Ah, the Morris Ital – a car that epitomises late 70s/early 80s British Leyland. Born from the Austin Allegro, it aimed to inject some life into the aging design. While it might not be the most glamorous car, its sheer survival in the NZ classic car scene gives it a certain charm. Let's explore what makes this Ital tick. Or sometimes, not tick.
Rust, rust, and more rust. The Ital's Achilles' heel is its susceptibility to corrosion, particularly in the sills, wheel arches, and around the windscreen. Mechanically, watch out for worn-out suspension components (especially the Hydragas system if fitted), leaky water pumps, and tired carburetors. Electrical gremlins, a classic British car trait, are also common. Uneven braking is often observed due to age or neglect.
Check the condition of the sills and floorpan *very* carefully for rust – many Itals fail WOFs due to structural corrosion. Ensure all lights are working correctly, and that the braking system is in good order, especially the handbrake. Suspension components should be checked for excessive play or wear. Corrosion on brake and fuel lines is also common and will result in a failure.
The Ital was an attempt to modernise the Allegro, but under the skin, much remained the same. Engine options were typically the A-series units, known for their reliability but hardly performance. The chassis was also largely unchanged from the Allegro, inheriting its handling quirks. In New Zealand, they were sold in modest numbers, meaning finding parts can be a bit of a treasure hunt these days. Be prepared to get friendly with specialist suppliers and online communities.