CHASING CARS
ASKING £7995 PRICE
ENGINE 2286cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 77bhp@4250rpm TORQUE 124lb ft@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 82mph 0-60MPH 22 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-29mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual + o/d MoT Exempt ODOMETER 8112 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
These cars don’t like being hustled, responding best to a gentler style. The very rare 80 differs from the 100 range by having two fewer cylinders and almost 30bhp less, yet thanks to so much low-down torque, performance is entirely adequate for those after a hushed cruise. The 80 starts instantly and goes about its business smoothly and quietly. While hardly pin-sharp or sporty, it’s no tank either, which also explains why it’s shod with newish (but budget) Hifly radial tyres. There’s no undue slack in the suspension or steering systems, while the servo-assisted brakes are aided by front discs and pull up without drama. The four-speed floor change manual remains in fine shape. Overdrive, active on top gear only, works efficiently but is sluggish to disengage.
BODYWORK CHECK
At first glance ‘Auntie Gloria’, as named by one of the P4’s four previous owners, appears in good condition, and fundamentally it is, showing a solid underbody topped by a dent-and rot-free shell.
What lets it down is the two-tone paint job or, to be more precise, the flat grey top half which highlights a myriad of imperfections on the panels. The dealer suggests it may be primer left on from when the blue flanks were repainted back in 2020, the job being left half-done. The good news is that it can be easily rectified, and the bulk of the chrome remains in fair shape, especially the hub caps and rim trims.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
P4 cabins enjoy a traditionally British drawing room atmosphere, though this one needs a little work to bring it into line. Although needing a good clean, all the trim – includi
