1973 Moskvich 412 – right-hand drive

1973 Moskvich 412 right-hand drive

The second set of pics (outside on a trailer) show it when I bought it in 2014. The horrible alloy wheels – an infliction of the previous owner – have since been replaced with correct Moskvich steel wheels.

The first set of pics (inside) show it now. It's been in dry storage. It's dirtier, but it hasn't deteriorated. The sole exception is the dashboard plastic... but more on that later.

Exceptionally rare in right-hand drive form... probably fewer than 10 left worldwide. Far more right-hand drive 427 estates have survived, for some reason.

The odometer shows 27, 571 miles and the lack if interior wear suggests this is genuine.

Appealingly coloured in Sochi Blue with a red vinyl interior.

Very solid and never welded. There's one crispy patch where the sill meets the floorpan under the driver's door – pictured – but I can't see any other underbody corrosion that needs attention. The body has various areas of surface rust.

The interior will mostly clean up beautifully. The seats and headlining are good. The doorcards are faded and some are peeling, but they're probably rescuable. The only significant issue is that the hard dashboard plastics – instrument surround, knobs, gearknob – are dropping to pieces. They all do this, annoyingly. Good new reproductions of all the deteriorated parts are available.

The engine is present and it's not seized, but it's currently just resting in the engine bay. The various missing ancillaries are all in the boot. The previous owner said he removed it to change the clutch, but I can't see any evidence of him having done this.

It needs new wheel studs, as the previous owner butchered them to fit the horrible alloys.

I have a current V5C in my name. I'm the third owner.

It's at my car barn near Northleach, Gloucestershire. Viewing is most welcome.