Restoration of a 2300 Station Wagon

By John Melici

We rescued the 2300 from a garage where it had been stood for twenty years.  The person, whom we had bought it off, had someone restoring it for him and was having problems with them, in the end the car was left in a garage and never touched again that is, till I found out about it.

As you can see from the photo, the car had new front wings fitted, which were hand made and left with no primer on !!!

There was a lot of work to do which included new sills, chassis, rear valance and parts of the floor needed repairing. All the parts were made by myself, as I am at Preston college working on a four year course in car restoration.

I was surprised to find, that hardly any work was needed on the engine and it started with no problems after twenty years of being left to stand!!!

It’s a wonder the car even managed to run as someone had put the inlet manifold gaskets the wrong way round restricting the inlet ports.

The engine was steam cleaned and then the engine bay was painted, all the metal parts in the engine bay were electroplated, which gave an original look, all the brakes have been serviced with new caliper seals and brake pipes.

The exhaust is a brand new Fiat system and the radiator was reconditioned.

The interior is all original with black vinyl seats and a red carpet.  The car is an automatic and a right hand drive.  We chose red and cream as we thought all cream was too bland and boring, we wanted to give the car some class which  I think we have.

I was very fortunate to find a man who was selling 2300 saloon parts.  The road from Heysham (Morecambe) to London is a long one but well worth it as  I came away with my little Tipo bursting at the seams with parts.

The Station Wagon was manufactured in 1965 and registered in 1967 it has had two owners from new.

For more information about the 2300 Station Wagon or general advice on restoration contact John Melici on 01524853513 or by e-mail at: Autoclassics2000@yahoo.com.

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