Restore or buy restored ?

[Hydroglen]

Re the comment about "the hobby is to consume time and money and hold interest" , most collectors weigh the pros and cons of a particular car against their ability and finances. How else could they do it? That does not make them speculators, or how would one define a speculator?

I recently bought a complete extra fuselage with logbooks for my vintage plane. It is a rare item and I am concerned about future parts availability and prices. Does that make me a speculator? Maybe it does....but then most collectors end up with extra bits and parts. In some cases one could be accused of hoarding parts and depriving other collectors of needed parts.

I would agree that the purpose of a hobby is to hold ones interest. How much time and money, becomes a personal one. As can be seen from some of these posts, and in other circles, there are many ways to acheive this, and if it satisfies that person, then that purpose has been met.
Some people like to prepare for Pebble Beach, others enjoy a barn find, perhaps a bit of hot rodding or something in between.
I am fortunate to have some very nice cars, but my favorite is my 1934 Indy car. I have been racing it in vintage events for some 30 + years. Nowadays with a more hectic lifestyle, I race it less..... some years only once a year. Some collectors wonder that my favorite car is scarcely used. I get immense pleasure just looking at it and remembering the races and excitement we have shared and plans for future events. The collecting hobby takes many turns.
Cheers
Dorien

Originally Posted by 412usa

The time and facilities I use to restore my cars are why I call my cars a
Hobby. The purpose of any hobby is to consume time and money and hold my
interest. My hobby does this perfectly. Not all collectors are speculators.

Peter

______________________
CURRENT MESSAGE FROM: Hydroglen

My. My ...... But none of you are working out the true costs!

Wasn't that a sweeping statement! Well some of us or perhaps many of us do
actually work out true costs. That, is in part why it becomes impractical
from a financial perpective to restore certain cars, and they are left to
rot. Or as Ashley says, the engines are sold off as there is a ready market
for them.
Cheers
Dorien