Ta for the replies. Checked and there are mounts on the axle for the anti-roll bar. Have to admit the handling on this car seems fine or maybe I don't know what I'm looking for (first car) - Why would a previous owner remove the anti-roll bar off? Is there any reason?
there is a suspension school of thought saying that when running stiffer shocks/springs removing or keeping standard the rear sway/anti-roll bar and only upgrading the front give maximum grip to the rear so it does not slide.
a few people in the AE86 and silvia circles certainly adhere to this with some success. i my self dont subscribe to this theory and would much prefer to fit swaybars and have the shocks/springs/coilovers match to the rest of the suspension.