Paul
Looks nice ....
but does the service history show any mechanical recommissioning such as new brake pipes engine mounts anti roll bar bushes, radiator pipes fan belts i.e anything that is rubber should be given a good look at and generally replaced (esp brake pipes). I would spend out on all the main rubbery bits then you know you have a sound car in the brakes, suspension and engine and carb mountings departments.
Shock absorbers do not need replacing unless they show signs of leaking or do not damp when bounced on the front or rear end, except maybe if you wanted a firmer ride from say Konis.
Re vacuum hose there are not may hoses around that can take vacuum. Ordinary hoses will collapse over time.
What is the problem with the throttle valve bearings? I assume you have the 42 Solex's fitted? Is the car high mileage ? These carbs can only really be refurbished in the throttle spindle area by sending away to a specialist (in Italy).
These Sports can go for a long time if the above is adhered to.
I would change the antifreeze too when changing the hoses and would recommend silicon classic look ones.
Hope this helps and sorry you are not more local to me.
Tim
Tim,
Thanks for your comments, yes all the brake pipes are newish (end '13), radiator pipe is new, most other rubber parts have been replaced, leads, plugs, filters all look new, the hoses mentioned are new but look naff, don't know what type of carbs are fitted but on test it was a little bit plucky until warm and then seemed to run rich?
The car has done 81,000km, so 51,000 miles which is not bad in 44 years.
Frank/Andy,
You should have seen the state of the garage (and the footwear) on Sunday morning before the big clean & the four estate car trips to the tip!
David,
Yes Adrian Flux have so far returned the most competitive quote and I believe a phone call to them will reduce the quote further still so thanks for that.
Regards all,
Paul.