Marathon mini pick-up project
Discussion
Well, thought I'd start a wee thread on my marathon project. So called because I've owned it in its present state for around 13-14 years!
My interest in our beloved little classic began with an introduction to the marque from the mechanic at my dads old work who happened to drive a modified pick-up. He sold me my first car, a 1982 Mayfair with a 1275 at the tender age of 16. I spent many an hour fettling with it but still hankered after a pick up of my own.
So I sold the Mayfair to buy a pick up project for the princely sum of £400. Little more than a shell and a selection of rusty parts it was soon home and I started buying up M-Machine panels. As I surpassed £1000 worth of panels my friend pointed out I may want to practice on something a little cheaper as my first major project. So he kindly donated a rotten City for £25. Let me tell you, this was by far the best shell to learn welding and bodywork skills as there was plenty to do!
Unfortunately for the pick up it took 2 1/2 years to complete, in which time I met my now wife. 3 kids and 2 house moves ensued meaning general family life took priority and the project went on long time hold. Until now that is. It is now residing in my garage having unearthed it from my parents ridiculously cluttered garage round the corner.
Plans for it were totally clear for years until I started having different ideas that stemmed from various car cultures over the 13 years or so the pick up has been in my tenure. Originally it was to be tartan red, black roof, black group 2 arches on 10's with an a-series. I had a vast spec in my head which I won't bore you with but I'm having doubts now. I'm now thinking a different more classic pastel shade and possibly a 1.8 160 K-series but still look relatively stock and period.
So here we are at the present day. I apologise for the rather large long winded story. I hope to be starting on it extremely soon. I'm just back from Le Mans Classic so full of enthusiasm and a possibly unrealistic target of LMC2018!
And the finished City that put the pick up on the backburner
My interest in our beloved little classic began with an introduction to the marque from the mechanic at my dads old work who happened to drive a modified pick-up. He sold me my first car, a 1982 Mayfair with a 1275 at the tender age of 16. I spent many an hour fettling with it but still hankered after a pick up of my own.
So I sold the Mayfair to buy a pick up project for the princely sum of £400. Little more than a shell and a selection of rusty parts it was soon home and I started buying up M-Machine panels. As I surpassed £1000 worth of panels my friend pointed out I may want to practice on something a little cheaper as my first major project. So he kindly donated a rotten City for £25. Let me tell you, this was by far the best shell to learn welding and bodywork skills as there was plenty to do!
Unfortunately for the pick up it took 2 1/2 years to complete, in which time I met my now wife. 3 kids and 2 house moves ensued meaning general family life took priority and the project went on long time hold. Until now that is. It is now residing in my garage having unearthed it from my parents ridiculously cluttered garage round the corner.
Plans for it were totally clear for years until I started having different ideas that stemmed from various car cultures over the 13 years or so the pick up has been in my tenure. Originally it was to be tartan red, black roof, black group 2 arches on 10's with an a-series. I had a vast spec in my head which I won't bore you with but I'm having doubts now. I'm now thinking a different more classic pastel shade and possibly a 1.8 160 K-series but still look relatively stock and period.
So here we are at the present day. I apologise for the rather large long winded story. I hope to be starting on it extremely soon. I'm just back from Le Mans Classic so full of enthusiasm and a possibly unrealistic target of LMC2018!
And the finished City that put the pick up on the backburner
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