New 403 owner

[RGSchmitt]

Hi Kevin -

Thanks for the references. One primary consideration before doing
any work on any old car should be "motivation". Should we take on a
project because we really like the car? To make a profit? Some combination?

When a car can't be driven and a prospective owner has no experience
with the marque, it's very hard to know if it will be "liked" when
it's done. My Frazer Nash was totally inoperative from the day I
first saw it in 1975 until I drove it in 2005 (almost exactly 5 years
ago this week), so I never knew if I would like driving it until
then. I do! The entire expense of storing the car during that time,
having work done at various shops, shipping the car to NZ, etc. was
somewhat a concern, but my only rationale during that period was to
break even or not be too far "underwater". Over that period, I was
encouraged by the Bristol Owners Club, the Frazer Nash Club and
various new books that my car had some support and recognition in the
universe of cars - much different than in 1975, when my friends
thought I overpaid for a strange car and was otherwise a dreamer - it
would never be finished.

I think the same is true of any "odd" car; but a prospective owner
should still weigh their real affection and goals for the car against
the reality of much work and/or costs. Other cars I've owned,
improved, and sold were mostly driveable when bought and during all
the work. If ever took on a car like this Bristol, I'd probably try
to get an engine in it as quickly as possible to learn about the
potential enjoyment of driving it.

It's all a little crazy, isn't it?

Bob


Bob, it was on here (Clyde aka 460Special). He talks about his car
(Bristol 406) in these threads.

http://www.bristolcars.info/forums/6...istol-6-a.html

http://www.bristolcars.info/forums/6...ice-parts.html

---Quote---
PS My car was in MUCH worse condition when I found it, so don't give up.
---End Quote---
Yes, but your fully restored Frazer Nash is probably worth ten times
what a 403 would be worth!