keeps cutting out whilst driving

Either fuel breather blocked or something in the ignition breaking down when hot would be my guess.

Leads or coil.

If it starts missfiring more likely one ot more plug leads. If it makes it cut out then king lead or coil.

Easiest to replace all leads and coil.

So does it cut out once the choke comes off?

Has the carb ever been stripped, cleaned and generally refurbed?

thanks, automatic choke cuts in and the the choke comes off but the engine does not cut out until i have driven it for a mile or so, carb has never been stripped or cleaned that will be my next mission, thanks all

Maybe a duff fuel pump too. It might struggle to keep up when the cars running and let the float bowls run dry, but be fine at ilde.

Sounds like carb fuelling problem

Had this exact problem with my old mini. Random breakdown 5mins into driving. Tried everything, in the end it turned out to be the condenser.

They are pennies so I'd try changing that if I was you.

So the car cannot be started up again?

If it were me, I'd check for the following before assuming anything, once it has cut out:

-Check your engine earth? If the car is turning over it is probably OK,
-Check for a spark, both at the king lead end, and then at the plugs.
-No Spark at the kind lead? Check for voltage going to the coil? If so I'd suspect the low tension ignition side, it could even be the switch
-Spark at the kind lead? Check for a spark at the spark plug end with a spark plug attached. If there is no spark I'd suspect the condensor, points, rotor arm and cap.
-Check the plugs and see how wet and sooty they are? If they look dryish, try some Easy Start down the carb and see if that cures it.

Someone should do an FAQ for a non-starting car here .

Had this with a MK1 Golf GTI years ago, you can have the same issue with the Audi Coupe type 85.