The Sapphire C340421 was purchased as per the advertisement; "Elegant British Motoring Icon fitted with the popular pre-select gearbox, suitable for daily use".

Driving the car would prove to be an exceptional piece of motoring mastery. The vehicle required a complete overhaul of the brake system, steering geometry setup and fluid replacement to be able to make it to the corner of the local road.

After these improvements were undertaken, the car went on a holiday to the Southern Tablelands. Performing well under the conditions, the car was loaned to others who proceeded to drive the vehicle like it was a two-door sports car. Unfortunately the Elegant British Motoring Icon then required a complete engine rebuild.

This provided the opportunity to attend to areas that had been visited by Mr. Rust and associates. Once areas were cleaned and prepped it was decided that a complete body spray would be necessary and a new colour scheme was chosen. The final two-tone, dark over light became a controversial choice with either a love it or hate it approach from members.

With a full year passing before the car and engine were to meet once again, it was beset with many other trials and tribulations with rear suspension and drive train issues. A lengthy overheating problem was eventually solved and the car is now, finally, an attractive example of Elegant British Motoring.

— Jonathan Dalgliesh