Purchasing help for a "forum newbie"

[scoot]

Hi there people. Hoping you might be able to help me out here, only just joined the forum, but not new to the classic car world, I've owned an array of "stuff" from a Fiat 600 to a VW Variant & I'm currently entrusted with spanner duties on my girlfriends '54 Morris Custom.
I'm after a Rootes Group car, but I'm undecided which one !! I love the aesthetics of the Mark 1 Sceptre, a beautiful looking car. I have owned a Series 1 Rapier, in which I bought my then new born son home from hospital in back in 1993. I had set myself a goal that it really had to be a 1967 (but I could definately be "swayed" away from this stipulation) car, as that was my year of birth & I thought a 40 year old car in my 40th year would be quite nice !! Obviously that wipes the Mk1 Sceptre off the list !! Perhaps a Mk2 ?? Or I had looked at a really nice example of Series 6 Minx (but the owner was insistant it wouldn't run on unleaded..is that right ??)
Anyway, can anyone advise ?? I'm looking to buy a good, clean usable car with MOT, unfortunately no time or currently available space to take on a resto project, but rest assured whatever I buy will be cared for lovingly...Thanks in anticipation of your help.....Dave Taylor (Lincoln)

[turbinecol]

The impression I get is that Mark 2's are becoming quite rare, but if you are prepared to wait one will come along. Budget at least 2 grand to get something decent in my opinion. If you are looking at ebay, never buy a Rootes car without going to have a look it at first. They are often sold as being in superb condition, just need a little tidying and you have an easy show car. Well, that is simply not true in most of the cases. A little tidying can involve extensive metalwork and if there is trim or brightwork missing then it is very hard to replace. Just take your time and good luck.

None of these cars run on unleaded without head modification. There are some claims that alloy heads (eg: on the 1725) have hardened seats by their nature. But these cars are probably not worked hard and it is too early to tell. Bank on using an additive. Maybe some other guys can comment on earlier cars' carburration with unleaded - don't think they have any particular running difficulties.

[gillberry]

We have a 1966 mk2 sceptre which runs on unleaded with an additive , and yes £1500-£2000 will buy you a very good one , if you see a nice one ebay definitely have a look 1st .

[giggles]

In the East Anglia area the mark 2 are quite popualar. We've got 3 if not 4 in the PVHCC (including the Gillberry's Scptre) and knowof at least 3 others.

[rootesmadnick]

I just paid 1500 for a mk2 which is in my eyes almost perfect apart from a couple of tiny niggles, it leaks from the timing cover and the dizzy has "dancing flower" issues