QUOTES
"Everyone knows that we have a two party system in this country but many don't really know how it works. It works like this. When the democrats get elected out of office, we have a party and when the Republicans get elected out of office we have a second party."
ăDon Rollberg
The Austin 850 Mini Countryman
Numbers: Serial Number: A - AW7 - 777537
Other numbers on the body: 75541A 4 65, FE 13799, CM 101188
Engine: 85H387 - H15834
Distributor: 25D
Generator: 22715H
Carburetor: AUD 86
Prior owner: Elizabeth Reese, 11 Beach Road, Motunau Beach, R. D. Greta Valley, New Zealand
The purchase: The car was purchased over the internet from Bill Cox of Shelby, North Carolina. The costs were: Austin 850 Countryman $2,000, shipping $1,500, and Customs and Port Authority fees of $250.00. The car was shipped from Auckland, New Zealand in February and arrived in Savannah on the 20th of April (Vessel: Tourconing Voyage: #105 Shipper: Wallenius).
Initial Observations: Car had a mechanical fuel pump which had been disconnected (but remained in place). Early style 850 transmission. The car was nearly rust free. Front grill requires repair but seems to have all the parts. A few things missing - rear bumpers, license plate holders & lights (rear), windshield fluid bottle, and some minor interior items. Perhaps a thing or two under the bonnet. No major dents. Seat material poor. All glass good.
Engine started right up - sounded fine ‚ may need valves and rings. No serious leaks were apparent. Both the brakes and clutch worked. Exhaust system is in very poor condition. Needs new tires, weather stripping, exterior decorative chrome, and all glass rubber. Needs a good steam cleaning. Repainting should be rather straight forward.
At the Port: With the advice of Chuck Heleker and the assistance of Stephen J. Street (of Savannah) things went well at the port. The DOA had required a spray (cost of $75.00) - which was accomplished prior to my arrival in Savannah. Chuck Heleker had provide me information on the import process and what should be expected at the port. I had called a member of the Austin-Healey Club who lived in Savannah ‚ Stephen Street. He met me upon my arrival in Savannah and with his assistance the entire process took us just under two hours to accomplish. The importer/broker, Bill Cox of Shelby, North Carolina, the day prior to my arrival, had accomplished the clearance process so what was left for me to do was obtained the necessary forms from the shipping lines (Straight Bill of Lading and entrance/exit authorization) and the Georgia Ports Authority to release (once I had gained entrance to the port grounds. We were able to locate the car quickly and easily by following the simple instruction of not straying from the double yellow line. Stephen started the car and relocated it for loading onto the trailer. It was in a vehicle containment pen along with three of the other Minis (not to mention a host of other cars) that had been imported from New Zealand. Following a short wait, we were met by a Georgia Ports Authority worker who reviewed the paper work and verified the cars serial number. He signed the form allowing our departure/exit and we were off.
Trip to Savannah: The journey of 2,620 land miles (made in five days) was accomplished using the 1994 Dodge 1-Ton Cargo Van (with 245,000 miles on the odometer) and the Austin-Healey
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