Hi,

If that 1960 car has its original engine, then it could well be a B16, but a lot of 122Ss have received second engines, B18 or B20. Check with your seller.

If it were me, I wouldn't go for a B16 engine unless I was competing in historic rallying that demanded it. The parts are more difficult to get hold off and I would want that 5-bearing crankshaft, more supple, less busy.

Look for good bodywork above all, because your budget will be blown very quickly if you need extensive welding done. A good interior is nice as a bonus. Surface rust is not a problem, but check under the dash as a first step. This will reveal any possible rusting of the windscreen pillar area, which is structural and best avoided. Then check the floor pans, inner wings and all the usual areas, including battery holder and spare wheel well.

If you can find a post 1967 car then it will have some advantages, including longer-lasting rear trailing arms (they don't rust away as easily), better seats, disks at the front etc.

And I would always want a car that had been driven regularly, and not sat in a field for years. So for a tatty driver, I'd say 800-1000 is not unreasonable.

Tom, London