New Garage Find - Suffolk

[Spiney4]

Welcome to the club! I'm over the moon to see a mk1 countryman. As others have said the mk1 countryman is very rare. I myself have a mk 2 countryman. They are always the most desirable compared to the saloon. Mechanical parts are the same for many other BMC cars and all body panels are now available from the club. They are made in England like they were 60 years ago and they really do fit like a glove. I bought my A40 4 years ago after being inspired by Keith Bennets long life with Gab. My car is my daily driver and I'm very proud. I love my A40 and I love being part of such a happy club. Please keep us updated with your progress.

Thats great to hear however we are worried the car is too far gone. It can be restored but at a price!

[Spiney4]

So after a few years of suggesting to my Mother in Law that I could get her car back on the road it has finally seen the light! Was parkedup in her garage over 42 years ago after it failed its MOT and hasnt seen the light of day since. It has now been uncovered and removed with all 4 wheels moving (tyres were flat to start with) plus the engine wasn't seized. Remarkable as it hadn't been started or moved whilst in the garage! Plan is to get it roadworthy again - possibly a full restoration but that depends on the costs. Updates will follow once I have been to visit the car and had the restorers report! Wish me luck!

Car registered in 1962. Mileage circa 16k but based on the MOTS think it has gone round the clock once!

UPDATE - Car has been given the once over by a restorer - it needs a full restoration and could be 1000 hours work. Very concerned at the potential cost versus the return if the car ever had to be sold. Some rudimentary running repairs identified (riveted not welded !) - she is completely tired out at 61 years old (with the last 42 in the garage)...... might need a second opinion but where to go in the North Suffolk area?

[scotty]

We are at Red Lodge near Mildenhall. Very happy to have a look over the car and give you some ideas and thoughts. Restoration can cost thousands if taken all in one big hit but as many have proved in the club, different parts can be dealt with at various times and much can be achieved at a sensible pace driven by your own timescale. We could not take on any work for some time but happy to help with an assessment and advice, call me on 07909 690078 or office 01638 551800 and we will see what we can arrange, either you can come here or happy to visit.

[scotty]

Having studied the pictures, I think a good pressure wash underneath and wash the bodywork and things would look a lot better. Cars that have been stood and are covered in debris never look well.

[Keith Bennett]

Same goes for all of us!!

[austina40sam]

I would say it is definaly worth doing providing the shell has not twisted at all. I would suggest doing it over a period of years and as funds allow. Keith Bennets Gab had quite a rebuild in the 1980s.

[Clive]

..and original 'wire' wheel trims! Quite a little time capsule you have there.

[scotty]

Have you washed the car yet?

[scotty]

Wonder what is happening to this little gem?

[Spiney4]

Car is in the process of a 'deep' restoration - it was significantly worse than we expected, however we are going to keep going and will get the car back on the road hopefully later in the year! New floors, sills and much of the engine bay rebuilt thanks to the Club Spares and other NOS or used parts collected from around the UK! Still got to sort out the rear bulkhead, panels etc....