Before you buy

While the A40 Cambridge has to work hard to keep up with modern traffic, the A50 and A55 are reasonably lively for their age and the Westminsters offer respectable performance. It’s no surprise they’re a popular choice for endurance rallying with good ground clearance, a comfortable ride and great tuning potential.

Roll and understeer in corners is the norm, but they should not feel loose or wallowy. Check the engine that’s fitted: Cambridges are often uprated to MGA/B spec, Westies to Healey 3000. Raising the axle ratio is an option for more relaxed cruising, too. Engines show wear in blue smoke, rattles and knocks before the pace is noticeably dulled – poor performance is more likely to be due to carburettor wear or a tired ignition system. Get a compression check if in doubt: unleaded petrol will eventually cause valve-seat failure, while long periods of disuse can lead to piston rings breaking.

These cars date from when servicing meant 18 grease points every 1000 miles, and oil and filter every 3000 – look for evidence that this has been maintained, because wear sets in rapidly if it’s neglected. Rubber bushes fail if contaminated with oil. Steering boxes often leak; heavier oil is okay, or even semi-fluid grease. Lever-arm shock absorbers seem an anachronism, but are fine if looked after. Check for play at the inner end of the top wishbone caused by loose/failing splines, necessitating complete replacement (parts are hard to find). A soggy ride can indicate worn dampers, but they may just need refilling with oil.