I have sold my Dolomite

[RobSun]

After a lot of heart ache I have sold my 1300 Dolomite to a friend who wanted it and I know will look after it.

Some will know that it was registered on a "Y" plate in late 1982 when it was purchased by a retiring BL worker. My research would suggest it was the last 1300 registered and the second to last of all Dolomites, the last a Sprint in early '83 now owned by Ben Edgington. It is a multi show winner and I wanted to keep it standard as I believe the car has some historic significance.

I suffer from a condition that sometimes gives me a lot of pain and recently it has got worse leaving me in unbelievable pain causing me sometimes to be unable to walk. Unfortunately this also means I cannot look after the car as much myself so increasing costs and driving it sadly often aggravates my condition. So when I was asked if I wanted to sell it to a friend who was looking for a change, after a little consideration I said yes. We agreed a price and now it is his waiting for him to collect early July.

Its the only car out of the 40+ I have had that I really love and will sorely miss. I've had her 7 years and to be honest didn't expect to let her go so soon but I believe its right. At the first Bradford Classic I did I was interviewed by the local radio station about the car. In 2019 I was interviewed again just before it won runner up to best in show. Someone commented that it meant it would be the last time I would attend with it. Not being that superstitious I brushed the comment off, but how true it has become.

I know Steve will look after it, he has the skills, premises and equipment to do what is required on the bodywork and I can pop over at any time to see it and he may let me have a drive if I'm lucky. So I may not be around much in the future, I will however pop in to see what's happening every so often and if they will let me go to the West Yorks meetings.

I may look out for something more comfortable for me but me thinks the car would need to be more "up market" bigger etc, and my garage will limit the size so this may be the end of my classic car ownership.

[cleverusername]

Sorry to hear that, hope you are successful in finding something more suitable for your needs.

[dollyman]

I too have a condition that cause's me considerable pain, so i share your grief at having to sell your car. I really need to sell my Dolly 1850 auto as i can't park it without it causing me more pain for a couple of days, but as you say you need to know it will be looked after. I also have a Triumph 2500S automatic which allows me to continue classic driving as it has power steering and is really comfortable. I can even get my mobilty scooter in the boot:D It might be an idea to try driving one and see how you get on.
I don't think i would ever like to give up classic's for ever.

Tony.

[Carledo]

Verry sorry to hear this Rob, you'll be missed around here!

May I suggest you look for a T2000/2500 derivative. Bigger, more spacious, softer riding (in stock trim) but still small enough to go in a standard 16x8 garage. I'd also suggest you go for a less historically significant car that you won't mind doing a few sensible upgrades on. Like putting in more comfortable and supportive seats!

I've been around classic cars of all sorts my whole life (back when they were just bangers mostly) and my biggest problem has always been finding comfortable seats. I'm not excessively tall or short, nor do I have any medical spinal problems, but I am a slightly odd shape in that I have a comparatively long body and shortish legs within my overall 6'. This means that most classic seats, which usually have very low backs, absolutely crucify me on long journeys, Dolomite stock seats in particular are agony for me after an hour! In fact the ONLY classic seats that have earned my seal of approval were those on my old 64 Volvo 122S Estate. (Ergonomically designed, way back in 64!) In that car, I could and did go from one end of the country to the other in comfort. Another one I should NEVER have sold! With values as they are today, i'll never afford another!

Steve

[RobSun]

Verry sorry to hear this Rob, you'll be missed around here!

May I suggest you look for a T2000/2500 derivative. Bigger, more spacious, softer riding (in stock trim) but still small enough to go in a standard 16x8 garage. I'd also suggest you go for a less historically significant car that you won't mind doing a few sensible upgrades on. Like putting in more comfortable and supportive seats!

I've been around classic cars of all sorts my whole life (back when they were just bangers mostly) and my biggest problem has always been finding comfortable seats. I'm not excessively tall or short, nor do I have any medical spinal problems, but I am a slightly odd shape in that I have a comparatively long body and shortish legs within my overall 6'. This means that most classic seats, which usually have very low backs, absolutely crucify me on long journeys, Dolomite stock seats in particular are agony for me after an hour! In fact the ONLY classic seats that have earned my seal of approval were those on my old 64 Volvo 122S Estate. (Ergonomically designed, way back in 64!) In that car, I could and did go from one end of the country to the other in comfort. Another one I should NEVER have sold! With values as they are today, i'll never afford another!

Steve

Thanks Steve,

The 2000/2500 triumphs are something I will look at, I had a 74 2.5 pi estate in 1977 and so I know they are comfortable. And yes I did think about putting Rover 45 seats in the 1300 but everyone kept saying no keep it standard but as you say putting them into another dolly is also a possibility.

Over the next few weeks once things settle I will see. I can echo what you say about the Volvo also, I learnt to drive in my Dads 122S. Loved it but they are getting good prices now.

[oily66]

A real shame Bob we’ve discussed this and I’m sure Steve will be a great custodian in the coming years.
Just wanted to put on record that you have done well by the car, frustrating at times but you’ve always stuck by it. This isn’t your average 1300, it’s a car of good solid provenance, original and we had a few debates about what we thought it was worth. Wish I could have done it justice and taken it on myself.
The very best of luck and wishes, hopefully see you around in your next comfortable tin box.