Re: Restore or buy restored ?

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Originally Posted by Ashley James

everything on R-R & B costs a
fortune, even an R Type engine rebuild is likely to be £14k,3 a bare
metal respray plus rust removal can be £35k and complete interior n
early £20k, so worse than a 406, but not much.

Ah, so you are the same Ashley who has written so eloquently on things R-type!

Based upon the comparison of two 408s and a 412 with my R-type and that of a close friend, I have to say that this is not my experience.

The R-type does need a higher level of constant attention (well, one had to find something for the chauffeur to do when he was not driving!) and because the model was far more numerous in its day, even today the supply of spare parts is still relatively good — something that is essential if the vehicle is used as an 'every-day' car and I found a little disappointing with the Bristols (especially the 412 which at the time of my ownership was under 15 years old). In terms of design, of course the Bristol is far superior to many of the archaic features of the R-type, even if the latter is a faster car in a straight line.

My experience is that if one gets all of one's servicing done by one of the foremost R-R/Bentley names and any restoration work done by those who specialize in customers with unlimited means; then what Ashley is contending is true. The R-type, however, is fairly straightforward to work on oneself and if one is prepared to pore over manufacturers' catalogues, then quite a few parts are not at all expensive although I doubt that I would ever repeat my triumph of obtaining a set of big-end bearings (shared with an early 3-litre Alvis) for £45!

The Standard Steel body is simple in construction having been pressed by Pressed Steel in Cowley and much easier to repair than those of a Bristol. The chassis and suspension appears to have been far better made (over specified?) as both cars of which I have experience have survived much better underneath than any of my Bristols. Surely both models require circa the same amount of paint to be poured over them and have similar amounts of carpet, leather, woodwork, headlining to replace. Again, in my experience, these fare rather better — especially the leather and carpet. Many other items such as windscreens and bumpers are, in comparison, of modest cost.

Which did I prefer driving? Well, the Bristols of course, but Ashley's comment was about cost of ownership and restoration.