Hello all, just wanted to say Hi and having read many of the posts im a little daunted as everyone has so much knowledge, much of which i will take advantage of over the years!
I've got the opportunity to save my late grandfather (in laws) Dolomite, i think its a 1975 1850HL Auto in a rather tired burgundy/ox blood red. Think i remember him telling me it has overdrive?
Sadly he passed away earlier this year at the grand age of 101, he was in the RAF and flew bombers during WW2, he loved his Dolomite and i remember him tinkering on it many times along with sending my wife and i to random places to pick up spares, it was his pride and joy and his weekend ride (had a Focus daily driver)
It came as a bit of a shock when i saw the photos recently, it was garaged however i think in the last few years with failing health and eyesight he may have misjudged a few things, the front n/s wing is crumpled, rear o/s door skin bashed and nasty dent in rear where it looks like he has reversed into a post, damage to bumper, boot, boot lid and rear pane, might be underneath as well. I don't think realistically it has run for at least 5 + years, maybe more.
Im going down to see it towards the end on the month and having sold my 1982 VW T25 camper this year for a caravan i need something to tinker with, seems a shame to let such an iconic car die so i want to keep it in the family.
Am i thinking too romantically? As long as its not a rust bucket im pretty sure it could be saved, i know its difficult to comment without pics but thought i would share my plans and say Hi.
Im based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire and the car is down in Sussex but will update you once ive poked about. If anyone knows it let me know and i will be looking for a club in my area.
Cheers