TOYOTA Corolla 1200SL coupe (1 of 2 in the UK-the older one) tax exempt. KE25

 I bought this car in September 2005. I am the 4th owner. and bought it fully-restored from an enthusiast. It's been such a sound. honest car. that we've remained friends ever since.

This is one of the rarest cars you will ever see on UK roads one of only two remaining (http://www. howmanyleft. co. uk/?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=toyota+corolla+1200+sl). and mine is the older of the pair. the only originally UK-registered car.

Driving this car is a constant source of joy; people give a friendly wave. will ask you what it is or recall some childhood memory of a long-deceased relative owning one - usually appended to a "I haven't seen one of those for years. " type of remark.

I haven't ever got out of this car without a smile on my face - it is living history. a car I never ever believed I would sell.

So why the sale?

In essence. I really need the money to fund repairs to my property. and being self-employed - the recession has not been particularly kind.

So. regrettably - it has to find another home.

I have set the reserve at what I paid for it.

The car currently is SORN'ed. and without an MOT (it failed on a lower ball-joint). I have the new replacement part and will either present the car 'as-is' (with the part). or have it fitted and with a full MOT for £100 more than the ultimate selling price - it's up to you if you wish to drive or trailer it away.

I also have a load of new/old spares. including engine. carbs. body panels. exhausts and trim. These are not included. but will be offered to the seller by way of separate negotiation (you will need a van).

The eagle-eyed of you will have noticed that the car runs 13" minilites. this was following the conversion by the previous owner to a 5-speed transmission. which meant a change of hubs & wheels from the original 12" steel wheels.

I have the original parts (including the ultra-rare chrome hubcaps). and will include those with the car. should you wish to revert to 'factory'.

The car runs on unleaded fuel without additive or adjustment - very rare for any vehicle of this period - Toyota were very forward-thinking.

Maintenance-wise. the car is a peach; simple yet reliable. and loads of space around. Over the previous 8 years. apart from oil & filter. the only parts needing attention were a track-rod. HT leads and a battery - 6 months ago (through lack of use).

Body-wise. as you can see. it polishes-up really well. There are. as you would expect. a couple of minor dings. but I see this as a patina of age (and this age is cause to celebrate). rather than detracting from the overall impression of the car. It is not a new car. it wears its years with pride.

I have kept on top of the rustproofing. and it is a solid car. It has only ever gotten wet if it's commenced raining whilst out on a drive. but has always been garaged.

Inside. it is totally original. from the factory-fitted single-band radio (which operates the automatically extendible aerial). to the period aftermarket cassette player hooked-up to it's seperate pair of speakers.

It's a real time-warp of a car. which can keep up with modern traffic.

Please check my feedback; I am not someone who messes people around. nor would expect the same from who I deal with. If you wish to look at the car before bidding - not a problem.

Regarding payment and collection; I will expect contact and a deposit of £1000 within 24 hours of auction ending. I would also need to know if you want the car MOT'd. as I will need to arrange this with my local garage. The balance is to be paid on collection. which must occur at a mutually-agreed date no later than 2 weekends following the auction-end. I will also need to know if you are interested in purchasing the spares.

I have described the car honestly; please do not use the final price as a starting-point to haggle.

Thank you for your interest. and happy bidding.

Paul

On 13-Dec-13 at 18:50:02 GMT. seller added the following information:

Well in excess of 2000 page views and 160 watchers. with 4 days remaining. I appreciate the attention this car has created. If you think the pictures make the car too good to be true. I can assure you - I'm no use with Photoshop - the car is simply that good. It's honesty will amaze you. I fully expect there to be a flurry of last minute bidding. and doubtless someone will contact me afterwards to say their computer crashed. or they were delayed in getting home to bid. Please. I urge you to place your bid in plenty of time - once it's sold. it's sold and you know how rare this car is - you won't find another as good as this one.

On 14-Dec-13 at 11:16:28 GMT. seller added the following information:

I have been asked if the collection timeframe can be changed. if work or other factors cause a clash? By all means. I can accommodate your schedule. as I appreciate that transport/logistics can be difficult to arrange this time of year. The car is parked securely in the same dry double garage it has lived in for the last 3. 5 years. so a bit longer. isn't a hassle. If you do need this additional flexibility. please contact me prior to bidding. Thank you. Paul

On 16-Dec-13 at 20:06:14 GMT. seller added the following information:

At time of writing. the bidding is tantalising close to the reserve. Don't miss out on a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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