1.6 RS shell with a 1.9 XU9J4-D6C Mi16 engine as fitted to the 16v model. This is the non-cat 2-row ECU version with 160bhp standard. Still down on V5 as a 1.6 carb engine (not that I would ever encourage anyone to mislead their insurer about that
).78,000 original miles on shell. Both sills are new having been welded in in November of 2018. No rust anywhere else except for a couple of tiny bubbles on the bottom of the front doors. Engine mileage unknown but the ports and bores are absolutely pristine with their original machining marks.
Has MOT to 11th December 2020. Timing belt, water pump, clutch, headgasket, hydraulic pump, alternator, starter, exhaust manifold, front disks and some hydraulic and brake lines were replaced November 2018 at 70,000 miles and the car has only covered about 8,000 miles since all this was undertaken.
Have fitted the following:
Original 16v 5-speed gearbox
GTi suspension upgrades, inc. thicker front ARB and lower-capacity hydro spheres.
Rare Arndt front bumper
Electric windows on all doors
Recon hydraulic pump
Faster starter
16v instrument cluster
Phase 2 16V alloys
Phase 2 smoked taillights
Being 30 years old and French, it's by no means perfect. Some niggles I've found:
Idle control valve is a bit slow, it will sometimes cut out rolling into roundabouts with the clutch depressed, but it doesn't have the usual XU hot start issue so you can get going again straight away. I have replaced the valve with a spare but I don't think my spare was 100% either.
Tracking needs set, wheel's a bit squint driving straight.
The gearbox does not like to be rushed into 4th, but if done gently it won't crunch. I have another gearbox which will fit it and has perfect syncros, but it's from a 1.8 Xantia and has slightly shorter ratios. Would provide quicker acceleration but I wanted to keep this as original as possible. Both will be included if you like.
Oil gauges need sensors fitted and wired, but rev counter, fuel gauge and coolant temp gauge work. Only other interior feature not working is the 12v socket which I think needs a wire soldered back on, but the windows, sunroof, heater controls and stereo all work perfectly.
This does not have any of the BXs scary faults - the hydro suspension has been very much trouble-free, it will cycle from low to high in less than a minute and the pump sounds healthy. Brakes very strong and power steering fine. Engine doesn't burn oil.
It's great fun - Engine pulls strongly right up to the redline. Good old school NA engine. Goes right off the 140mph clock. Sounds excellent too with the first silencer removed.
I would not categorize this car as having had a full restoration, as there is the odd blemish on the bodywork here and there, but the rear quarter, front bumper, front wings, bonnet were freshly resprayed in Nov 2018 and still look great. Call it a partial resto.
I have tried to be as honest as possible regarding the negative points; but this is not a car you buy with your head. You know you want it.
Obligatory:
THIS IS NOT A CAR FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED. IT HAS BEEN RELIABLE FOR WHAT IT IS BUT IT IS OVER 30 YEARS OLD. PLEASE DO NOT EXPECT A SHOWROOM CAR.