Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Richard H]

I've owned this little fella for 3 1/2 years now.



Only a year ago I said I'd never sell it, but...

Since starting University it's been parked in my grandad's garage, gathering dust. It's safe and dry in there, but I'm starting to get hankerings for an A40 Somerset, and I'm up to my self-imposed five car limit. Also, the only way I'll be able to afford a Somerset is by selling "Nobby". I don't want to sell the Atlantic and the Cambridge and Maestro aren't worth enough. I've also spent far too much on the A55 to ever consider selling it! My other A35, "Peanut", has sentimental value and I will never sell it, and it does seem a bit silly having two cars of the same year and model.

However, I'm in a bit of a dilemma because I don't want it to go to just anyone! It's a very solid shell, which could be made into a concours contender with a bit of work, and this is what most people would do with it. The problem is, it's only done 34,000 from new and still has most of it's original paint, so I think it would be an absolute crime to restore it - as you can see from Roger's picture above it still looks very smart, but it's not mint. It won an award for "Most Original Car" at the A30/35 Club National last year. I also wouldn't want it to go to someone who'd sell the numberplate (either a dealer or a so-called enthusiast raising funds for restoration work), or a dealer. It needs to go to someone who will look after it.

I hate selling cars

Rich.
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Richard Hughes

[Rick]

It's a lovely little car isn't it, I've had both - A30/A35 and Somerset - not sure which I prefer, probably the A30/A35 as the A Series seemed a bit more robust than the Somerset/Devon 1200cc unit. Plus I wasn't all that keen on column change, although I suppose your Atlantic has a similar setup?

Finding and buying is a lot more fun than letting stuff go agreed

RJ
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[Richard H]

Agreed Rick. I'd make a hopeless dealer as if I could afford to I'd never sell anything!

I do like the column changes, although I agree they do vary in how good they are. I'd always choose a 1950's car with gears on the column over a floor change though, if I had the choice
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Richard Hughes

[Ellis]

Dilemma indeed.

If it were me, I would consider the relative rarity of the two cars and I think the Somerset is probably the rarer.

At the annual classic car show here there are always six or more A 30/35s on display but only rarely a Somerset.

The Somerset is a handsome car IMHO.
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Starting Handle Expert

1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
1962 Land Rover Series 2a 88"
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[Rick]

Probably "safest" to advertise it in the club mag if you're a member, less chance of being noticed by the numberplate pirates you'd hope.

RJ
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[PAUL BEAUMONT]

Rich, faced with such a dilemma "do I sell or don't I" I reckon you should stand back look at the reg and see what the car is saying!

On a more serious note I agree with the comments made about reg numbers being sold. I reckon there needs to be some sort of a scheme where, if the number is sold in the next several years, you recoup a proportion of the sale.
Paul