Faults:

Put a rod through the top of the head at around 30000 miles.

U-joints right around the same time.

I had a big learning curve trying to figure out the SU carburator.

Smog hoses everywhere on the engine were dry rotted and leaking.

General Comments:

I acquired this car when I was 15 years old. Worked on it for a year before I was able to get my license.

Started to autocross the car and realized how well it really handles the twisties and tight tracks.

Seating is comfortable for me at 5'11".

Engine noise is loud in the cockpit. Makes the radio pretty worthless.

Leaf spring/suspension started to sag shortly after I started auto crossing it.

Faults:

Head gasket blew and melted number 4 piston.

However, this was fixed (at home) in a day for £50 due to the easy access to the engine.

General Comments:

Passed it's MOT easily, emissions with flying colours.

I bought it to learn about cars on - there's no job I wouldn't handle now - it's so easy to work on.

Basic car is good fun and cheap. There are lots of bolt-on mods available that can make the car into a real sports car.

Rear suspension problems are easily fixed for little cost and make the car handle like it's on rails.

The car is reliable enough to use every day - I will get another.

Faults:

Shorted-out light switch, which nearly set the wooden dashboard alight.

Failing brakes, caused by a dealer making a mess of replacing the left hand rear halfshaft and wheel bearing under warranty.

Broken heater flap control arm.

Bolt of the bonnet/hood stay dropped off.

Had to overhaul a leaking clutch slave cylinder.

Nr. 2 plug lead dropped off the plug in a fierce right hand corner.

Front number plate dropped off one day...

General Comments:

The car was neglected when I bought it. This explains most of the mishaps I've had so far.

On the whole, it has been surprisingly reliable.

Great fun to drive, especially with fitted overdrive.

Needs an owner with some technical insight, willing to do his/her own maintenance - there aren't many mechanics left who are prepared to work on these cars and know what they're doing.

Faults:

The car has had no problems thanks to a full restoration which has included a new chassis and bonnet and was finished in Inca yellow.

General Comments:

The car is the best car for under a grand I have ever seen even if it needed some work.

The handling is one of the best and lots of fun in the wet.

The low ride and general hight are deceptive and in truth the car can take a person of up to 6ft 3.

Faults:

Emissions equipment. Difficult to find new and used are expensive - yet required for state smog tests.

General Comments:

Fun car for cheap open top driving pleasure. Excellent engine bay access makes it an ideal enthusiast home mechanics car. Everything is right there in front of you. Interior looks nice but is a bit cramped for some. Most parts easily obtained.