Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Rich5ltr · Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 681 Location: Hampshire, UK

I have been asked by a friend if I would consider loaning the Lagonda for an event next December. She is the event manager for a top end country house (think Downton Abbey) and she is considering a Gatsby style themed event for corporate Christmas parties.

She has asked if they could use the car as a prop parked outside the house to provide the right ambiance as people arrive.

I have a list of questions but not having been involved in this sort of thing before I wondered if anyone on the forum has experience of this or generally what people's thoughts are?

1) Insurance - does the venue has suitable insurance should the car be damaged
2) Being December it may well be raining
3) If the event is replicated over 2 or 3 days is there garaging for it between time.
4) Would a fee be paid and if so what is it reasonable to ask? I guess just for one night I wouldn't worry as it would be fun and present a good photographic opportunity but she said it may be for 2 or nights
5) Would the car be roped off?

Essentially they run Christmas dinners for businesses e.g. Porsche UK held their dinner there a couple of weeks ago. So, while not riotous there's always a risk once people have had a drink... Confused

So thoughts / comments? - Rich...

PAUL BEAUMONT · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 1281 Location: Barnsley S. Yorks

Interesting question Richard. I reckon that there are a couple of questions:
1. Does your insurance cover you? or do they treat it like wedding hire?
2. What's in it for the company? it must have a value to them so you deserve your share
3. if all fails and you go ahead ask for a couple of dinner tickets!

Paul

Kenham · Joined: 12 Mar 2012 Posts: 209 Location: Kent

Hello, I got involved with a photo shoot for a magazine once with the Thames lorry,must have been about 15 years ago. I can honestly say I have never met such a load of useless incompetent idiots in my life. I finished work early about 3, drove about 20 miles to the place and them we sat about for most of the evening then eventually they wanted to drive over half of Kent and take some silly pictures. By 8 30 they had taken about 6 pictures all still sitting about talking, by this time I had lost it, telling them I am going home for my dinner. This had the effect and they took a few more , I think I got home about 10. If I ever done it again it would be £100 an hour at least I would under no circumstances leave a car like yours unattended at such a place, some people have no respect for such things and the people hiring you will deny everything if damage is done. Corporate events cost thousands so they can afford to make it worth your while I think. Ken

Rich5ltr · Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 681 Location: Hampshire, UK

Indeed, thanks Ken, some good advice thanks chaps.

I think the very fact that I was questioning it in my mind says I was uneasy about it. There would bound to be chaps wanting to get in for a photo with their girlfriends and it would be easy for it to pick up some damage especially as you have to step on the running boards and hop over (no door) imagine that in high heels!

I think I will politely decline...

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7106 Location: Derby

I would also never consider using a valued car for T.V. programme making.

From what I have seen i.e. Heartbeat, The royal, etc. they have no appreciation of classic cars and have written off quite a few. Crying or Very sad

lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1600 Location: Le Mans

I've lent my cars out over the years with nary a problem - except once. The E-type was used for "The car's the Star" with a blonde driving and it was fine, the D-type was driven at Goodwood by Grant Williams (BUY 1 or "Mr. Sideways"), and the car has been in many a display. As aforesaid the only problem was when lent to Jaguar for their 60th anniversary display. It was lousy weather and the security guard opened the big door to let someone out. The wind brought all the back panels down and from memory a dozen cars were damaged. Cost their insurance dear!

If it was me, I'd demand a gazebo and cordoned off since if there is drink around it could get silly. And make sure they have their own insurance by seeing a copy.

kevin2306 · Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 8:30 pm Post subject:

Not for me I'm afraid unless I really needed the few pounds likely to be paid!

Kev

goneps · Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 10:12 pm Post subject:

Sadly far too many people have no appreciation of meum and tuum. This was clearly illustrated by a couple of incidents during an annual Morris rally in Dunedin 16 years ago.

The first occurred while the cars were parked in a long line in a suburban street adjacent to a local landmark, which had also attracted a coach-load of Asian tourists and their cameras. Two of them decided it would be quite all right to have their picture taken standing in the back of my Tourer. When I spotted them from some distance away and yelled at them they hurriedly exited, slamming the lightweight door (at the second attempt) hard enough that it nearly ended up on the other side of the car.

A few days later we were at Lanarch Castle, and emerged to find some moron sitting in the driver's seat of my pal's Two-Seater, trying out the controls, and completely unabashed when approached (open-bodied Eights have no door locks).

I'd guess that at the sort of event Rich is considering a good proportion of those attending will be the type who have an entrenched sense of entitlement, and could well consider they have every right to meddle with anything laid on for their amusement—especially if the booze is flowing.

At the annual charity car show supported by the Morris Register my oft-repeated admonition, particularly to children, is "Look with your eyes, not your hands".

Richard

Rich5ltr · Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 681 Location: Hampshire, UK

Kenham · Joined: 12 Mar 2012 Posts: 209 Location: Kent

That's one reason I seldom go to a show now, the last time we took the 3 wheeled John Deere tractor to the local show we could not keep the lovely children off it, lets try to break the cast throttle lever seemed to be the plan. My wife tore the back page off the map book and wrote a polite sign asking not to get on the tractor which was held aside by father to get his 3 kids aboard. When asked which car was his in the car park so I could get in and try to break it he got uptight, not as much as me though! Don't think we have been to a show since,such a shame people have no standards in this modern world. They seem to want to observe the old ways at a vintage show but don't want to follow old standards , politeness etc. That's enough moaning at 9.45 in the morning,i'll go now. Ken. ps (I didn't get where I am today by not moaning)

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7106 Location: Derby

I prefer to go to gatherings of like minded enthusiasts where the great unwashed are not invited for reasons similar to those given above - although in that case it would seem to be another exhibitor (hate that term) who had the unruly offsprings. It's a shame that people don't have more respect because I for one would quite like to see my old cars on the T.V.
I tend to moan on about the inability of programme makers to do any proper research; the vintage Sunbeam in Downton Abbey was really quite ubiquitous. Rolling Eyes

Rootes75 · Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2016 1:48 pm Post subject:

Would depend on the type of event for me. I wouldn't be too keen but could be persuaded for the right reasons.

I have hired the cars out for weddings but have always stayed with the car so that is different.
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Various Rootes Vehicles.

baconsdozen · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Under the car.

I was asked once to hire out my Mk1 transit camper for a film. At first it seemed all the problems re insurance etc were being sorted to my satisfaction but later I was told that part of the filming would involve some sort of chase scene on a field. I was told the vehicle would be driven by an employee of the film company and even though the driver would not be visible I would not be able to drive it. I turned down my vans chance of stardom as I didn't see how any insurance would look favourably on a burnt out clutch etc.
Sometime later I saw the film and saw someone elses perfectly good transit camper ruined for no good reason,so I think I made the right choice.
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Thirty years selling imperial hand tools for old machinery(Now happily retired).

clan chieftain · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 2041 Location: Motherwell

I had the marinas loaned out for TV a few times. As long as they came for it..insured and garaged it and brought it back and paid me I didn't bother.
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The Clan Chieftain

winchman · Joined: 21 Feb 2014 Posts: 235 Location: Merseyside

Now firstly I know nothing about Lagondas but I have it in mind as being an expensive car?
To be honest I would be very concerned as no doubt a slight scratch would show up on such a vehicle.
I don't like driving my wife's 3 year old car in case I scratch it!
The contract and insurance could be so difficult to make it possibly not worth while.
I have heard tales of woe from car shows but never had any issues my self but I have only really had bargain basement vehicles Bedford CF camper and not much else worth showing really.
The final line is
Is it worth the stress for any money?
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It will come in handy even if you never use it.