Amazon estate on ebay

[gillberry]

Hi all (sorry we originally posted in wrong section), we are seriously interested in this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MEWA:IT&ih=002
what sort of prices do they go for ?
What is parts availability like ?
How well do they tow (we have a 1968 cheltenham all in 1000kg) ?
Anything else we should know ?

Thanks in anticipation of your replies ,
Simon and Jayne .

[Alf ista]

This may or may not be of interest. I noticed in the February edition of Practical Classics, there is a dealer advertisement for "Bob's Affordable Classics". He has 2 Amazon estates for sale. It says they both need re-building but the price is £999 for the two of them.

[222s]

Originally Posted by gillberry

Hi all (sorry we originally posted in wrong section), we are seriously interested in this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MEWA:IT&ih=002
what sort of prices do they go for ?
What is parts availability like ?
How well do they tow (we have a 1968 cheltenham all in 1000kg) ?
Anything else we should know ?

Thanks in anticipation of your replies ,
Simon and Jayne .

Prices are very dependant on condition, and appearances can sadly often be deceptive. I would strongly recommend viewing any potential purchase, and inspect it thoroughly, looking in particular for rust / filler / bodged repairs etc. I have been slowly writing a guide to what to look out for when buying an Amazon, which might be of use: click here

Parts availability is pretty good - not up to the levels of cars like MG / Triumph sportscars or Morris Minors, but the only real issues for saloons are that things like brand new doors and rear 1/4s aren't available. Be aware though that as far as I know, no estate specific panels are available, except possibly the lower valances. Also, the car in the ad that you linked to appears to be missing the rear mudflap brackets - these are bolt on extensions to the rear inner arch that end level with the base of the valance, and in turn to which the mudflaps are attached.

As for their towing ability, I have had large loads on the back, but they were car trailers so I can't comment in relation to the extra drag of a caravan. However the rear bumper mounting brackets (to which the towbars are usually attached & where the bumper irons are bolted to the body) can rust very badly, so that area needs very careful inspection.

An estate or o/d saloon will tow better than a non o/d saloon as they have a lower geared back axle - that low 1st gear is very useful for hill starts with a big trailer!!!! The car in the ad has a B20 so should perform well & has a lot more torque than the 1.8. How useful o/d would be when towing is debatable, but it makes a huge difference in normal driving (able to cruise happily at motorway speeds).

Above all, if you can, I would strongly recommend getting any potential purchase checked over by someone who knows Amazons well, as this could save you from buying a car that looks good but is actually a heap under nice paintwork.

[amazondean]

I have used mine for towing my caravan a few times. It pulls it but i wont tow more than 100 miles as it can be tiresum.

I restored my car some seven years ago from an original untouched car. 90% of the car is still original and in very good order. I would stick my neck out and say its one of the best origial examples about. I used to use it summer and winter and was stood outside all the time but i now keep it garaged as i have realised it is far too good to be stood out all the time.

I may be tempted to sell as i realy have little use for it now but i would only be tempted if top money was offered. I restored this car in the thought of keeping forever and may do so as i know i will not be doing it again. After playing with amazons for some years and because of this i have amassed alot of knowlege about them. It has twin carbs and overdrive. It has the original interior in superb condition.

[jimbo1593]

would echo what is written above.
if you are seriously thinking of buying at that price you must view first...pics mean nothing, and when the guy writes that there are big chunks of paint miisng but doesn't show pics, well u pays your money...
Just my experience of buying parts for saloons and viewing estate prices everyhing seem smore expensive...obviously cos of rarity.

[gillberry]

Hi all , read up as much as possible spoke to a specialist so that when I went to view the car on on thursday I knew what to look for . The only concern is the rust on the nearside windscreen panel but as we will be having her resprayed in a year or 2 we will have that repaired at the same time . Everywhere else is solid the engine sounds sweet and apart from the front seats she is great (re front seats we like the idea of headrests so whats best to fit , they will be recovered to match original trim anyway) . Today she came home and will be staying with us .
Thanks for all your feedback it has been very helpful .

Simon and Jayne .

[Derek UK]

The very last Amazons had head rests fitted. From about '67/'68 the seat back frames had the tubes fitted for them as some markets had them earlier. Kits of the small parts needed to do the upgrade can be had, I believe, from CVI, although a quick look didn't find them. You'll have to find the headrests to complete the job. All that's assuming you want to use the original Amazon seat style.

http://www.cvi-automotive.se/index.asp

[gillberry]

Hi thanks for the info the other half would like original seats if poss .

[jimbolya]

Congratulations gillberry!

many many miles of happy motoring to you and the OH, enjoy and cherish!

Jimbo