My new 'Mk1' project but it's not a VW......

Deciding that I needed a bit of a 'project' for my 50th birthday in a couple of weeks time I have been searching for something suitable for a couple of months.

I had found a Brown 1980 Cabriolet GLi which is what I have always wanted, but after much agonising had to admit that I had neither the mechanical or bodywork skills to restore it back to original condition, but most importantly no garage space, or realistically much room on the drive.

So what else could I have?  It had to be able to sit outside without problem, no rust issues but small enough to fit on the drive without too many problems.

Well I have found something - for those of you that have not have one I'll pause whilst you roll about in laughter…. Because I've bought a Smart Car!

Not just any Smart though, I've tracked down the holey Grail of Smarts..  The equivalent of coming accross in our world a totally original 1976 GTI.

it was one of the very first ones made - June 1998 - and possibly one of the oldest in the UK.  It's a LHD of course and one of the launch Special editions - a 'Limited/1', with 69,000 miles on the clock and 100% original even down to the floor mats.

Its been stored in a collection for past 6 yrs - being MOT'd this week and it's first trip will be the 90mile journey home - hopefully under its own power all the way, fingers crossed.  Really just wants some proper recommissioning and things like suspension and chassis having minor surface rust removed then repainted - could also need a new engine , turbo, gearbox, suspension if I am unlucky - not even driven it so bit of a gamble.

Right, those of you that still think I am off my head, just to put it into perspective cost me less than some have spent on a set of wheels for their Golfs..  Will post up a couple of pics later that I took when going to view it yesterday later.




 

Looks great Richard

My neighbour has one that she got when they first come out its pristine! Lhd too...

That's certainly a left field choice but a good one 😉

back in 2004 went to Mercedes Dealer to look at a new C-Class and didn't really like it, looked at the Smarts in a showroom and saleswoman told me to take it for a drive.  30 mins later I was hooked and bought it.

Went down the full mod route, alloys, remap, exhaust, tarox discs. Chrome, tints, then just ran out of space for three kids!

Cool purchase mate, and nice having an early one like that !

My bro had a Brabus four four, and was a little animal !  

Massbad69 said

That's certainly a left field choice but a good one ðŸ~‰

Ditto!

Will you be going the modified route with this one Rich or are you keeping it standard as it's an early one?

Love it Richard, great Birthday present!  

Hairyarse said

Massbad69 said

That's certainly a left field choice but a good one ðŸ~‰

Ditto!

Will you be going the modified route with this one Rich or are you keeping it standard as it's an early one?

Definately standard this time, thankfully nothing seems to be missing,apart from Cd cartridge for CD changer, even got Continntal tyres all round which is what they came with - although they are quite new.

Only bit that may have to change its that its got the original rear window they all got recalled to fit a modified type as originals could explode when the heated window elements switched on, if going to use much in winter will have to sort this and carefully store the original away.

The engines the most fragile bit on these, can need rebuilds between 50k and 90k, no idea if it's been done already or about to need it.

Blimey, exploding rear window! Can you still get that changed under the recall?