On the road
The Arrow cars encompassed a wide range of trim and performance levels, from the rubbermatted and rather pedestrian iron-head 1500 Minx and Hunter DL, through iron-head 1725s, alloy-head 1725s with single carbs, alloy-head with twin Strombergs and alloy-head with twin Webers, spec levels also going up through the range to the ultimate leather-trimmed Sceptre with a dashboard stacked with instruments and even a separate cigar lighter for rear-seat passengers. Some variants were very rare, such as the desirable Sceptre Estate, and one-off specs were ordered including, it’s believed, Holbay power in a Sceptre and a Sunbeam GT saloon.
Parts are available to rebuild engines and running gear, carburettors etc, but a car with missing or damaged trim may be difficult to put right. Through the clubs you can usually track down most parts, lurking in private hoards: a great many have been broken over the years.
Check for a smooth pull through the revs commensurate with engine spec, with no untoward noises or overheating, or excessive oil breathing or leaks. The gearbox should change easily without baulking and overdrive, if fitted, should engage cleanly in third and top. Post-’73 J-type overdrives are the most robust; Rootes used an unusual relay so if that’s failed, it may be tricky to find. If you prefer an auto, try to find a late model with the Borg-warner 45 four-speed.
Check brakes – upmarket models had servoes – as well as handbrake for effective operation.