CHASING CARS
ASKING £74,995 PRICE
ENGINE 2965cc/V6/DOHC POWER 220bhp@6500rpm TORQUE 199lb ft@4400rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 145mph 0-60MPH 7.2sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 12-22mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT Exempt ODOMETER 39,065 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Before firing the engine up, we check that it’s in neutral, because the clutch is power-operated. The pedal has a short travel, but it’s easy to manoeuvre. Selecting first gear needs a little assertion, but upward changes from there are slick. Dropping from third to second takes a big push, though there’s nothing mechanically wrong – it’s simply a characteristic. Synchro across the ratios seems to work adequately. There’s a neutral balance to the ride, with a firm edge that makes handling sharp and direction changes agile. The engine is smooth and flexible and dropping a gear lets it fly. The speedometer wobbles at some speeds, but the braking is powerful and progressive.
BODYWORK CHECK
The yellow shade suits the style and size of car, it’s aesthetic complemented by unmarked and stunning magnesium Campagnolo wheels; larger 215 tyres correctly fitted at the rear. The smaller 205s on the front are still slightly bigger than the factory specified 195s. The paintwork looks unmarked, although close inspection reveals some correction has taken place. Minor traces of overspray can be found on the windscreen rubber, at the bottom on the nearside. Generally, the panel gaps are straight and even however, the gap on the front (bonnet to passenger side wing) is wider; likely cured by adjusting the bonnet. There’s no sign of rust and the black-painted inner wing panels look very clean.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Wide doors help access the classy and luminous cabin. The grey leather seats and door cards are unmarked, and the dashboard is topped by grey suede that also shows no cracks. Air vents on the top of the dash are manually operated and there are six minor gauges and two major ones on the ‘flight deck’. At the time of our drive, the dealer explained that the Merak was still undergoing preparation, hence a few el
