Found my ERA (

[Thomas_hmlo]

** Just received a call this morning and the car was sold** So, now I am back to searching again**

It took a while to prioritize family, work, and the attempt to find a good Lotus S1 without success; I have finally come back to "buying a Mini" exercise. Located an ERA in Japan. It is a 1992 Japan spec BRG color.
Sharing the link here.

http://www.goo-net-exchange.com/usedcar ... index.html

According to the seller, the idle rpm is not stable and they will fix it to perfect before shipping.

The driver seat is saggy and will need to sort that out. I contacted Newton but they said they do not have the seat cover available. Can you point me to the right direction to get the seat cover?

The car is still in Japan... I expect it will take a while..... before I can physically see it in person.

[Thomas_hmlo]

A quick update on ERA search.

Just confirmed the purchase and the car is being arranged to be picked up from the owner by my Japan contact.

Sharing some photos here. Too bad only able to add three attachments here.

[paul]

looks nice where are you UK?

You can post loads of urls to images if you put them up on photobucket or something.

Paul

[robr1006]

Looks very tidy - enjoy!

If you have the full leather interior a specialist may be able to revive and recolour the leather. If not they will be able to re-create the cover from new leather. If you have half leather and half tweed you are in trouble - because the tweed cloth is no longer available.

Unusual wheel centres! Not seen these before

[Thomas_hmlo]

Upload photo with sharing URL

[Thomas_hmlo]

Second batch of photos.

Hi Paul, Robr1006

I am located in Hong Kong instead.


The driver seat may have some scratch mark due to use. I think that can be sorted out relatively easily by recoloring. I know some of the original features are missing, such as ERA bonnet badge, wheel covers, gear knob. I have located replica Turbo bonnet badge from internet, MG MK2 Metro gear knob from eBay with a help of my friend.

For the wheel covers, I was being told there are different mounting from year to year, so I would hold that off until I have the car physically in front of me.

[G96LUE]

Looks almost as good as new. You have a great ERA there.

[Thomas_hmlo]

Hi G96LUE,

Thanks for your reply. I think the car body condition is unrestored and looks good given its age. Definitely not as good as new. There are nicer ERA for sale but they are owned by used car dealers and the price are higher. Plus used car dealer always requested a car service fee to recommission the cars, since they are already past the vehicle inspection date.

Pity the wheel caps are not original though. Hopefully the owner still has them and able to locate them before it is being collected for inland transportation next week.

I also asked the owner to locate as many original parts and accessories as possible. Anyway, I expect he may not able to find them.

This car is privately own and located in southern part of Japan. Around 1000 km away from Tokyo. The owner put it on sale thru a used car dealer. The car is due for biannual inspection in Jul 2013.

The communication process is not direct and it took much more time to get answers. Buying without actually seeing the car in person is risky and could not even test drive to assess the engine condition is not good. All I can rely on are these photos and the honesty of the seller.

[G96LUE]

I do have 4 centre caps in my box of spares and I think they were the last 4 that compomotive had in stock. They cost a lot more than the first 6 I brought for my car and trailer though. I think the first ones cost me £10 ea but the last 4 cost £ 35 each. I think they realised they were rare and could charge what they like.

[Thomas_hmlo]

Quick update. The car is transported to Tokyo today and I got some new photo of the car.
Also got photo of MG Metro MK 2 gear knob. Maybe it fits the car without problem.
Preliminary comment from my Japan contact. The car surface has some sand paper mark. Maybe re-sprayed before....