21 Years of ownership

[suddy]

It is exactly 21 years ago that I picked up my 480, a young lad with a smile on my face all the way up the M6.

In that time, I put on 170,000 miles, drove it everywhere. From filling the boot with broken paving slabs to the tip, to Germany, Italy, South-of-France even ended up in Hungary once.

I would be lying if I said they were all trouble-free miles, the reality is that there were many times over the years where I wanted to give up and buy something “normal”. Even as recently as this year when a hose burst and at the same time my rear radius arm bracket snapped, it crossed my mind to take my radio out and drive it to the scrap yard.

Having said that, I still get enjoyment from driving it, my 4 year old loves going in it, plus it’s comfortable and easy to park.

I wanted to share how valuable this forum has been in all that time, not only welcoming but members giving accurate and helpful advice.

I wish all reading this the same enjoyment as I had over the years and here’s to many happy miles.

Stephen

[Jay-Kay-Em]

Nice to hear. Once a car crosses that 30 year threshold they do require that greater level of commitment and effort.

Keeping any car for 20 years is commitment in itself and deserves credit.

I wish you many more years of happy 480 motoring!

[jifflemon]

Congrats!

As Jay said, the older a car gets, the more frustrating ownership can be.

I’d happily forgoe free tax and cheaper insurance for reliable and quality parts supply!

[suddy]

I would have to say that it's parts availability that's the biggest challenge.

10-15 years ago, if a plastic clip broke, I'd phone up the dealer, order it, and 3 days later pick it up. Now you're in need to make something, keep searching the internet or do without. There aren't any in scrapyards any more - even the cars in the scrapyard are too new.

[Jay-Kay-Em]

There aren't any in scrapyards any more - even the cars in the scrapyard are too new.

Even the ones that are sitting in breakers yards have everything broken and deteriorated just like what you need!

Unfortunately driving something so unique comes at a price. It's why I find series 2 Land Rovers and MGB's (et al) so utterly boring at classic car shows because all parts are on the shelf still. No great challenge to keep them going.

Although I do believe things are getting better. What used to be unobtanium (like rear lamp lenses) are now easily available and the 3D printing community can make headlamp hinges and seatbelt arms etc. This is only thanks to the extreme dedication of community members.

[jifflemon]

Unfortunately driving something so unique comes at a price. It's why I find series 2 Land Rovers and MGB's (et al) so utterly boring at classic car shows because all parts are on the shelf still. No great challenge to keep them going.

This x1000!

Classic mini? Pah, you can literally build a brand new one! E-type? Yawn

I always make a beeline for the more obscure stuff at a classic show because the owners tend to have a bit more about them....