SXF 749

SXF749 when new

Served with Hounslow CD, driven by Desmond Groves. Photos brought to Shugborough 98 by son Anthony (SXF735).

Martin Shepphard wrote (08/02):
Being stripped down, needs bulkhead (looks beyond repair), chassis in surprisingly good condition, front wing tops bad due to steel plate being fitted to add strength to support mirrors (bad reaction with alloy). Currently Marine Blue in colour, but with the original Bronze Green showing through, has a hard top with horizontal split tailgates. Tax disc in window says 1983, so I guess that's when it was last on the road. It also has a heater in the rear (dead posh, I thought).

Hardtop offered for sale Legend 117.

Jon Ackroyd of Bradford wrote (5/11):
Saw SXF749 heading south out of Pickering on Friday 20th May. Now bronze green with tilt — looked tidy but not over-restored.

In July 2011 Mike Prior wrote:
I just thought I would provide a bit of history to this vehicle. My Father owned this, having purchased it from an auction in the 1970's. He was a keen caravanner and wanted a good vehicle to tow with. When I was aged 17 I learnt to drive in this vehicle, and not only did I have to contend with the art of driving, I had to learn to 'double declutch' to change from third to second and second to first gear. When I took my test in the Land Rover seven weeks later, the instructor admitted that he had not taken somebody for a test in such an old vehicle. It was interesting when I did my emergency stop as the vehicle was not fitted with inertia real seatbelts and nearly put the examiner through the windscreen!

The vehicle was laid up for several months/years as it was in need of some extensive work to the door pillars and subsequently he sold it to an enthusiast who knew something of its history and who was prepared to restore it. It was very interesting to see an old photo of it in all its glory as I have fond memories of this vehicle. Thanks again for this trip down memory lane.

I also have these two pre-restoration pictures on file, but regret I don't know who sent them to me.

[To add (or alter) information on this page, please contact me on sxf@teeafit.co.uk.]