EX55IV Posted January 1, 2012 Report Posted January 1, 2012 I sold my old KE55 in search for one in a bit better condition. I found this one, out of the blue and strangely enough, same colour - almost same everything! Sitting on a backstreet in Stanhope Gardens in Sydney was this 1981 KE55 SE, I had nearly given up hope finding another one for a sensible price. I called the number on the sign and made an offer which was accepted pretty much on the spot. It belonged to a fragile elderly lady who was in a nursing home, she had not driven the rolla in 3 years and it had just been sitting in her carpeted garage in her villa. She had given instructions to her daughter - who I was speaking with - to please sell the car to someone who will look after it. She obviously loved her little car! The sweet old lady sadly passed away 2 weeks after I bought it. So I call the rolla 'Grace' in her honour. It is a 1981 KE55 SE Auto. Ivory Glow in colour - I say cream, however a lot of people seem to thinks its green - depends on the light. It has had a few repairs over the years to keep it in tidy condition, as expected. I have no garage for it at the moment (taken up by 1969 Mazda 1500 deluxe) and no rust at all has popped out. It has a few cracks in the dash as expected and the obligatory ding in the rear bumper (I have seen very few KE's with out one for some reason) The trim is almost as new. The radio and gauges work and don't drop out as is common. The engine is original and has done not even 120 000kms yet. It is very quiet to drive, no rattles or knocks. I love driving Grace! Quote
SLO-030 Posted January 1, 2012 Report Posted January 1, 2012 SO CLEAN! congrats on the find :yes: Love the kerb feelers. Quote
Ben-89 Posted January 1, 2012 Report Posted January 1, 2012 Its good cars like this are going to people like yourself who appreciate them. I'm sure Grace would be pleased :) . Will you atleast creat undercover accomodation for it as I assume you want to keep it long term? Look after her :y: Quote
EX55IV Posted January 1, 2012 Author Report Posted January 1, 2012 Its good cars like this are going to people like yourself who appreciate them. I'm sure Grace would be pleased :) . Will you atleast creat undercover accomodation for it as I assume you want to keep it long term? Look after her :y: Thanks guys, My family have a farm in Western NSW with plenty of dry shedding. Grace will eventually end up there semi retired along with some other older Japanese cars (will all still be used occasionally to keep in running order) I'm looking to make a collection plus parts to sit along side my Dads Original and immaculate Holden FJ and old farm machinery and tractors. They are all well cared for. Quote
JDM55 Posted January 1, 2012 Report Posted January 1, 2012 i love lawn bowls lol dam this thing is tidy as , makes me wanta buy another one ! only got 2 already haa, nice ride mate. Quote
JJT036 Posted January 2, 2012 Report Posted January 2, 2012 Very very nice find Troy. Not too many of these in this condition today. :y: Josh :cool: Quote
ke20rolla Posted January 2, 2012 Report Posted January 2, 2012 Absolutley amazing mate, make sure you look after it and garage it. I would not change a thing, great score. :cool: :dance: Quote
cianw94 Posted January 2, 2012 Report Posted January 2, 2012 Now that is fricking overrated! Well wear. Quote
EX55IV Posted January 4, 2012 Author Report Posted January 4, 2012 Just scored a Venetian from a very good friend for $100! which I will fit next weekend, to preserve the top of the back seat and the colour in the crocheted rug (Granny rug) that my Grandmother knitted for me 30 years ago. Plus I don't mind the classic look of a 'vaneesh'. Now, I'm in two minds here, the tyres - the Goodyear Grand Rally 'S' are well roadworthy albeit probably close to 20 years old. I'm thinking of fitting new 1/4 inch white wall tyres of the same size. Do you think this will be over doing it? or just leave them plain Jane? Quote
drkbrth Posted January 4, 2012 Report Posted January 4, 2012 If i owned this, i wouldn't change a thing! Such a nice 55. Quote
B.L.Z.BUB Posted January 4, 2012 Report Posted January 4, 2012 White walls? And maybe some chrome hub caps? But really, wow this really is the epitome of nana spec. Great car. I like how you hid the rego sticker under the visor, I may/will steal that idea. :laff: Quote
Ben-89 Posted January 4, 2012 Report Posted January 4, 2012 Keep the standard 13" wheels with trims and centre caps. Leave the rims in the original finish (as is) and its a winner. While its a classic, white walls looks a tad over the top. The vaneesh is a great pick up! Quote
B.L.Z.BUB Posted January 4, 2012 Report Posted January 4, 2012 I was thinking the thin white walls. Doesnt matter, looks good as is :y: Quote
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