DIDSM's Mint Mk1b - Ultimate Dilemma?

Paul Cyclops

What would you do if you were the custodian of this delightful example? The urge to stick a few reasonably brisk miles on it, perhaps on the continent, must be overwhelming. Conversely, I'd feel an obligation to keep it immaculate as this must be one of the finest examples anywhere...

D1SDM

[quote="Paul Cyclops"]What would you do if you were the custodian of this delightful example? The urge to stick a few reasonably brisk miles on it, perhaps on the continent, must be overwhelming. Conversely, I'd feel an obligation to keep it immaculate as this must be one of the finest examples anywhere...

I know what you mean Paul,it's so tempting just to drive and drive her [Very Happy]

but then even more so I want to keep it as immaculate as possible,and keep the miles down too,which is what I've always done.

uglee · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 9:11 pm Post subject:

Looking at that it's definitly garage queen material. Looks as it did when it left the factory.Amazing!

If you want to drive one, get a less immaculate one that has a few miles under its belt. Then if that inevitably picks up the odd stone chip or parking ding you won't be too upset over it.

Paul Cyclops · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 9:34 pm Post subject:

I think it's really important that at least a small handful of the model are kept in this fabulous condition (and I doubt there are more than a couple of further examples in this remarkable state). You must have won some prizes, Steve?

D1SDM · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 10:02 pm Post subject:

Too be honest I've never tried Paul,it's never even been to any shows! [Embarassed]

When I bought it I always intended to try but it's just never happened,when there's been a show I've always seemed to be busy or had other commitments,either that or it's been raining! It definitely deserves to be seen more,I have thought about selling and letting someone else give it more exposure.

un1eash · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 7:13 am Post subject:

I'd keep it mint as the price will only go up and get yourself a cheap run around mk1.

elbon50 · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 8:18 am Post subject:

boondougal · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:04 am Post subject:

it is a really nice example but i always have that thought in my mind that the priority should be too always enjoy the purpose of the object... and car is built to drive.

I guess as long as you balance the driving of it with the looking after it then there is a good balance to be had i suppose.

i know its always good when a real low mileage / new example turns up but i do also think there is something special about enjoying something to its fullest for as long as its life span allows... after all nothing last for ever

IanParkhouse · Joined: 29 Mar 2007 Posts: 116 Feedback Score: 0

IMHO Cars are for driving, keep it wrapped up in winter in the garage and drive as much as possible once the salts gone. Also make sure it's driven fast, these are sports cars and they have feelings too. They like to be out with the wind in their hair and their TVIS open.

Great that people want to look after a car but really done of us would be interested in these cars if they didn't have wheels and engines. Not using them is like keep a peregrine falcon in a bird cage.

brawr · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:41 am Post subject:

Amen brothers, squash that pristine carpet below the throttle pedal and drive that old girl like she deserves [Cool]

Lauren · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:33 am Post subject:

Cars are for driving I'd say. Don't really get the point of doing the whole GJOB thing and not using it to keep the miles down.

If you can't ber to put the miles on it, sell it and get an example where you'd be less worried about it. [thumbsup]

_________________
1985 AE86 Sprinter Trueno GT-Apex [lover]

2013 GT86 Miltek Exhaust, Injen Induction [lover]

Gilles27 · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 11:13 am Post subject:

Paul Cyclops · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 11:27 am Post subject:

I agree that cars should be driven but this particular one is an exceptional, if not unique, example. Once it starts clocking up tens of thousands of miles, or worse still, winds up t-boned at a junction, that uniqueness will be lost forever. F O R E V E R.

I'm pleased that Steve has taken on the responsibility of keeping this car in the condition it's in. There are still plenty of cars in fine (but far from concours condition) to enjoy as regular drivers.

IanParkhouse · Joined: 29 Mar 2007 Posts: 116 Feedback Score: 0

Probably best not to listen to me. I 'ruined' a really good example with a 2zz engine 6 speed box and LSD. Still looks original thank god.

[Shhh]

SuperRedMR2 · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:03 pm Post subject:

elbon50 · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:13 pm Post subject:

Usually I'm very much an advocate of cars being for driving [thumleft]

Not sure with this one though

It could be such a rare example that it should be preserved as is [Think]

Tiamat · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:26 pm Post subject:

The negines on these things are well built, 3,000 miles seems like an utter waste to me. When the MK1 was on the road I did 1,000 miles every month and never worried aboutit, even after having the restoration work done, arches full restored etc, so it looked nearly new, I still took it to Germany four weeks later and bunged 1500 miles on it in one go.

Cars are for driving! Yes it might get damaged, yes it might break down, but not using it will leave it just as vulnerable, garages burn down, cars get stolen, engines break if not used.

Get out there and hoon it. Thats what you buy a sportscar for!
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stenky · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:43 pm Post subject:

Take a look at this belgian chap here. Compared to this AE86, D1's AW11 has seen a real load of abuse.... 48km on an AE86...

http://jalopnik.com/5828381/this-is-what-a-brand-new-25-year-old-ae86-toyota-corolla-looks-like/gallery/1

this is insane. i wouldnt last a day

Lauren · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 6:55 pm Post subject:

boondougal · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 7:02 pm Post subject: