Faults:
Too many things to explain fully.
I had fitted a 1256cc Chevette engine to replace the original 1159cc Viva engine.
The AC Delco distributor was forever playing up, and the internals rattling about resulting in unwanted advance and retard of the ignition timing.
The starter motor kept wearing out, so I cut new grooves between the commutator segments - resulting in getting much more wear from the original starter.
The fuel line and/or fuel tank ALWAYS blocked and the car broke down. I removed the tank and line for cleaning on several occasions, but it never solved the problem.
An overflow bottle previously fitted to the radiator exploded on the motorway, and the temperature went off the gauge.
The pushrods stuck through the tin rockers, and a couple weeks later a piston cracked.
The car always suffered from severe suspension and steering problems, simply because the parts were all so old and worn.
Rust was becoming an increasing problem, especially in the sills and wings.
The gearbox and rear axle always whined, and jumped out of gear with a loud crunch if you tried to accelerate to hard in reverse.
It had a fuel leak from somewhere which I never got around to fixing. Resulting in economy as poor as 12mpg.
General Comments:
Although it broke down 'frequently' (it once broke down ten times in one day), I loved the car to bits, and always felt inclined to fix it.
It was slow, but the engine (until the end) was mechanically tough. It seemed to be the ancillaries which let it down.
The car was comfortable, and quite a smooth ride, which you would expect from a rear wheel drive.
Being the coupe model (in black) it looks great, and is a real head turner, but the interior is a bit spartan, with the bold 60's/70's styling.
I still have it in my drive, awaiting a complete rebuild.
I have since owned a Triumph Acclaim for one year, which has been totally reliable.
