The time has come to place GBW up for sale as I need to realise some cash. No other reason, just need the cash for another project.
I've had my Green 1991 SE since June 2013 and thoroughly enjoyed owning her. She has been 100% reliable, great fun to drive and has proved herself to be a solid genuine example that just lacked a little tlc when I first got her.
During my ownership I've done my best to nurture her back to some of her former glory, she's not perfect, she is 25 years old after all.
114K genuine miles on the clock that's less than 5 thousand miles per year, although the majority of those were driven between 1991 and 2004.
I have fitted a short shift kit with stainless cable set which makes a real difference to the driving experience. A precise notchy feel like a gearstick of a rear wheel drive car.
Some new OEM Delphi injectors made her purr and the stainless steel Cybox/Peco exhaust with secondary silencer make her growl.
The MOT history will show that for many years she suffered form poor brakes and despite more than one rebuild I eventually treated her to a new set of modern brakes last year. With new calipers, discs and pads from PNM Engineering she now inspires confidence on those twisty roads.
Underneath her suspension is pretty much original apart from a pair of track control arms that were replaced some 6 years ago (details in the history paperwork). The rear wish bones, while most likely original, have been treated and coated to keep the corrosion at bay. I've replaced the bearings on all four corners over the past 3 years along with the outer CV joint covers on the drive shafts.
Changed the plastic GM steering wheel for a slightly smaller MOMO wheel, still have the original, if preferred.
Replacing the dial faces with white on black Metal Monkey ones made them much easier to see on bright days with the roof down. At night the LED back lights are easy on the eye. All the other red switches and dials had to be changed so they matched too, of course.
Adding the Oxygen sensor and updated Everest ECU chip helped to lower the emissions for MOTs and add performance to give the brakes something to do.
LED side lights and indicators offer maintenance free operation and a modern look all round.
Despite being an optional extra when new, the first owner decided to go for the 'Gold' carpet (yellow to you and me). While this ties in with the yellow stripe leather seats it was somewhat grubby when I got the car. However it gave me a good excuse to lift out the floor covering and give them a good scrub which in turn allowed inspection of the outriggers. While there were signs that the dreaded tin worm had arrived, a good clean up and treatment soon put a stop to it before it did any serious damage.
At 114 thousand miles the engine still sounds sweet, drop a gear and wind it up and she'll sprint past the best of them with the turbo on full boost. Take it easy and she will reward you with 30mpg (if you try very hard). The cam belt was replaced at 105K miles along with the idler wheel and water pump.
Her nose job has always been a mystery. It was quite obvious that she had a new clamshell and probably bumper and bonnet too at some point in her youth. Whoever did the work made a reasonable job of it but left off all the warning/info stickers in the engine bay, this includes the VIN and engine number label, fortunately the chassis and engine numbers match the paperwork. On the plus side the engine bay looks nice and tidy! Gas struts on the bonnet hinges make it really easy to access things without the bonnet prop in the way. It's a real shame then that the bonnet and a small area on the clamshell have suffered from some micro-blistering, I guess its the result of moisture under the paintwork. They are tiny and difficult to see unless you get really close but they are there none the less.The rest of her paint is shiny when washed and polished. The odd scuff, chip or scrape can't be seen when: a) stood any further than a meter or so away. b) when she is moving past at speed. c) when you are sitting inside her driving!
The roof is most likely original judging by the style but has kept as tight as a drum over the years, a little frayed around the edges but aren't we all. It operates perfectly and boasts a clear rear window. Both the A pillar and falling pillar seals have been replaced recently, the header and intermediate seals are intact but have undergone some repairs to stop them acting as sponges. If I told you she was watertight you know I'd be lying!! To keep her dry she'll come with her very own shower cap. The webbing straps are nice and tight holding the roof hoops in place, mainly because I replaced them last year. The bluetooth stereo allows hands free phone calls but I wouldn't bother if the roof is down nobody will hear you, just listen to sounds from the new speakers instead.
So what should I ask for her? To be honest she owes me very little, I've invested a lot of my time in her as well as some hard cash but I never expected to make profit. She is not perfect, there are many much better (and worse) examples around but I like to think she has a number of plus points, enhancements and upgrades that would reward her new owner.
If you are looking for a near perfect example of an M100 she is not for you. If you want a genuine original car that benefits from some modern updated components, is fun to drive, will put a smile on your face but won't break the bank, then this could be the car for you.
Offer me around £3750 and she could be yours.
She lives in Uckfield, East Sussex and regularly travels to Crawley,West Sussex during the week. If you would like to meet her I'd be happy to bring her along provided it is no more than an hours drive away. If you would like a sneak peak take a look at her photo gallery here:
GBW Gallery
Send me a PM if you are interested. Right now this is the only place I've posted about the sale, over time I'll open it up to a wider audience but for now GBW is exclusively offered here on the LEC forum. I'll keep you posted if the situation changes.
Tim
BTW, having just read through the text above you might be thinking 'this guy is in love with his car the way he refers to it as ''her" all the time'.......you might be right
excellent piece of writing, Hope it sells quickly, looks a good example and priced to sell IMO
