I haven't used my Legnum for 6 months due to an ABS fault that is stopping me getting an MOT, and I have an Evo 9 Wagon as my daily now. The VR4 is becoming quite rusty and needs a small plate on each rear inner arch at the sills, brake discs, the ABS fault fixed and the AYC pump replaced. There's also some gremlins in the dash as the speedo and rev counter are now working intermittently. There's lacquer peeling on the side trims and front wing/bumper/bonnet so it needs paintwork too. It runs and drives perfectly and always has during my 9 years of ownership - it's been the most reliable car I've ever owned.
With an MOT it'll do another year or two but i'm now thinking about either breaking the car or transplanting the engine and running gear into another shell as a project. I'm thinking Volvo Amazon Estate as I've been offered a fairly clean one at a sensible price and I have a soft spot for the Amazon Estate having had a few in the family in my youth. The engine bay in the Volvo is quite narrow but the inner 'tubs' that make the bay so narrow can be removed so I reckon it can be done with a bit of thought
What do you think? MOT it and get what I can for it, Break it for spares (rare 5sp manual) or transplant the relevant parts into a completely different car?
If not the Volvo, what other car would be a good 'sleeper' to build? I'm thinking keeping it as an estate car and have considered a Vauxhall Viva Estate as I know of a clean one going cheap. I want something old and retro but with the Legnum 4wd and engine.