has been replaced. It drives very well and the suspension has been fully aligned. The car is not immaculate, nor is it original but it is all metal in the places where rust normally affects these cars. The car is stored in a heated garage when not being used and has always been totally reliable. I would like £2500 for the car and have a set of D2 coilovers that I would include with the sale for £2950 and a boot rack which is great for camping for £3000 all in.
Below are some recent photographs if you need any more information or pictures let me know, viewing is highly recommended and is available pretty much anytime.
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2013/08/tatton13mr2001_zps2d3090c3-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/coverco/media/tatton13mr2001_zps2d3090c3.jpg.html)
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2013/07/Prom1_zps0ec3d592-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/coverco/media/Prom1_zps0ec3d592.jpg.html)
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2013/06/36d164ebdbb5b6fee10d5367cc2a52fc_zps652f-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/coverco/media/36d164ebdbb5b6fee10d5367cc2a52fc_zps652ff29b.jpg.h tml)
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2013/10/584013e2c205880eefea2aef95559996_zpsace6-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/coverco/media/584013e2c205880eefea2aef95559996_zpsace657d1.jpg.h tml)
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2013/10/154857c5fd334fa755578a38464427cd_zpsf64d-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/coverco/media/154857c5fd334fa755578a38464427cd_zpsf64df735.jpg.h tml)
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2013/10/345bbdf94da0dbf87de5faf5e6df2736_zpse19f-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/coverco/media/345bbdf94da0dbf87de5faf5e6df2736_zpse19fb949.jpg.h tml)
http://www.mr2mk1club.com/images/imported/2009/05/100_0829-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/coverco/media/100_0829.jpg.html)

[AW11mike]

Can't believe your selling that Tommy! It's an awesome car! Have you seen something else mate?

[cabbydave]

You are crazy selling that car for such little money Tommy its worth much more. If I remember correctly did you not to a project thread on restoring the car if so put a link up about it. Good luck with the sale though. What you getting to replace it I know of a nice spitefire someone on the forum has he might be selling that he sunk £12000 into and is perfect.

[cchrysos]

Groooooowll ;-)

Your looks great Tommy. Sounds like it has had all the right bits done (except the nasty air scoop imo) ;-)

1199120012011202

[coverco]

I have the normal panel to replace the air scoop Chrys, obviously it was sprayed at the same time as the rest of the car. Nice Spitfire not my thing though, I did have a Spartan kitcar with Triumph front wishbones and suspension though which was very easy to work on. My car is nowhere near as clean as your Triumph though :-)

[cchrysos]

its not everyones cup of tea....had it so long now though (22 or 23 years). not as practical as the MR2.

Your car look great Tommy and with so much important work done too, it shouldnt hang around too long.

GWS

[coverco]

Thanks Chrys, as Dave said though I am only offering it at that price on here. If I go out into the wild I will ask for a bit more. The choice of my next car is proving difficult, the choice at the moment is between a Lotus Elan M100, MR2 MK3 or Audi TT.......... hmmmm decisions :-)

[AW11mike]

your Spitfire is really nice Chrys! awesome detailing!:)

[cabbydave]

I was thinking about a TT but its only a golf underneath. Shame my silver SMT isn't taxed as you could lend that for a while see if you like them. Its fully loaded with trac. control and paddle gearchange

[cchrysos]

your Spitfire is really nice Chrys! awesome detailing!:)

Cheers Mike. Yes, it has lots of nice added features recently too such as silicone hoses, aluminium rad etc...I MUST stop!!

I had a 225BHP TT Tommy and i loved it. It was a fantastic car with amazing handling (4WD), loads of pull and really comfy.
I would like the V6. They sound amazing. Pretty juicy though.
Try one Jimmy...you may just fall in love!

[coverco]

What is an SMT Dave ?

Jimmy, Chrys ? Is that because I called you Alan :-)

[cchrysos]

Lol. Yes indeed Fred....sorry about that. It was getting late ;-)

[coverco]

With my name being Tommy a few times over the years I have been called Paddy by people who don't know me as they remember the "y" bit but forget the first bit. Being Irish this is hilarious as when they realise what they have done they always get worried that it will cause offense, it doesn't but it does cause amusement :-)

[Gilles27]

Of the 3 cars you've listed I think the Lotus sounds most interesting. The other 2 are cars you wouldn't give a second glance to in the street. Although the mk3 has grown on me recently. Have you seen the silver one around Penistone with wide wheels? Makes it look less of a girls car. Will your new car be doing as many miles as your mr2? If so I think the Audi would be a mistake as I think you need something that's a contrast to the modern cars and vans you see every day.
It's obviously your money and your choice, but if I were you I'd carry on looking for a mk1 mr2 that is different to what you've had. Something with more power and more aggressive looks. I think you are right to sell your current one as you've been talking about it for a while and it feels like a finished project and you are probably ready for the next thing.
Good luck with the sale. I'll be intrigued to see whatever is next in your garage.

p.s. the photography on that 2nd pic is amazing - clearly taken by an expert! ;)

[coverco]

I have not seen the Silver one around Penistone Anthony, I only go down to Tesco once a week :-)

If I get another car it will do the same or maybe less mileage as I won't be going to as many shows, the Audi and MK3 are probably not ideal as I like to tinker and they would need less doing but I just like them. The Lotus would obviously meet the tinkering criteria as going on reputation they tend to need a fair bit of attention :-)

I think MK1's are off the agenda mate, never look back and all that!! Oh and thanks for the photo :-)

[cabbydave]

SMT is sequential Manual Transmission. It doesn't have a clutch pedal but it has a manual gearbox and the clutch is controlled by hydraulics and a ecu. Gear change is done with either the gear lever pushing it forwards for down shift and backwards for up. Or you can just change gear by using the buttons on the steering wheel. However you cannot drive it as a auto as it wont think for you and change gear automatically. The system was designed by Ferrari and Toyota adopted it as well.

[coverco]

I meant what type of car, Silver SMT doesn't really help mate, I assume as you say Toyota adopted it it is a MK3 :-)

[cabbydave]

Sorry its a mk3 but not blinged up like my red one1204

[Gilles27]

Just been having a look at what you can get for around £3K. A TVR is a bit out of reach, which is a shame as that's the ideal low mileage car for someone who likes to tinker! Have you looked at going back to a kit car, or a Westfield type thing?

[coverco]

That is one of the reasons I am thinking of changing Anthony, it is amazing what you can get for under £5000 !!

I am too old to do another kit car I did a couple in my 20's, the Lotus 7 thing is a nice idea but I have had one and it is possibly the most impractical car I have ever had, not to mention the most uncomfortable. The handling was amazing but you would not want to go on a long journey in one, by long I mean 10 miles or more :-)

[superwhite90]

It is amazing what you can pick up for 5k (well 5.25k)

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/mitsubishi/evo-iv--vi/mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-v-5-white-330bhp-4678/1785493

[Jawa411]

That Evo looks very tasty!!!

[Gilles27]

This looks interesting and should keep you busy tinkering: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/renault/clio/renault-clio-audi-turbo-mid-engine-group-b----------------1995/1762317

[coverco]

That is horrendous Anthony, I would be embarrassed to be seen in it :-)

The Evo is nice though, if not too subtle !!

[cchrysos]

How about any of the following:
Audi TT 225 / V6
BMW Z4
Ford Focus ST
Honda S2000
Jaguar XK
Mazda MX5
Mazda RX8
Mercedes SL
Mercedes SLK
Mitsubishi 3000GT / GTO
Nissan 350Z / Fairlady
Porsche 944
Porsche 928
Porsche Boxster
TVR 350i / 350SE
VW Golf R32

ALl can be had for 5k. All have their pros and cons but there is at least choice!

[mk1 dal]

its going to hard to replace the mk1 mate for fun factor , i brought the bm to reduce the amount off mileage i was doing in the mk1's and have just sold it due to 2000 miles in one year i prefer the mk1 anytime to drive . one off these might interest you im going looking at this car on sunday . http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lotus-Esprit-Coupe-TURBO-/181229558417?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a321f9a91 . good luck with the sale mate and i do think its very cheaply priced and a bargain .

[coverco]

My favourite car is the Esprit, I just can't justify 10k with my daughter at university at the moment. Maybe when the kids are both finished at university though :-)

I know it is cheap Gary but I just want a change at the moment and my loss is someone elses gain. I had it 4 wheel aligned today after changing the suspension back and it was great fun on the back roads to Stocksbridge :-)

[cabbydave]

I don't think you would be happy with the Lotus Gary interior is hanging looks like a small child has done it or its a poor kit car and its got the Bedford CF van engine in it

[coverco]

Last chance before I go outside the club. No interest at all?

[snowgirl]

I'm going to PM you...

[IanC]

nice car indeed. I know people always say this... but if I hadnt bought mine and started replacing parts/putting money in. Then yours would be of massive interest.

Wrong time of year to sell such a thing though. Took me 6 month to sell my last car as I wanted to get the money it was worth and winter is never good for selling sports car (or muscle cars)

[kevs aw11]

Hi
I have seen this car to-day while picking some parts up from tommy, all I can say this car is a well sorted example and anyone thinking of buying a mr2 should give this car consideration before spending any money.
good luck with the sale
kev

[Gilles27]

I can 2nd that. It's a beauty! I'm not going to wish you luck though as hopefully you'll decide to keep it! ;)

[coverco]

Thanks chaps :-)

[coverco]

I meant to put this link up just in case anyone had not read it

http://www.mr2mk1club.com/showthread.php?5916-Restoration-thread-(56K-Beware)

[coverco]

Sold to Richard and Sara :-)

[Gilles27]

Sold to Richard and Sara :-)
So now you need to quickly get something to fill that space in your garage. Any decisions yet? If you fancy a go in an mr2 in the meantime just give me a shout. :)

[coverco]

The favourite at the moment is a Mercedes SLK (second choice is a campervan :-) ).

To be honest I can't really see me getting another MK1, I did still fancy a Supercharger but they are just not that powerful.