Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Something different and unrelated

I love classic cars of all genres and eras.  Last year I bought a 1991 Daihatsu Applause 1.6 GXI Auto, with only 36K on the clock, good service history and all mots.  The car was in very good condition but needed a few bits and pieces doing to it, which have now been completed.  The car drives as new, has a silky smooth gear change and does 40 MPG.  It's also pretty quick, the engine has 103 HP.

Lovely car to drive, the Applause.


These cars didn't sell well in Europe as they were expensive (£10,000 new in 1991) and Daihatsu have very few dealerships compared to more mainstream competition.  Nevertheless, they've always made very good, reliable cars.  They've been owned by Toyota since the 1970's and the 1.0 Yaris engine was from Daihatsu.

A Daihatsu Applause in fine fettle!


The car has had a full service, new timing belt, thermostat, front brake discs and pads and new rear pads.
Th body work on the car is excellent and the interior is like brand new.  The alloys are not original, I had them in my shed from a previous car and luckily they fitted.  The original alloys are in good condition, but needed 2 new tires for the MOT, so changing the wheels sorted this and I think the alloys suit the car well.



I also sprayed the underneath of the car with a waxoyl type product.  The car sailed straight through its mot with no problems whatsoever.

Nice simple interior.  Car has 4 x elec windows and elec mirrors.


Only 3 Applauses left in the UK


Great quality velour seats.