Restore 403 or sacrifice for parts?

[Ashley James]

Prices are far too low and rebuilding cars in the UK now, although
done to a high standard, can be two or three times the price the
same work done in Australia, New Zealand, The States and South
Africa. However I believe that the collectors will do it once they
are more aware of the cars and how good they are. Having just
finished a total and comprehensive rebuild of a 400, I'm betting on
it. For me they are a better and more useable car than the sports
cars that used the engine, not as fast but excellent high speed
touring cars and perfect for the posh concours events.

Mine may be used to open racing each day at the forthcoming Goodwood
Revival and also to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary. The Duke of
Richmond owned one the same Cambridge Grey colour and used it to open
the circuit, mine will pretend to be his.

I must admit that I couldn't face the thought of three days of the
revival meeting and there didn't seem to be many freebies on offer so
Andrew Blow is trying to persuade me to let him use it, which I will
probably do. It's a bit of a wrench after so much work and having been
through hell with various teething problems.

400s are going up now and they have the best sporting credentials, but
I really hope the few 403s that remain will be restored too.

Ashley

[RGSchmitt]

Ashley -

It would be interesting, though perhaps difficult, to compare
restoration costs in the various locations you mentioned. The UK may
be "high", but I doubt if the US is far behind, especially if you use
a shop that actually does high-quality work on any sort of
schedule! I think of my friend with an Abarth, now in its 4th shop
and 10th year "under restoration" and still not done!

I was SO fortunate to get a recommendation for a great shop in NZ
which restored my car at a fair price. More important - no attitude,
no excuses, on schedule!

Bob

[406Special]

It all boils down to time and rate set against speed and quality of
work. I could have sent my 406 to Oz or even NZ, but like all
outsourcing, it's the travel and back and forth management and
confidence that are always add on costs. I found a reliable,
trustworthy local outfit with a massive reputation and a fair minded
attitude coupled with an enthusiasm for my eccentric wishes. When
factoring in the actual rate and what they actually do charge me for,
I feel confident that my budget is well within the bounds of reality
(confirmed by Alpine Eagle). I also get a more hands on approach to
my tastes and as things change in my needs/wishes these are easily
communicated as the car is only 13 miles from home. When something
needs a physical inspection I can do it easily. When doing a special
and the design criteria are broadly speaking broad, it pays to have
it close.

I guess if you wanted a simple straight forward as new restoration
and the outfit knows what they are doing, then perhaps a hands-off
approach may be possible in which case my approach above doesn't need
to be the case.

Of course a vehicle with a massive upside to restored value, over and
above the acquisition and restoration costs may well be a candidate
for outsourcing - as long as the outfit can do the work to the
required standard. Lastly one must also consider transportation/tax/
duty implications.

As I mentioned elsewhere recently, the Maharaja of Jodhpur flew his
1928 Phantom over to have it restored cosmetically at Alpine Eagle.
It is no consequence that the cost and rate are far in excess of that
in India, however he is paying for the expertise and quality. It
will be worth more when it leaves the UK than when it arrived.

Clyde

[Ashley James]

it's a tricky one but usually the Dollar is worth a pound in these
comparisons. I think its about 1.8 to the pound right now.

Ash