As found - the
Austin had spent the last 25 years in an open-sided shed on the edge of a wood in a remote valley.It was 200 metres from any road or track after the bridlepath was washed away. See "The Rescue"
Magna wheels - were
covered in leaves and rusty from driving through the ford. The tyres were flat but hold air for at least six
months.The rear tyres were oversize 4.75/5.25x18"; the correct size (to fit the spare wheel well !) is 4.50 x 18" - but all had cracked sidewalls so all were replaced.
The chassis initially appeared to have a rust hole on the nearside under the passenger footwell, however closer inspection showed that the rust is in a body stiffener.
The main cross-braced chassis looks to be quite good, with well-oiled brake linkages. Condition is surprising as the only access to the shed 25 years ago was via a ford (now washed away) - but this has meant that there is no build-up of mud underneath which is very clean.
At least one of the Andre Hartford spring dampers is beginning to lose its discs; although I have some spare wood discs I am told that modern fibre discs will give a far better ride
