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Well-known member
For sale is the last of the pre-facelift C3 s, comprehensively restored and presented in better than factory condition. It was imported in June 2015 and the restoration began in March 2016.<br />
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This car was neglected in the New York region for over 15 years and when it arrived in the UK, every part had suffered from rust, mold, or degeneration, meaning very little could be re-used during the build and almost nothing was left untouched.<br />
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From the factory, this car came with almost every option provided at the time (with the exception of the gymkhana suspension and manual gearbox):<br />
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Air conditioning<br />
Power brakes<br />
Power windows<br />
Power steering<br />
Tilt steering wheel<br />
Leather upholstery<br />
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Given the condition of the car, every nut and bolt was removed, down to the bare shell, to ascertain the true condition; thankfully, the steel chassis, sub-frame and major metal components had only suffered from surface rust, however, the smaller metallic parts were not so lucky.<br />
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Once stripped, the chassis was cleaned, treated and then coated with epoxy mastic rust proofing paint, to ensure longevity. The rear coach spring and shocks were replaced, as were the front springs and shocks. As the chassis was rebuilt, every bush, every track rod end were replaced ensuring the best possible handling.<br />
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The power steering piston and pipes were all replaced, fuel lines, universal joints, everything to bring this classic 1970 s icon back to a standard the factory would have been proud of.<br />
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All callipers have been replaced and fitted with braided hoses to replace the standard rubber ones and improve braking. Given the age and neglect this car had suffered, the original brake servo and master cylinder were not trusted and were also replaced.<br />
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The E-T wheels, which were an aftermarket option in 1977, have been diamond cut and polished with the inserts painted, to a stunning finish; with wheels making or breaking a car, these had to be just right and they look incredible.<br />
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With the rolling chassis complete, it was sent to paint, whereby any and all blemishes in the fibreglass were repaired, the front bumper was replace and a sumptuous American metallic deep red was applied, over a black primer to create an incredible colour that has to been see to be appreciated and once in the sun, it takes on a whole new dimension.<br />
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Once painted, the interior was treated to modern soundproofing, to improve the experience, all internal plastics were painted black, to better suit the new red exterior, all new carpets were fitted, new door cards, the seat frames were shot blasted and powder coated and then rebuilt using new foam and seat covers. New dash parts were sourced, new windscreen, driver door glass and the loom was checked and restored; not one element of the interior has been left untouched.<br />
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The engine bay was painted, the loom tidied (1970 s engine bay electrics leave a lot to be desired ) and a brand new Chevrolet 350 small block crate engine installed, to replace the original, which was sadly beyond repair.<br />
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The engine, while matching the original as a 350 small block, has been fitted with Edelbrook four barrel carburettor, intake manifold and cam covers; a chromed alternator as well as new power steering and air conditioning pumps compliment the block; nothing on this engine has been reused from the original car. Ceramic branch manifolds replaced the stock, restrictive items, connected to a complete new twin exhaust, diverging from the factory 4-2-1 system to enable better breathing.<br />
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The gearbox was tested and found to be in good order and as such it was simply serviced and put back to work, tethered to the new 350ci V8. <br />
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While the air conditioning condenser was in good condition, the coolant radiator was not and was replaced with a deeper, aluminium unit, including all new hoses. The car was finished with a new battery and MOT"d on the 4th April.<br />
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All in all, this is an incredible car, with more new parts than can realistically be mentioned in an advert, but from front to back, almost every single part has either been replaced or restored, it even smells like a new car!<br />
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The pictures show a stunning car, a true 70 s American icon, but they simply don t do it justice and seen in the flesh it s breathtaking.<br />
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The following video is a quick slideshow of the restoration, showing progress from start to finish: youtu.be/XUTbaGRifGw<br />
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Viewings are more than welcome and please feel free to call or message me if you have questions.<br />
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Only cash on collection or cleared bank transfer; a bankers draft would be accepted, but I will only release the car once it has cleared (I have had one cancelled on me before)<br />
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The car is not yet registered in the UK; I am happy to do this, or you can register it yourself; I have the NOVA and MOT certificates (as it"s over 10 years old, it doesn"t need a VOSA inspection)<br />
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Date written: 29-Apr-2017
Price: £24000 Or near offer
More about this vehicle on carandclassic.co.uk
ID: 7615