My wife has been driving this car for the last two years as her daily driver. The term "daily driver" is often used to hide a multitude of sins but in this case it truly refers to a great car that you can use every day. Most of the Mark IIs on the market seem to fall into two categories: they are either rusted, non-running heaps, or totally restored and very expensive examples. This car seems to be a rarity, a reasonably priced and very nice example that can be used as is. I bought this California car locally and have done lots of mechanical work during the last two years. I spent over $9500 at my cost in parts and sublet work, none of which includes our labor. You can see the invoice here, but the high points are as follows:
New parts include a complete stainless steel exhaust system, all 8 calipers/piston assemblies, brake pads, brake hoses, master cylinder, subframe mounts, front suspension bushings, rear suspension bushings, all 4 shocks, heavy duty front springs and sway bar, heater core, spark plug wires, dual SU fuel pump, upper and lower ball joints, and much more as seen on the invoice. The radiator has been re-cored with a heavy duty core. The brake booster was recently rebuilt. The carbs have been rebuilt. I had the rear axle rebuilt and it has two brand new axle shafts. Both the starter and generator have been rebuilt.
The car comes with a tool kit, jack, and owners handbook along with a few spares like the original steering wheel. The front windscreen chrome is not fitted but comes with the car. The car runs and drives very well. The wheels are the later flat hub type in very good condition with decent Michelin Radials. The car does not overheat and has great oil pressure. I really don't see any rust on the car. You can see undercar pictures at http://www.kevinkayrestorations.net/mkii. The chrome is very good throughout, with only minor flaws. The paint is attractive and glossy but certainly not a show quality finish. I would say the paint is a 6 or 7 out of 10. Door and panel fit is decent, but not perfect. There is the odd scrape and chip in the paint. Overall the car presents very well.
Here are the negatives on the car:
The engine block number LB2981/9 is correct and matches the data plate, however the head number LB8653/9 is not the original.
The power steering pump and automatic transmisson both have significant leak issues. The power steering hoses have been replaced but the pump itself leaks. We replaced the speed hold bellows on the transmisson but there are still other leaks. These are both nuisance issues and do not impact the operation of either unit. I just keep them topped up. The engine consumes a moderate amount of oil.
I have refinished some of the wood in the car, door caps, etc. but the dashboard and a few other pieces still need to be done.
The interior although presentable has been redone in non-original materials. The seats and door panels are vinyl and the carpet is nylon instead of wool.
That's really about it. To take this car to the next level, I would fix the leaks, finish the wood work, and maybe redo the interior. However none of this would keep you from enjoying this car as is.
Asking $24,500 but all reasonable offers will be considered. Contact us at (530)241-8337 or email us for more details.
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