Gearbox reluctant to engage 1st and 4th

[thor rob]

Hello everybody, congratulations on a brilliant forum.
Yesterday I became the proud owner of my first SVX. A 1994 United Kingdom spec, ~127,000 miles and no modifications that I'm aware of (apart from a dented front wheel arch where someone hit me this morning whilst parked ).

The seller mentioned that it always pulls away in second (missing first completely) and won't engage fourth gear (even when the drivetrain has warmed sufficiently). I know that there were specific problems with the earlier gearboxes, what do you recommend?

My technical skills are basic/intermediate and I would really appreciate any and all advice.

Cheers, Rob