While I'm still chasing the Biota Mk2 that was seen recently in a garden (this one), another long-lost car has resurfaced. Amazingly this one is a one-owner Mk1 car that was built in 1971, registered 'GOT 134K' in 1972 and put away in storage in 1974! It has always been with the man who built it in the county of Hampshire since.
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Biota owner Peter Niessen made me aware of it and told me that the car made it to the market after 52 years of ownership. The car, chassis number 21, is equipped with an 850 engine with some tuning bits and pieces and is in need of a restoration now. It is complete though and the owner has given the body a polish recently, which turned out remarkably well. No surprise it was sold swiftly.
Built 1971, registered 1972, put away in 1974 - this is a one-owner Biota Mk1
Picture via Peter Niessen
It spent the last 49 years in storage in Hampshire, but has now moved from there
Picture via Peter Niessen
850 engine with stage 1 head plus bigger valves, camshaft and carburetor
Picture via Peter Niessen
Complete and can be made running no doubt, but I'd go for new wiring
Picture via Peter Niessen
Comfy 'clam seats' are a lovely period thing so very specific for the Biota
Picture via Peter Niessen
Simple dashboard lay-out with Biota's unusual gear lever position and pattern
Picture via Peter Niessen
The original owner has given it a polish and look how well it came out!
Picture via Peter Niessen