Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

Ok! It’s crunch time for me, how many classics does a bloke really need?
I think I must get rid of at least 1… maybe 2, but I can find reason for keeping every one of them.

Firstly the 1939 Ariel Sq4 600cc (4F): this really should be for the chop, it’s rare, worth a decent wodge. I haven’t ridden it for years and have lost my bottle for two wheels anyway (even if I could still kick it over.) But then… it doesn’t take up much room, it’s appreciating in value, and although I don’t need the money now I might in the future.

Secondly Amy. The 1932. Austin. 10/4 deluxe saloon. I restored this in 1985 and it has given faithful service since. The memsahib used it for shopping for many years; we have been to innumerable shows and events with it, even towing a ‘Chateaumobile’ caravan to the Cotswolds and Dorset. It new resides in the back of the garage, road legal, but needing some bodywork attention and only having done 50 miles in the last 18 months. It’s part of the family.

Thirdly. Pigtin. The Austin 7 Reliant-engined special I built ten years ago. The brakes are a bit wayward still but it looks terrific and is great fun to drive. On the minus side: it’s a young mans car with suspension so hard that we have to plan our outings between toilets (the old kidneys take exception). It represents at least 18 months of my life in the building and development. How could I put a price on it?

Lastly. Grievous. My 1969. Sprite. 1275cc. My most recent, (and positively last) restoration. Took two years of grinding, welding and swearing.
It’s fairly practical, comfortable and reliable, I use it as a second car… but dammit, it’s almost a modern by my standards.
I hate having vehicles that aren’t on the road, I have a few health problems and no-way will I be able too keep them up-to-scratch and don’t want to watch them deteriorate. These decisions may come to you all one day…
Confused

Don.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22447 Location: UK

oooo tricky tricky eh!!! why not, sell the special and with the proceeds get any work thats required on the 10/4 done, as I'm guessing thats probably more usable of the two???

(like I'm one to give advice about selling something Wink

)

R
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pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

Yes, it begins to look like the special may be for the chop. Crying or Very sad

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22447 Location: UK

the other problem with selling stuff is that you're always tempted to buy them back again, eg my old Standard was on the 'bay and finished today

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170227892191&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=007

I was a bit tempted to have it back, but it looks like it has deteriorated since I had it, so would have needed work doing Rolling Eyes

RJ
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pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

I sold a Standard like that a couple of years ago, the previous owner had spent 5k on it. I think it fetched less than £500. Crying or Very sad

buzzy bee · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3382 Location: South Cheshire

Hi

My oppinion, is don't sell anything, just keep buying. Ok, I know it doesn't work like this, but I wish it did, and I try everything to make it so!

If you have to sell something, it has to be a car in my oppinion, as selling the bike, will make no visual difference, and will win you no browny points. Also the bike gives you a nice variation, if you see what I mean.

Cheers

Dave

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2009 Location: Glasgow

Personally I don't think you can have enough classic cars, but in my situation I am limited only by my wife Embarassed

I realise there must come a time when you have to downsize and it must be a struggle to come to terms with the idea.

If I was in your situation I think the Sprite would be the one to get shot of, spend the money on the 10/4 and enjoy it whilst you can
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buzzy bee · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3382 Location: South Cheshire

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22447 Location: UK

The only way I can console myself when selling something, is to be sure that the funds go into either a worthy replacement, or else into something I already have that needs work. Worst is when the £ disappears on routine day to day stuff and you have nothing to show for it

R
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pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

The problem with getting rid of the Sprite is: it cost more to buy and restore than any of the others and, if sold, would probably fetch less than them. On top of that I would have to buy another modern as my personal transport, although I believe in using pre-war cars as much as possible there are some circumstances where they are inappropriate. Confused

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7118 Location: Edinburgh

Before reading the other replies my thoughts definitely homed in on the 10/4 as the one to keep. Whilst I'm sure the others all have their own distinctive characters the 10/4 is likely to give the biggest change from driving moderns (leaving aside the square 4) and is a practical all weather vehicle for people and their stuff. Smile

Peter

Greeney in France · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:44 pm Post subject:

I was having this discussion with OldNail yesterday I now have 14 classics but I need to sell something to fund the Facel and a prestige DS but how do I decide Question

I love them all in different ways and even though I have said I WOULD sell the 2CV Van AK400 I have spent so much time on it it is going to be difficult to come to the decision to sell all that work on, my barn needs a new roof and a cement floor
Its just so hard
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pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

I think the 10/4 will definitely stay, it's the only one the memsahib will drive and she would never let me sell it. Looks even more like the special is for the chop.

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7118 Location: Edinburgh

You may have to change your pen name. Wink

Peter

(Your reply will no doubt end with "ten-four") Wink

http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/22/messages/533.html

pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

The 10/4 is called AMY: her original reg plate. I don't think I could live with that Laughing

The Sprite is called Grievous. Reg GBH. maybe that would be better Cool