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Handsome car, you must be pleased with the result.Another six months have passed. What, you might ask, has occurred since my last post? Anyone and their dog must know that car restoration is an effing minefield. Just as one thinks the end is in sight, another unknown horror makes an appearance. Other delays included a key employee heading back to Ukraine, moving premises out of Central Edinburgh, and sourcing a few parts.
Things were going so well when someone picked too much off the underseal around the rear suspension mounts. The sub-frame and petrol tank had to come out for further welding…
The ABS continued to be problematic and eventually, as the whole front end had already been dismantled to replace the top struts and fitting Bilsteins, I went for replacing virtually the lot – new hubs, calipers, discs, pads along with the ABS bits. Oooh shiny!
Coincidently, on Bangers and Cash Restoring Classics, a comment was made, in connection with an Audi 100, that whilst there is a proportion of fairly advanced electronics, there is no diagnostic plug-in, so a lot of problem-solving is down to time-consuming trial and error. My man told me exactly the same a month ago!
Anyway, I’ve got the old girl back again, and it was like putting on favourite comfortable shoes again. Mechanically, it is probably as good as it gets. Both ends have been rebuilt, new brake lines, full service, and working A/C. With a full tank of BP Ultimate E5, there is a surprising turn of speed on the straights and round bends! Got the cleanest MOT ever!
As previously mentioned, the hidden corrosion on the A-pillars rendered the car potentially structurally unsafe. I have extensive photographic evidence of the repairs along with the rust protection measures. Lanoguard has been favoured for hidden areas and box sections.
The paint finish is excellent, but ultimately not quite as good as the respray done back in 2009. I’ve spotted several blemishes, but rectification work will be left until next Spring along with any other snagging issues that emerge. If the rear suspension does not settle sufficiently, I’ll have it lowered an inch or so.
In practice, the coupe will hardly be used now and will sit on the trickle charge most of the time. I’ll give any further updates as and when.
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Lovely. They're such handsome cars. And at 72p a mile seems remarkably good valueAll I know is, that the above equates to 72p per mile!
Here is a gratuitous photo of the still-filthy voiture...
View attachment 155604
More importantly, you've saved an elegant old bus from a one way trip to the big metal muncher in the sky.So, picked up the car yesterday. Delighted! All snagging has been dealt with and the car feels tight and rattle-free.
The suspension is largely new and more or less the same as the old Sportline setup. Along with Bilsteins all round, the ride is, as expected, firmer but I have no concerns as 60 profiles retain comfort.
Still - goes better than a 28-year-old C124 has any right to. Went through the esses on the north side of Soutra at 60 - well, you try it!
Now, the title of the thread is Extreme Man Maths: here are some figures
Back in September 1996, the car cost £43215 - only options were leccy driver's seat, sunroof, and leather.
I px'd my 300CE-24 in September 2001 (23 years ago) paying £14250 to change.
Since then, over 90800 miles, I've lashed out...
£15439 in petrol
£17606 in servicing and parts
£10517 in MOT/tax/insurance (an unavoidable sum common to all cars)
All OK so far?
£22023 in refurbishment (June 2009) and restoration.
Don't mention depreciation or question what the car might be worth now!
All I know is, that the above equates to 72p per mile!
Here is a gratuitous photo of the still-filthy voiture...
View attachment 155604
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