Tar was sprayed onto the flat panels and a hot iron and brown paper used to smooth the surface. This unusual approach obviously resulted in the preservation of this car to the extent that in 1990 it became a suitable candidate for purchase by the Vauxhall Heritage Centre.

Ray Cooper, the senior vehicle restorer, and his team duly set to work painstakingly restoring the car to its original condition. It seems that the front suspension, steering box, propshaft and brake callipers had been overhauled and new brake pipes and fuel lines made up. At this stage front and rear axles were loosely bolted onto the body/chassis unit to enable it to be moved around. The remainder of the car had been completely dismantled.

Strangely at this stage and in December 2000, the Heritage Centre decided to sell. The reason is not clear. Maybe it had the offer of a different 101, an estate for example, or just a more desirable car. However, Ray arranged the sale for £200 to Stuart Burgess of Luton who with his uncle, John Burgess continued the restoration which was considerably extensive.

The engine and gearbox were rebuilt and a new clutch fitted. The braking system was fitted with further new parts throughout. A new radiator and hoses together with a set of new tyres were fitted. On the bodywork side, a new windshield and rear window had to be sourced as these items were missing. The doors had to be built up again and a new valance had to be welded in at the rear. With a new carpet installed the interior gradually came together and the exterior fitting-up could begin. A lot of hard work finishing up with a final polish of the coachwork and chrome was amply rewarded with a first time MoT pass and the car now attracts many an admiring look. Stuart brought it to Billing last year where perhaps you have seen it. Thank you Stuart for sending in this story.

Stuart's car after restoration

When a car ends up in a museum most people shrug their shoulders and resign themselves to the thought that it's yet another car that'll never see the light of day again and will not be used on the roads as it was meant to be thereby giving pleasure to its owner and an admiring public. It's almost as if a car receives a life sentence in jail...but, here's one that escaped.

NUK 878E is a 1967 late model FC101 that has had an unusual history. It was originally purchased by a Mr John Beech who lavished more than the usual level of attention on it in that he paid particular attention to protecting the underbody and chassis. John's method was to periodically pump a total of 19 gallons of oil under high pressure into the box sections and cavities.

Date: 11th April 2003