Technical data:
Model: Merlin plus 2
Year of construction: 1981
Engine: Ford 2.0 L- 4 cylinder OHC
Power: 98 hp
Special features: H-approval, right-hand drive, thermostat-controlled cooling, sports exhaust
It must have been the summer of 2008/2009 when I decided to become a classic car owner. It had to be a roadster, because I was already enamoured with my business partner's TR 6. The budget was relatively limited (for a classic car at least), but technically it had to be in order.
It took me two years to find a suitable vehicle after a thorough search through the Internet and classic car magazines.
Merlins are quite rare to come by and as a newcomer to the scene, it's not easy to tell the difference between a good car and a bad one.
My Merlin was a special offer on eBay in 2011 and I immediately thought: this has to work! New MOT, H licence plate, British Racing Green. I called the seller in Nettetal on the Sunday before the auction ended, agreed the purchase price and date, then viewed and collected it on Tuesday.
Super! My stomach ached with excitement the whole journey home. But now I had it - the initially cautious comments from my friends and acquaintances about the "plastic car" quickly died down and gave way to unanimous enthusiasm.
It took me a while to "think my way round" all areas of a car, but as it turned out, I had made a good catch. The Merlin was far from perfect when I bought it, but it wasn't meant to be. As we all know, the fun starts with the wrenching.
As a carpenter, I only have limited possibilities and knowledge, but "learning by doing" and there's a bit of wood involved.
In the meantime, I've done a few things to it and replaced it or had it done. And so it is rated a 2+ by Classic Data. Apart from the carpet, the interior has been completely renewed and upgraded with leather and wood applications. Chrome rings were added to the fittings. Spoke rims, badge bar, driving lights and a customised tarpaulin complete the picture.
Most of the replaced parts were old or not well made. But as we all know, you can always make improvements.
My highlight so far was my trip to Scotland in 2013. Two and a half weeks on the island, simply fantastic! After all, that's where he's at home.