I bought the car in the early 90's and spent 3 or 4 years restoring it. Just when it was done I moved to Kansas from Sandy Eggo. An old black on black sports car with no A/C and not a lot of ventilation is not a good choice for a place like Kansas, where we get both heat and humidity! And snow. And freezing rain/ice. And tornados. And......well you get the idea. Even so I drove it as much as I could. Fast forward to now, I'm considerably older and considerably less able to climb in and out of those narrow doors, although once in the car fit me nicely. So a week ago someone made me an offer that seemed reasonable, so last night it was loaded on a transporter for - guess where? Yep, California here it comes, right back where it started from. Bon voyage my friend....
One thing I learned, it's HARD on an old car to just leave it sit like I did. When I went to get it ready to go, none of the locks would turn with the key, the hood latches were frozen stuck, door buttons wouldn't work. Lots of things that I had lubed in the restortion and worked perfectly the last time I used them (many years ago) were completely frozen stuck, and this on a car that was kept in a temp controlled garage - not left outside. Moral of the story, use your old cars, don't leave them sit!
First - I hope you got good coin for that car.. they are worth a good bit now. I agree 100% on driving the older cars. When they sit things start to somehow break it appears... and the newer gas is a real problem when cars sit. Looks like the Audi is driven a good bit. One day when its out and about.. another Mini could sneak its way in there.
The timing was good for me too, I hope the new owner drives it more than I did....it's hard on them to let them sit!
I hope you're younger and more flexy than me, it was very difficult for me to get in and out. Once in I was very comfy tho. They drive really nicely - smooth, torquey motor and ride nicely too.
Sorry for your loss man. I've let my Corvette sit too long too. It's gonna cost me to get it back on the road just to sell it. I can still get in it, but can't get out on my own anymore, so I have to let it go. My Grandson decided he'd rather have the Mini than the Vette anyway.
You're right Dave, the younger me would have loved it. I still fit in the MINI easily...as long as the top is down. Vetsvette, don't make the same mistake I did. I decided that I was going to give my MINI to my grandson when I first got it. The mistake I made was taking his father for a ride. His comment...there is no way in hell I would let Brett drive this car.
Vetvette, same problem I had - I had to use my elbows to lever myself up and out of the car - it was embarrassing and I usually hit my head too. I can get in and out of my classic Mini and my 09 Clubman just fine, although the bride has trouble getting up and out of the sport seats in the 09 with their high side bolsters. I've thought of trying to find a set of std seats and swapping with someone to make that easier. I was in the same boat with the Jag, either sell it as is and take what I can get or spend a lot of money to get it spiffed up and I might not get what I spent. I took the easy way and I'm happy that I did. Sold it as is and WAY out of state.