Forum Replies Created
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“You won’t stop anyone converting saloons, there is such a large financial difference, that it will continue to happen I am sorry to say.”
Although I believe this statement to be true in an ultimate sense, I think that the key factors are rarity, education and fashion.
There used to be a relatively large number of cars with rotting (and good) saloon bodies around. These days, there are few, relatively speaking.
Also, outside a dedicated knot of enthusiasts in the LC and comparable clubs there was little appreciation of the saloons. Now, they are being restored by some to the highest level (particularly with non-standard bodies) and are winning concours prizes in non-marque-specific competitions.
I believe that the final key element may be coming into play. All things considered, I detect a shift in appreciation of closed cars within the classic car movement. This may well filter through to our pre war cars to a significant degree.
Yes, you can’t stop people from doing whatever they want with their cars. And, yes, it still makes economic sense to vandalise a car in this way. But, i don’t think it will always be thus.
Chaps, Gert has confirmed to me that he is simply offering the body for sale separately because he wants to sell his car but no one is interested in it as a saloon. So – he reasons – he will rebuild the car as a tourer and make his car much more marketable. It is a sad – but (historically) familiar – story, as all will understand.
I’ve sent him a message, Simon, but I’m still not sure what’s going on. Why would he (or anyone) split up a great and perfectly viable car? It makes no commercial (or other) sense to me – not to mention, as h14 suggests, the vandalism involved in such an exercise.
Oh, agreed. It’s just that this is a photograph of the radio in Simon’s car. 😀
It has the Lagonda motif – you don’t need power to see it.
Have a look at ‘Bruno’s’ comments on the AMOC forum. The short point is that DB2 prices generally are strong (and much stronger than comparable Lagondas) but that this phenomenon is not replicated (year on year) at the NP Bonhams auction. Bruno (aka Chris Adams at Four Ashes) has a few interesting theories as to why this may be the case (and I have no idea as to whether he is right).
Yes, of course you are correct Simon – my mistake. So, we are in violent agreement on what appears to be a ‘ball park’ current market value at auction for, say, a ‘near concours winning’ 3 litre Mark 2 DHC at auction. But, I do think that all of these cars will continue to ‘shadow’ the ‘rise and rise’ of Aston Martin values, at least until the latest bubble bursts. Oddly (and counterintuitively), the Feltham Astons did not do at all well in this auction. But, I opine in more general terms, of course, re the Lagondas.
Hi Peter,
You will have seen from the AMOC forum that Roger (webby over there) has provided ‘child’ boards for each era of Aston, namely: Body, Paint & Trim, Brakes, Wheels & Tyres, Electrical, Air Conditioning & Other Ventilation, Suspension, Steering & Axles, Engine, Fuel & Gearbox. Would these work here, do you think?
Regards.
Tim
There were lots of little problems with the Bonhams car and one only has to look at the dreadful modern driving mirrors mounted on the doors and the ‘cod’ engine builders plaque to get a real insight into the mind of the restorer! However, and if my arithmetic is correct, it sold for ?84,320 including Buyer’s Premium and VAT. So, by some margin I think you underestimate the current market value at auction of a ‘right’ car.
However, I agree with your other observations. The Mark 2 3 litre cars, as one would expect, are the ultimate incarnation of the 2.6/3 litre models. In terms of all advances made during the period, viewed together….. The floor change will be preferable to most drivers today (if not back then), I feel. The repositioned fuel pump is a boon. The final dashboard layout is more satisfactory, in my opinion, than the earlier versions. The internal and external trim is more ‘refined’ (awful word, but apt here). The 4 door saloon design is more ‘resolved’ (ditto, re awfulness and aptness). The hydraulic jacking system is a boon if it works.
None of this is to say that the 2.6 lire and the Mark 1 3 litre cars are not wonderful things in their own right, of course.
Haha Simon. OK, OK….. perhaps I overstated things a tad.
Look, the car might / may have dreadful horrors awaiting the new owner, I quite concede. However, what I can be reasonably certain is that the car is not very rotten. It will have rot, for sure, because they all do – sills, the rear upper platform area etc.. And, the engine could require an immediate rebuild. And, the De Dion could need a complete renovation. But, if the mechanicals can be re-commissioned, at least for limited use for a while, this car can be a ‘rolling restoration’ (if desired) and would therefore fall into that ‘middle’ category.
IMHO, your premise is entirely misconceived. But, we’ve been this way before and I have no wish (or intent) to be offensive or didactic. It is your car, after all.
I agree with Simon’s comments. Btw, there were 5 bidders – 3 in the room and 2 on the phone.
David and I gave the car a good ‘look’ yesterday and agreed that this was a car to renovate and re-commission rather than fully restore from the off. There was no obvious rot or even evidence of damp / mildew. Thus, it is in a different league than most of the cars we have discussed on this forum of late.
Thus, barring hidden mechanical horrors (which are always a distinct possibility) it would not, I think, take much to get this car back on the road to enjoy for a summer or two or three as a true ‘rolling restoration’ prospect. Therefore, in my estimation the car belongs to that rare ‘middle’ category of car to buy. My congratulations to the new owner.
Just because one can do something does not mean that it is sensible or prudent to do so. The words of several old adages spring immediately to mind. :
Yes, I noticed them. Very interesting.
Old looms are precisely that – old! In fifty years, there have been very many advances in this department. Since you are giving her a full restoration, why on Earth keep the old loom (save for very important reference)?