Advice - Purchase/Renovation of old cars
Having restored a number of old cars, I have acquired some experience of the problems associated with such enterprises. I have also gathered some knowledge of the investment potential (or otherwise) of old vehicles.
If you have little experience in these areas, and you are contemplating a project/purchase, I will be glad to have an initial discussion at no cost. Should you want me to be more involved, I will need to charge for my time and traveling expenses; remember, a little expenditure before you commit can save you from a disaster.
Points for consideration include:-
Purpose of acquisition (investment, enjoyment of use, competition etc.)
Amount available to invest (initial and ongoing)
Is vehicle genuine? (there are more Lotus Elevens than were ever originally built!)
Is provenance accurate/genuine?
Availability of spare parts
Is there a club supporting the marque?
Do you have the knowledge to undertake repairs, and if not, where can you get help?
Condition?
Is restoration viable?
Originality affects value - how original is the vehicle?
Shipping
Etc., etc. etc.
It is very easy to get carried away with a venture; unless you are very experienced in the vehicle in question, have a good understanding of the 'Classic' car marketplace, and have thought through the next x-number of years of ownership, you will be well advised to take your time before parting with cash.
I am not interested in helping people who are buying cars less than twenty years old; there is plenty of advice in publications in newsagents on 'moderns'. I am aged nearly 60 (am I really!), so cars up to 1970 interest me more than later models, however exotic. If I am not the person to help because the vehicle is out of my scope of experience, I will tell you so, and suggest an alternative approach.
I currently have:- 1932 Talbot 14/45, rather staid but quite impressive (see my web page covering the restoration)
1927 Lea-Francis special (based on rare LFS with Vulcan engine)( " " " )
My elder son has:- 1968 Lotus Sunbeam Talbot
1958 Lancia Fulvia 1300