Restore or replace ?

[p5b401]

My Bristol 401 is one of many marques of cars I have restored privately and professionally over the last 49 years.
Most genuine enthusiasts (as opposed to hot rodders), will encounter these conundrums.

Purists will restore faithfully with genuine manufacturers (perhaps OEM) parts irrespective of on-road practicality and usually cost. A 76 year old client of mine had a Jaguar XK150 faithfully restored at a cost well over its value at any auction. City driving was very hard for him so we fitted electric power steering. Perhaps he would be classed a practical purist?

Restoring for profit usually means using substitute parts and altered systems to rein in the cost The finished product will more likely attract a practical enthusiast buyer than a showpiece owner or investor.

Of the many cars we have have done some or all resto work on including a Bentley S2 , 2 x Jag XKs, a Riley, 3 x MGs, a Lotus, a Mk II Ford Consul and others, the only one that was faithfully (purist) restored, largely by the owner, was the Ford - even down to the parts being original FOMOCO. It took over 15 years to complete.

Basically any resto has to suit your requirements as a driver, investor, and a desire not to be behind a toilet block.