Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 999 Threads: 101
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Location: Cheshire
Is there any way to tell if a car has done only - say 6000 miles - over its 85 year life?
There is a Ruby on ebay at the moment making that claim - it looks 'well restored' and quite original - but very low miles? - hence my question.
(Don't know the seller - usual disclaimers.)
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 2,946 Threads: 162
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Location: Sherwood Forest
Car type: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
I would be extremely sceptical of such a claim; the car has clearly been the subject of a repaint and a rewire, probably a total rebuild, the door cards and seat cushions have been reupholstered (why if it has only done 6,000 miles?).
As a 1939 car it probably saw little use before the War, but immediately post-War it would have had some considerable value, so why did it not get used in, say, the period between 1946 and the mid-fifties, during which time it could quite easily have done over 100,000 miles. I would be fascinated to see what the 'proof' is to support the claimed mileage...
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 2,946 Threads: 162
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Location: Sherwood Forest
Car type: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
I also note that has lost its original rubber mats; I have owned three Rubies over the years with recorded mileages in the 60-80,000 region which have retained floor mats in good to reasonable condition. I suspect it's actually done those 6,000 miles since the rebuild!
Joined: May 2018 Posts: 1,944 Threads: 102
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Location: Llandrindod Wells
Car type: 29 Special, 30 RK, 28 C Cab
If it’s only done 6000 miles I would not treat it as a selling point. The car must have been standing for long periods or used for very short runs, neither does the engine nor the running gear any favours.
Cheers
Howard
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 999 Threads: 101
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Location: Cheshire
I think the only way to be sure of the total mileage of a car would be to know the whole history from new?
A car may have been neglected - perhaps left outside for quite a while - and so need quite a bit of cosmetic restoration and the interior replacing even if it hasn't ever gone far? But anything that does wear wouldn't be worn after only 6000 miles - all the original mechanical bits and fittings would show age patina - but no wear.
I once had a late Ruby that looked very original - it had never been rebuilt, had original mats (very decrepit) - but I did know the history and it had done a vast mileage by the 1960s. The original 3-bearing engine was there - but it had been put back in again after many years running on a 2-bearing engine. One clue that the car was well-travelled was the metal accelerator pedal - it was half worn away!
Despite the mileage claim being a bit doubtful, this car doesn't look bad from the pictures - given the Chassis No is 287224 (from the register), it will have dowelled wheels and rod rear brakes, being manufactured around July 1938.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,548 Threads: 90
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Location: Monmouthshire
My Ruby covers a recorded mileage of 3,975 miles every year. Does this mean that it is barely two years old?
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 177 Threads: 1
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All the electrical parts should have a month and year date on them, ie 06 38 or near if not ?? If not why not?
Joined: May 2018 Posts: 2,819 Threads: 535
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Location: Peak District, Derbyshire
Car type: 1929 Chummy, 1930 Chummy, 1930 Ulster Replica, 1934 Ruby
Here's the absolutely convincing reply I received from the owner. It's replete with uncontestable evidence that the Ruby has, indeed, barely ever done other than a very occasional trip to the church (on fine Sundays only) during the last 75 years.
"I may have 2 people interested in collecting over the next couple of days il keep you posted if it doesn’t sell would be easier if you was local to come and have a look concrete evidence on something of this age would be a thing I have paperwork dating right back past the 1970s with a enormas bundle of mots back to 70s confirming the millage is correct and it’s stable throughout and very original it was rewired in the 70s and had small changes ie crimps added to horn loom and some connectors added etc ! Il keep you posted once the guys have been if your still interested"
Well, that's convinced me. How can I pay?