SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED

Quite possibly the best unrestored Austin Allegro 1100 DeLuxe with 10,190 miles.

EQUIPMENT
All steel unitary construction, underbody protection, recessed door-handles, anti-burst locks, safety steering column, Hydragas suspension, laminated windscreen, electric washers, two-speed wipers, flick wipe, exterior door mirror, hazard warning lights, child safety catches on rear doors, fresh-flow ventilation, heated rear window, Quartic steering wheel.  Factory options; Brake servo.  Dealer accessories; Mud flaps, Radiomobile.

EXTERIOR
Finished in the extremely rare factory original colour of Mirage, (Code BLVC11), this amazing Series One Allegro has been preserved incredibly well, owing to the remarkable low mileage of 10,190 under truly cherished ownership.  The factory paint finish displays only minor age related markings and the chrome bumpers display very light pitting, utterly inoffensive and left untreated so as to uphold originality.  Factory wax is visible in door apertures and on the clean underside which is free from excess rust proofing to allow easy inspection.  Features unique to the early Series One cars remain correct such as the external bonnet release and the C-Pillar vents screwed from the inside as opposed external screws on later cars.  Remarkable originality can be seen in the form of supplying dealer number plates, rear screen sticker and tax disc holder.  The original Allegro bonnet and boot badges are fitted as well as the iconic British Leyland emblem fitted to the nearside wing only, just as they were made.  This humble DeLuxe model was the entry level Allegro, and as such had no coachline, a feature which is upheld.  An almost inconceivable rare survivor against unfavourable odds, very special.

INTERIOR
The spacious interior of this Allegro is completely original and in perfect preserved condition.  The Knit-backed vinyl seat upholstery in Spanish Rose is essentially as new, as are the matching partial door cards and rubber floor coverings, again unique to the Deluxe model.  Still fitted is the famous Quartic steering wheel, arguably the most iconic feature of the Allegro to allow ease of access and a better view of the instruments.  Widely ridiculed as a concept, the Quartic wheel was phased out in 1974.  A reflection of British Leyland quality control can be witnessed with factory glue marks on the headlining and even the chalk line to mark out siting of the instrument binnacle!  Incredibly, a factory build tag is still attached inside the boot.  Complete with the 1970’s British Leyland smell, this interior is astonishing.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The legendary and time proven A-Series engine of 1098cc displacement is robust, simple and has excellent parts availability.  Producing an ample 49bhp and 59lb/ft of torque, this Allegro can hold its own in modern traffic.  The engine is wonderfully quiet and whilst the clean engine bay shows natural aging, it is completely original and features factory plates and stickers.  Even the Hydragas suspension sticker on the sphere remains intact!  The four speed hydraulically operated all synchromesh gearbox delivers light and exact changes complete with the instantly recognisable first gear whine!

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Original pressed steel disc wheels with chrome hub caps are immaculate and shod in quality matching Pirelli P3000 tyres with excellent tread remaining.  The well maintained Hydrogas suspension system is free from leaks and allows the car to sit level and correct, and more importantly ride as it should.  The hydraulic brake system with 9.68in front discs and factory optional servo bring the car up safe and steady.

HISTORY FILE
Supplied by Austin Main Dealer, Peter O’Gorman in Essex, this 1973 built 1100 DeLuxe was registered new on the 21st February 1974.  A new car retail order form made out to first owner, Miss Joan Earl, confirms a purchase price of £1,100.00 including £11.75 for brake servo, a factory option!  A well-known example within the Allegro Owners Club with plenty of stand appearances, including the NEC Classic Car Show, this delightful car nicknamed ‘Violet’ is used to the limelight.  ‘Violet’ has been awarded Best Series One Allegro at every Allegro Club International event it has attended!  With just three former keepers, the previous of five years being Mr Ian Cole who has been a member of the Allegro Club International for 23 years, and has held in this period positions of Chairman, Director and Membership Secretary.

The superb history file contains the original orange Passport to Service and Allegro handbook, as well as a 1974 Austin Allegro range sales brochure.  A large history folder is beautifully presented and contains a substantial collection of MOT certificates throughout the cars entire lifetime and maintenance invoices to fully verify the low mileage of 10,190 miles.  Furthermore, a record of TV appearances on three separate programmes is included!  The original key set remains including the ignition key with very rare eyelet hole to delight the Allegro aficionado.  An unrepeatable opportunity to buy surely one of the best unrestored examples of British Leyland motoring history.

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SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR CARS URGENTLY REQUIRED

A rare surviving Austin Metro Vanden Plas with an incredible 21,923 miles from new.

EQUIPMENT
All steel unitary construction, laminated windscreen, bronze tinted glass, bright screen inserts, black rolled section bumpers, wrap around cappings, bright finish grille, twin door mirrors, bright finish door handles and tailgate lifter, coachline with ‘VP’ motifs, glass sunroof, rear mudflaps, locking concealed fuel filler, front head restraints, rear parcel shelf, brushed nylon headlining, front parcel shelf rubber mat with ‘VP’ motif, wood door cappings and carpet kick strips, tachometer, digital clock, heated rear window, rear wash/wipe, cigar lighter, removable sunroof and carry bag.

EXTERIOR
Finished in factory original colour Cashmere Gold Metallic (code GMD), this fantastic range topping luxury Metro is every inch a rare surviving delight and boasts a bright finish to the paintwork.  Minor imperfections can only be seen upon close scrutiny and include marks on the tailgate around the boot lock, a small ding on the bonnet and tiny scratches.  Structurally excellent, there is no evidence of weld repairs to the underside and all panels are straight with uniform gaps and free from corrosion.  All trims sections are original, intact and free from damage and the ‘VP’ badges, decals and coachline remain just as Austin intended.  Once a common sight on our roads, this fantastic example really does stir up nostalgia and with such low miles covered represents a wonderful opportunity to the collector and enthusiast alike.

INTERIOR
Vanden Plas, the renowned bespoke coachbuilders and trimmers started out in 1870 in Brussels and were synonymous with upmarket prestige vehicles.  In later years, the name was associated with British Leyland and Austin Rover Group cars, specifically for their range topping luxury models.  The plush interior of this Metro Vanden Plas is completely original and in perfect preserved condition.  The Rachelle upholstery in Osprey trim colour (code AMX) extends from the seats to the door cards and rear panels.  The spotlessly clean fabric is completely free from wear and still retains its fullness, as do the matching brown carpets protected by genuine Metro rubber floor mats.  The wood door cappings are perfect, as is the fascia and leather trimmed steering wheel.  All functions including the original push button LW/MW radio operate fully.  A truly remarkable interior in a superb preserved state, the ultimate small car luxury.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The legendary and time proven A-Series engine of 1275cc displacement needs no introduction.  Producing an ample 63bhp, this spritely Metro can hold its own in modern traffic and is tremendous fun with Mini like road manners.  The four speed (3+E) all synchromesh gearbox delivers light and exact changes.  Robust simple mechanics and excellent parts availability allow everyday use and classic motoring without high running costs. Ideal for the classic show circuit!

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Five factory standard 12” steel wheels remain with the car and are shod in 155/70 R12 tyres with excellent tread remaining.  The original black centre caps with ‘VP’ emblem are in excellent order but one chrome embellishers is missing.  The dual line servo-assisted brakes with 21.3cm discs up front and 17.8cm drums at the rear pull the car up quickly and safely.

HISTORY FILE
An absolutely fantastic history file supports this very rare and collectible Austin Metro Vanden Plas.  Registered new on 11th August 1983 by Austin Main Dealers Hartwells of Banbury, the first keeper being a Mr P Shepherd.  Just two further keeper since and just 21,923 miles from new, this example really has lead a cherished existence.  Discovered by KGF Classic Cars after a period of inactivity the decision was made to offer it again to a lucky new owner.  Every MOT from new up to 2010 along with masses of service invoices not only uphold the mileage but offer an insight to the fastidious maintenance bestowed upon the car.  The original A5 wallet houses the service booklet and consumer guides and an original sales brochure is included.

The driving experience of this car is fully commensurate with such a low mileage, low owner car with the clear ‘want for nothing’ mentality of the previous keepers.  A hugely fun classic car and an absolute delight.

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