New Monty. Much better condition than my old one! :D

Here are some photos of my Monty which is finally back on the road after over five years in my ownership. I found this in the yard of John Fogwells, a local garage in Pottery Road of Bovey Tracey back in April 2006. It initially looked a shed being covered in leaves and moss, but a closer inspection showed this to be a car in exceptional condition, having 21500 on the clock with an absolutely solid shell and complete interior. The tax disc in the screen ran out at the end of March 1993. A deal was struck and she was trailered the mile home for a total of £100. Some mechanical work was done - the brakes were completely overhauled, new radiator, cam belt, oil change, new fuel filter, plugs and leads - the usual items. I eventually got the engine running after replacing the fuel pump relay and having the injectors cleaned and mechanically everything worked.

The paintwork was dull but it proved not to be possible to get a good finish by cutting it back. So there things were left for a couple of years. I took early retirement a couple of years ago and this gave fresh impetus to the project. I decided to bite the bullet and have a professional respray in the original Targa Red. The interior was stripped out including the roof lining and exterior trim (very carefully) removed along with lights, bumpers, door rubbing strips etc. The car went to Cannon Autobodies in Pottery Road, Bovey Tracey who not only resprayed the body but also the bumpers, replacement alloy wheels, door handles, black door surrounds and door shuts. I think the results were well worth the £1200 cost.

A new windscreen was fitted, and a tilt and slide sunroof. The roof lining was recovered by West Country Trimmers, again in Pottery Road, and fitted by me after a bit of a struggle. The dashboard was removed as it had a large crack, which was repaired by The Plastic Surgeon, yet again in Pottery Road. In fact the restoration has been very much a local effort.

I decided to leave the boot spoiler off. This was the only really poor area of the car where moisture was trapped under it next to the paintwork. The car has a new boot lid courtesy of Rimmers. I've retained the spoiler should I change my mind but I doubt it as the the springs are now capable of holding the lid open!

white diamond,115k

Pictures taken at the 3.40h am P&O ferry "Pride of Canterbury" Dover-Calais.

past and present cars

CHASIS PROBABLY STILL MADE IN UK, EQUIPED WITH A 1.3L TOYOTA 8A FE ENGINE, VERY RELIABLE

I bought this car in November 2011 from Montegoholic Ed Davey - pretty well mint, low mileage, and a nice spec to have too! Currently my daily. For more, refer to the following album.

http://www.maestro.org.uk/forums/album.php?albumid=328