480ES for sale, 1987, low mileage

[davekit]

Unfortunately it is time for the 480 to go!

One of the oldest, and likely the lowest mileage of any at less than 21000. Yes you read that correctly - 21k!!
The mileage is backed up by every MoT, plus a lot of other receipts. There is also loads of original documentation in the way of sales brochures and so on. MoT runs till November, and only had a couple of advisories, namely rear tyres cracking (loads of tread, but probably 10-15 years old), and handbrake travel (likely rear pads need changing, might even be originals!).

It had the same owner for most of its life, then a period on SORN, went through a few hands (hoping to flip it?), before I acquired it 4 years ago.
I have fixed a whole raft of problems, mostly electrical, but have run out of time and energy to finish it off. It is not getting enough use at the moment, but a bit more work should make a great car for someone.

It is in Graphite Grey Metallic, very few marks. The only rot I found was rear of cills/front of rear wheelarches; this was repaired professionally and I even replaced the chip film. Many original fittings including mudflaps all round. Interior is excellent, seats grey with red pinstriping showing minimal wear, good carpets and fitted mats.

Much of the work I have done, or had done professionally, is documented on the forum, but briefly includes:
Serviced and cambelt replaced;
Front wiper motor (2nd hand) and washer jets (new) replaced;
Rear wiper motor and washer repaired;
Left window regulator replaced (new);
CEM repaired;
Bonnet foam replaced (new);
Headlining replaced (new);
Front tyres replaced (new);
Locks repaired;
info centre (dash) repaired, all gauges and warning lights working;
Headlamp struts (new), washer jets and popup motors replaced (2nd hand) (but see below!);
Radio/cassette repaired.

The only times the car completely let me down, both involved the clutch. First time, the plastic bracket behind the pedal broke; this has been replaced by a metal one, so should last forever. Second time, the clutch cable broke; new one made up by Speedy Cables.

Now the bad points, or what still needs doing:
As mentioned above - rear tyres and brake pads;
One headlamp is refusing to go up and down (again!), but I have some spare motors if that is the fault, and there is a full 'How To' repair guide on the forum. I could fix it again, but any new owner would do well to familiarise themselves with the popups;
I think I fixed the leak into the rear load area, but there is one into the rear passenger footwell which I've never had time to investigate properly. There is no sunroof so that doesn't leak! There is a good tailored car cover, which will be included and is useful if a garage is not available;
Rear light lenses badly crazed, really only cosmetic, but front lenses are good;
I don't think the heated seats work;
Washer level switch not working;
One of the previous owners looks to have messed with the dash and not refitted it properly at L/H end, never got round to it myself;
Likewise some carpets need attention to the fit.

Finally a word on the engine. It starts easily if the starter motor engages, but sometimes there is just a click. I wonder if the solenoid is sticking. Anyway, it always clears after a few attempts and fires up. Tickover was sometimes a bit iffy but that improved with more use - lack of use can be almost as detrimental as overuse. As if to prove the point, I took the car out yesterday (first time in ages), and there was a bad misfire when under load, even just gentle acceleration. This is clearly the first thing to fix, and probably means the car would have to be trailered to its new home. It was running fine last year.

Unfortunately, I don't have the energy to work on it now, and health issues mean I am likely to have to surrender my driving license in the near future. So it really has to go. What is it worth? I have a rough figure in mind, but it could be too optimistic! What do you think?

[jamescarruthers]

Sorry to hear this Dave! I really hope it gets a good home.

[jifflemon]

Dave, I’m happy to host some pictures (as it’ll be one of the things you’re going to be asked for!)

[Martin Mc]

Hello Dave,

I have sent you a pm.

Martin Mc

[davekit]

Hi All
Thanks for the replies.

Martin Mc - You seem to have 'private message reply disabled' so I cannot add you to a PM. Don't know where that setting is, but I've not encountered the problem before. Let me know on here when you think it is fixed and I will send a PM.
Regards - Dave

[Martin Mc]

Hello Dave,

I've re-set my messaging profile, so a PM should be possible now

Cheers!

Martin