Canadian Micra

[Dave7]

I have just acquired a 1989 Canadian spec Micra. Seems to differ a bit from the UK spec cars with having the 1.2L engine standard and the sealed beam headlights. It is a bit rough but will be my winter car for now and perhaps a future project car.

It was pulled behind a RV in a previous life so the hood is missing a lot of paint. The tires are shot on it and are only 12" in size. Came with three good 12" tires but I have no idea where I'd find a fourth. The spare is less tall. So bought some 13" Honda Civic rims with winters tires. Will need a spacer to fit properly. Engine and interior is on the dirty side but sorting that now.

as bought





The dirty interior. I haven't got a chance to clean it yet but it is high on the priority list. Believe it or not those seats covers were thrown in for free

Strictly a four seater with only four seat belts. Quite narrow so probably no room for a fifth. I can lean over an unlock the passenger door with our leaning. I took my boys for a quick ride in it and the middle one asked "why is your car so small?" No carpets here - just rubber mat interior. Happily I found about $2.12 in the car so I've reduced my purchase price by over one percent!



with the "big" Civic rims. Now just to sort that wonky bumper ...

 

[Seb_]

Welcome mate ! (Y)

 

[will930]

i want all that snow!

 

[Guy]

Welcome Dave :grinning:. I bet to most Americans and Canadians, a Micra looks like a child's toy :laugh:.

 

[r-reg-sr]

i want all that snow!

no no no :grinning:

nice car,,,,,,welcome

 

[aLLeKs]

I love the front. Can you do me a favour? Can you please make a photo with the open bonnet which shows the back ob the headlights? I want to know if they are different in their dimension. if they are smaller

 

[sr20bud]

love the headlights mate (Y)

 

[Dave7]

Thanks all. I'll get that headlight photo for you tonight. Not many around Canada anymore (never sold in the US) but they are significantly smaller than the average. I also have a '73 Mazda 808 coupe which is close to the same size. There is one other in town that is quite a bit nicer than mine.

 

[Dave7]

here are the headlight shots.

 

[Dave7]

A couple photos of the Micra. 1.2L / 5spd. I love this car! Lots of fun to drive. Rather like a 2/3 scale VW Golf. I had to put the stupid 12" wheels back on for a short time.





The previous owner nicknamed it "The Dragon" after this and another decal (spells out Dragon on the rear window). A rather grand name for an unassuming little car. It is a brand of snowboard/ski goggles. Interesting that a brand goggles can inspire such loyalty as you'd use their logo to decorate your car with.

On another note this car is great fun to drive. Very toss-able and work the engine without really brake any traffic laws. I would like to add a tach though. Might wire an old Lada Niva one I have. The wife doesn't like it as it does look quite shabby. Hopefully I can make it look a little less rough over the next few months.



A '59 Caddy is a little bigger ...

 

[Seb_]

Great picture with the Caddillac in the snow ! (Y)

 

[will930]

i bet its a hoot to drive in that snow!

you get different snow to us i believe... we get very very wet snow.... but we did have some of that fun fluffly stuff last year!

and a good old bit of t-cut will sort that out!

you should check out Retro Rides
if you like this retro stuff

 

[Dave7]

Thanks - the tires are crappy but will be fun in the snow once I get the winters on.

This is my other car.