Well, something came up locally and given the price, I really couldn't say no.
So, in the end I've got myself a car that wasn't on the list, but will fill the primary role of "something cheap to practice on so I don't break her Panda".
It's a Uno 45 FIRE.
No power steering, no electronics, no electric windows and, erm... no brakes!
Well, it turns out the brakes are actually present, they just require written notification of the intention to stop, at which point, they'll think about it. Fast pumping gives brakes, but the pedal will sink to the floor if kept applied, guessing seals in master cylinder are shot, new part is less than 20€.
To complete the driving experience, the gear linkage, as the previous owner proudly demonstrated, is mostly composed of cable ties and there is no passenger mirror (normal on French market cars pre-90's).
Vacuum on the delco is a bit suspect, but once warmed up it idles fine and goes like manure from a muck-slinging implement (for 700kg values of muck and a 45BHP implement anyways).
Not found any rust other than on the tailgate, though I haven't done more than feel the rear sills.
Engine is more "OIL" than "FIRE", few oil seals to replace there. I wonder if it'll fit in the parts washer at work...
And how much did I pay for this little Guigiaro-designed marvel of 1980s Italian technology?
100€
That's about 80 quid.
For a car that needs about 50€ of parts and a few hours from a sympathetic mechanic. It failed it's CT (MOT) on both front indicators being broken, a rear light earthing problem and the obvious brakes.
A car that could give someone basic transport for many more years.
It had to be saved.
