[Early_S_Man]

Andrew,

Hopefully ... the car is from a private seller that has owned the car for some time! If it is from a broker or used car lot ... that does not bode well! If there aren't any records or someone who is familiar with the car, be wary! The engine and transaxle could be ready for expensive overhauls!

If the engine is not the original MFI, be suspicious, and ask why??? If the clutch pedal doesn't have the proper 15 mm to 20 mm of freeplay, and shift easily and quietly into reverse AND 1st gear, ask how long it has been driven that way??? Ask how recently the gear oil was changed, and what brand was used?

Examine the heat exchangers, and oil lines to/from oil tank for evidence of corrosion ... some of the '72 oil system components are NLA, and unique for that year only!

The brakes should operate smoothly at ALL speeds, and without pulling to either side ... from 30 mph, or 120 mph, with no steering correction needed! Brake and clutch pedal operation should be smooth, without any binding! Look at the fluid levels in the brake fluid reservoir, and color of the fluid. Ask how recently the brake fluid was flushed/bled?

TBC ...