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Hi Mirek, first off I'm glad you responded - no worries at all. Second,
sorry we didn't get to meet when I lived in southeast lower Michigan
(Windsor, Ontario was what I saw from my office window in Detroit). If you
visit Last Vegas look me up!
I fully understand your thoughts on the Healey, and hopefully we will hear
from more folks and have well rounded discussion.
For the record, I was asking a question and not advocating a position.
Cheers,
________________
Sent from my phone
Best Regards,
Al Fuller
On Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 5:53=E2=80=AFPM <m.g.sharp@sympatico.ca> wrote:
> Hi all, thanks for your thoughts Al; things that many (most?) of us have
> thought about. I was with you until the last paragraph. I have always
> been of a mind with Austin-Healeys (Healeys) that there are enough of the=
m
> around (well, excluding a few rare models), that I have never been offend=
ed
> when somebody customizes them to suit their own tastes. I feel different=
ly
> with rare cars as I think there is some obligation on behalf of those
> owners to preserve some history, but I don=E2=80=99t feel that way about =
Healeys.
> I had a number of =E2=80=9Cdiscussions=E2=80=9D with Rich Chrysler about =
this and as many
> of you know he was an uber-ardent supporter of complete originality; they
> were =E2=80=9Cinteresting=E2=80=9D discussions!
>
>
>
> However, for me, owning and driving a Healey (I am a second owner and hav=
e
> had my BT7 for 50 years in a few months) goes beyond what it looks like o=
r
> its mediocre performance and questionable handling (mine is bog stock).
> There is an indefinable =E2=80=9Cessence of Healey=E2=80=9D that I love. =
At some point, as
> the number of modifications increase, it becomes, for me, less of a
> Healey. I enjoy its quirks. If I wanted a safe, reliable better
> performing hobby car, I would buy one. If my Healey lets me down on the
> road, and it rarely has, I have confidence that because it is mechanicall=
y
> simple I can fix a lot of it roadside and carry tools and spares to do a
> lot. Granted, most of my drives are under 100 km from home, but I have
> driven a few times through the eastern states (I am near Toronto, ON),
> done a few laps of Lime Rock in it, and driven to friends in southern
> Michigan, and frankly if I had reason, would be OK driving it anywhere in
> North America. I know I could get more accurate timing with a modified
> distributor and electronic ignition, but I enjoy occasionally setting th=
e
> point gap and timing; I like the =E2=80=9Copen=E2=80=9D look of 48 spokes=
, so when I
> replaced the wheels, that is what I bought =E2=80=93 painted; I don=E2=80=
=99t have a
> modified starter, or a spin-on filter; I have the original mechanical
> regulator and a generator, run original lights all around and it has the
> original radiator, bellows thermostat and original fan (and no cooling
> issues). I feel that every one of the modifications available to us,
> although technically sound, detracts to varying degrees from it being a
> Healey. As for an electric =E2=80=9CHealey=E2=80=9D, well for me that is=
simply no longer
> a Healey. I can even live with owners dropping V-8s into them, at least
> that was a period conversion =E2=80=93 it represents part of the spectrum=
of
> Healeys I saw as a teenager, (though I waffle on whether I can think of
> them as Healeys). =E2=80=9CNasty Boys=E2=80=9D don=E2=80=99t appeal to =
me, but nor do they bother
> me. I am not completely obsessed with originality. For example I run
> modern tires of the correct size (i.e., not biased-ply) and I use modern
> lubricants.
>
>
>
> It is not about the styling, it is about it being a Healey. However, I
> recognize and respect that we all feel differently and I am OK with that.
> I will continue to strive to maintain mine as close as I can to when it
> came out of the factory (thank you all the authors of the concours
> guidelines!), pretty much with the same conviction as Rich had, but for
> different reasons =E2=80=93 I just enjoy driving something that old (and =
older =E2=80=93 I
> have M.G.s from the 30s and 40s). I enjoy it for what it is, a beautiful,
> reliable for its time, 65 year-old English sports car. If the younger
> generation don=E2=80=99t want that, then they can buy something else. I =
confess I
> am lucky in that I have a 38 year-old son who is mechanically minded and
> loves the old technology. He will get mine.
>
>
>
> This is an old argument with, in my opinion, no rights or wrongs, and I
> was going to stay silent, but heck, its late, I am tired, and probably ma=
de
> a bad decision!
>
>
>
> Cheers, Mirek
>
>
>
> *From:* Healeys <healeys-bounces@autox.team.net> *On Behalf Of *
> alfuller194@gmail.com
> *Sent:* February 17, 2025 6:52 PM
> *To:* 'James Frey' <rcw414@icloud.com>; 'Michael Salter' <
> michaelsalter@gmail.com>
> *Cc:* 'Healey List' <healeys@autox.team.net>
> *Subject:* [Healeys] The Future of Healey Ownership
>
>
>
> Michael, Jim and All:
>
>
>
> Your comments below have me thinking about what I have valued in my
> Austin-Healeys, and by extension what others do, will, or might value in
> them =E2=80=93 as balanced against the costs of buying, restoring, upgrad=
ing or
> maintaining the cars.
>
>
>
> The Healey was never the fastest car I owned, and it was never the
> absolute best handling (though, the last BJ-8 with a new frame and gas
> shocks does handle pretty well). Obviously the Healey never had the most
> up-to-date safety features, and its exterior and dash lighting needed LED
> upgrades to perform even adequately. The list of things the cars were not
> is endless I compared to modern cars=E2=80=A6
>
>
>
> BUT: driving a Healey usually put a smile on my face, and it appeared to
> put smiles on a lot of other people=E2=80=99s faces when out and about. A=
s you all
> know, you cannot drive one of these cars without getting smiles, waves,
> thumbs-up, casual nods, etc =E2=80=93 all acknowledging the wonderful loo=
ks the
> Healeys have! If you park one, you will undoubtedly find your self in a
> conversation with someone who either had one and sold it, wished he had
> bought one way back when, wished he could buy one now, had an uncle who h=
ad
> one, or a cousin, or a friend=E2=80=99s dad, or, or, or=E2=80=A6 - you kn=
ow how it goes!
>
>
>
> As much fun as it has been to drive my Healeys all over the US and Canada=
,
> as well as Norway, Denmark and Sweden =E2=80=93 I can say that maintainin=
g the cars
> has been the sore spot for me, and I=E2=80=99m now at an age and physical=
condition
> where it=E2=80=99s somewhere between really-not-fun, really-not-practical=
and
> really-not-possible anymore. As such, this conversation hits home for me.
>
>
>
> SO =E2=80=93 what do I think about the future of Healey ownership? I susp=
ect there
> will always be a small cadre of serious collectors who want and value car=
s
> that are as original as possible (whether =E2=80=9Cconcours=E2=80=9D leve=
l, or just plain
> nice cars!). The pool of cars that survive in such condition is shrinking
> gradually, but then so is the pool of such people!
>
>
>
> I also suspect that there is a substantial and growing group who would
> love the opportunity to have a car with the classic styling of an
> Austin-Healey, but the reliability and drivability of a modern car.
> =E2=80=9CModern=E2=80=9D in this context may well be a very plastic term =
=E2=80=93 meaning
> different things to different generations. For today=E2=80=99s purposes =
I ask you
> all whether the future might be electric? An Austin-Healey that has good
> acceleration and brakes, good handling, no fluid leaks (!!) and far fewer
> to no 60 year-old parts to go bad =E2=80=93 all combined with the classic=
lines of
> the Healey.
>
>
>
> What do you say?
>
>
>
> -----------------------------------
>
> All the best,
>
>
>
> Al Fuller
>
>
>
> *From:* Healeys <healeys-bounces@autox.team.net> *On Behalf Of *James
> Frey via Healeys
> *Sent:* Sunday, February 16, 2025 3:10 PM
> *To:* Michael Salter <michaelsalter@gmail.com>
> *Cc:* Healey List <healeys@autox.team.net>
> *Subject:* Re: [Healeys] Hello
>
>
>
> The costs you cite below are inexorably linked to the =E2=80=9CWhat to Do=
with our
> Healeys=E2=80=9D question that was also raised. Over the last several ye=
ars, I
> have restored/built 3 cars with most of the work done by a local shop (on=
e
> of which was a Bugeye). I needed to have most work performed by my shop.
> Although my skills are moderate and I enjoy turning wrenches, my time
> available to do so has lessened in recent years.
>
>
>
> Given the above circumstances, I have easily spent 2-3 times market value
> on the purchase price, work performed, parts, etc. I consider myself luc=
ky
> to have a trusted local shop, but depending on where you live (even
> assuming you are willing to spend the money), it can be extraordinarily
> difficult to get the cars serviced, let alone have significant restoratio=
n
> work done. I also don=E2=80=99t see the value of most Healeys going up m=
uch, and
> it might go down given the (arguably) shrinking market/demographics for
> these cars.
>
>
>
> So given my recent experience, as much as I might love to own a BJ8 and
> would consider myself =E2=80=9Ca trusted steward=E2=80=9D, paying signifi=
cant dollars (even
> for a beautifully restored car) in a declining market might not be the be=
st
> idea. As for a car that =E2=80=9Cneeds work=E2=80=9D, I=E2=80=99m starti=
ng to feel like I=E2=80=99ve been
> there and done that a little too often. Also, there are fun (more modern=
)
> cars out there for similar dollars that don=E2=80=99t present the same fi=
nancial
> risk and difficulties in selling.
>
>
>
> Lastly, I=E2=80=99m 61 (so not =E2=80=9Cyoung=E2=80=9D) and I think those=
that are younger than me
> are an even tougher sell. I have 2 adult sons that have a moderate
> interest in cars and the =E2=80=9Cold cars=E2=80=9D they might have an in=
terest in are
> probably from 2000-2010.
>
>
>
> The market is undeniably softer than previously, but I actually think
> current values are a sellers market, even in the US. With the potential
> for declining demand, it=E2=80=99s hard for me to see an improving Healey=
market
> over the next 10+ years.
>
>
>
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Feb 16, 2025, at 2:16=E2=80=AFPM, Michael Salter <michaelsalter@gmail.=
com>
> wrote:
>
>
>
> Very good question.
>
> All the work that you describe requires an individual with significant
> skill(s). These tasks are not something that your "run of the mill" parts
> changer can undertake. In our part of the world (Canada) those "parts
> changers", without breaking a sweat can easily pull in 6 figures which
> equates to $50/hr. $50/hr paid to the tradesman will typically be charged
> out at an hourly rate of at least $100.
>
> In my book a full restoration takes 1200 hours at least, usually a lot
> more to produce concours standards.
>
> So labour ONLY $120K.
>
> Parts and materials usually at least 50% of labour. $60K.
>
> Incidentals at least another $20K
>
> It's getting up there =F0=9F=98=B3=F0=9F=98=B3
>
>
>
> M
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sun., Feb. 16, 2025, 1:40 p.m. warthodson--- via Healeys, <
> healeys@autox.team.net> wrote:
>
> The list has been very quiet for a long time.
>
> How about a discussion about the cost of restoring a BN1?
>
> The metal work is About 90% done. The remaining work includes final
> fitting all body panels, preparing for paint & final painting.
>
> Wiring, plumbing including rebuilding the brakes, interior, fitting the
> windscreen, convertible top, side curtains including providing all materi=
al
> where necessary.
>
> Rebuild the engine including all the machining. I have all the necessary
> components.
>
>
>
> Gary Hodson
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 10:46:32 AM CST, Mike Sinclair via Healey=
s
> <healeys@autox.team.net> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> Is it me, or is the list quiet? I haven't seen anything for quite a whil=
e?
>
> Mik
>
> _______________________________________________
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>
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>
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>
> Unsubscribe/Manage:
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>
> _______________________________________________
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>
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>
> Unsubscribe/Manage:
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> Suggested annual donation $12.75
>
> Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/healeys
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<div dir=3D"auto"><div>Hi Mirek, first off I'm glad you responded - no =
worries at all. Second, sorry we didn't get to meet when I lived in sou=
theast lower Michigan (Windsor, Ontario was what I saw from my office windo=
w in Detroit). If you visit Last Vegas look me up!</div><div dir=3D"auto"><=
br></div><div dir=3D"auto">I fully understand your thoughts on the Healey, =
and hopefully we will hear from more folks and have well rounded discussion=
.</div><div dir=3D"auto"><br></div><div dir=3D"auto">For the record, I was =
asking a question and not advocating a position.</div><div dir=3D"auto"><br=
></div><div dir=3D"auto">Cheers,</div><div><br></div><div data-smartmail=3D=
"gmail_signature">________________<br>Sent from my phone <br>Best Regards,<=
br>Al Fuller</div></div><br><div class=3D"gmail_quote"><div dir=3D"ltr" cla=
ss=3D"gmail_attr">On Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 5:53=E2=80=AFPM <<a href=3D"mai=
lto:m.g.sharp@sympatico.ca" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noreferrer">m.g.sharp@=
sympatico.ca</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote" styl=
e=3D"margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"><div la=
ng=3D"EN-CA" link=3D"blue" vlink=3D"purple" style=3D"word-wrap:break-word">=
<div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&qu=
ot;Calibri",sans-serif">Hi all, thanks for your thoughts Al; things th=
at many (most?) of us have thought about.=C2=A0 I was with you until the la=
st paragraph.=C2=A0 I have always been of a mind with Austin-Healeys (Heale=
ys) that there are enough of them around (well, excluding a few rare models=
), that I have never been offended when somebody customizes them to suit th=
eir own tastes.=C2=A0 I feel differently with rare cars as I think there is=
some obligation on behalf of those owners to preserve some history, but I =
don=E2=80=99t feel that way about Healeys.=C2=A0 I had a number of =E2=80=
=9Cdiscussions=E2=80=9D with Rich Chrysler about this and as many of you kn=
ow he was an uber-ardent supporter of complete originality; they were =E2=
=80=9Cinteresting=E2=80=9D discussions!<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D=
"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri"=
,sans-serif"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span st=
yle=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">However=
, for me, owning and driving a Healey (I am a second owner and have had my =
BT7 for 50 years in a few months) goes beyond what it looks like or its med=
iocre performance and questionable handling (mine is bog stock).=C2=A0 Ther=
e is an indefinable =E2=80=9Cessence of Healey=E2=80=9D that I love.=C2=A0 =
At some point, as the number of modifications increase, it becomes, for me,=
less of a Healey.=C2=A0 I enjoy its quirks.=C2=A0 If I wanted a safe, reli=
able better performing hobby car, I would buy one.=C2=A0 If my Healey lets =
me down on the road, and it rarely has, I have confidence that because it i=
s mechanically simple I can fix a lot of it roadside and carry tools and sp=
ares to do a lot.=C2=A0 Granted, most of my drives are under 100 km from ho=
me, but I have driven a few times through the eastern states (I am near Tor=
onto, ON),=C2=A0 done a few laps of Lime Rock in it, and driven to friends =
in southern Michigan, and frankly if I had reason, would be OK driving it a=
nywhere in North America. I know I could get more accurate timing with a mo=
dified distributor and electronic ignition, but I enjoy occasionally settin=
g=C2=A0 the point gap and timing; I like the =E2=80=9Copen=E2=80=9D look of=
48 spokes, so when I replaced the wheels, that is what I bought =E2=80=93 =
painted; I don=E2=80=99t have a modified starter, or a spin-on filter; I ha=
ve the original mechanical regulator and a generator, run original lights a=
ll around and it has the original radiator, bellows thermostat and original=
fan (and no cooling issues).=C2=A0 I feel that every one of the modificati=
ons available to us, although technically sound, detracts to varying degree=
s from it being a Healey.=C2=A0 As for an electric =E2=80=9CHealey=E2=80=9D=
, well for me that is simply no longer a Healey.=C2=A0 I can even live with=
owners dropping V-8s into them, at least that was a period conversion =E2=
=80=93 it represents part of the spectrum of Healeys I saw as a teenager, (=
though I waffle on whether I can think of them as Healeys).=C2=A0 =E2=80=9C=
Nasty Boys=E2=80=9D =C2=A0don=E2=80=99t appeal to me, but nor do they bothe=
r me.=C2=A0 I am not completely obsessed with originality.=C2=A0 For exampl=
e I run modern tires of the correct size (i.e., not biased-ply) and I use m=
odern lubricants.=C2=A0 <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><sp=
an style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u=
></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-siz=
e:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">It is not about the st=
yling, it is about it being a Healey.=C2=A0 However, I recognize and respec=
t that we all feel differently and I am OK with that.=C2=A0 I will continue=
to strive to maintain mine as close as I can to when it came out of the fa=
ctory (thank you all the authors of the concours guidelines!), pretty much =
with the same conviction as Rich had, but for different reasons =E2=80=93 I=
just enjoy driving something that old (and older =E2=80=93 I have M.G.s fr=
om the 30s and 40s). I enjoy it for what it is, a beautiful, reliable for i=
ts time, 65 year-old English sports car.=C2=A0 If the younger generation do=
n=E2=80=99t want that, then they can buy something else.=C2=A0 I confess I =
am lucky in that I have a 38 year-old son who is mechanically minded and lo=
ves the old technology.=C2=A0 He will get mine.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p =
class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calib=
ri",sans-serif"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal">=
<span style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"=
>This is an old argument with, in my opinion, no rights or wrongs, and I wa=
s going to stay silent, but heck, its late, I am tired, and probably made a=
bad decision!<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=
=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u>=C2=
=A0<u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:11.0pt=
;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Cheers, Mirek<u></u><u></u></s=
pan></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:=
"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><div><div st=
yle=3D"border:none;border-top:solid #e1e1e1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0cm 0cm 0cm=
"><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><b><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;=
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span lang=3D"E=
N-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"=
> Healeys <<a href=3D"mailto:healeys-bounces@autox.team.net"; rel=3D"nore=
ferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">healeys-bounces@autox.team.net</a>>=
<b>On Behalf Of </b><a href=3D"mailto:alfuller194@gmail.com"; rel=3D"norefe=
rrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">alfuller194@gmail.com</a><br><b>Sent:</b=
> February 17, 2025 6:52 PM<br><b>To:</b> 'James Frey' <<a href=
=3D"mailto:rcw414@icloud.com"; rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blan=
k">rcw414@icloud.com</a>>; 'Michael Salter' <<a href=3D"mailt=
o:michaelsalter@gmail.com" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">=
michaelsalter@gmail.com</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> 'Healey List' <<a =
href=3D"mailto:healeys@autox.team.net"; rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=
=3D"_blank">healeys@autox.team.net</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> [Healeys] The=
Future of Healey Ownership<u></u><u></u></span></p></div></div><p class=3D=
"MsoNormal"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN=
-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Mi=
chael, Jim and All:<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span la=
ng=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-s=
erif"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"E=
N-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Y=
our comments below have me thinking about what I have valued in my Austin-H=
ealeys, and by extension what others do, will, or might value in them =E2=
=80=93 as balanced against the costs of buying, restoring, upgrading or mai=
ntaining the cars.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lan=
g=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-se=
rif"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN=
-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Th=
e Healey was never the fastest car I owned, and it was never the absolute b=
est handling (though, the last BJ-8 with a new frame and gas shocks does ha=
ndle pretty well). Obviously the Healey never had the most up-to-date safet=
y features, and its exterior and dash lighting needed LED upgrades to perfo=
rm even adequately. The list of things the cars were not is endless I compa=
red to modern cars=E2=80=A6<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal">=
<span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos"=
;,sans-serif"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span l=
ang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-=
serif">BUT: driving a Healey usually put a smile on my face, and it appeare=
d to put smiles on a lot of other people=E2=80=99s faces when out and about=
. As you all know, you cannot drive one of these cars without getting smile=
s, waves, thumbs-up, casual nods, etc =E2=80=93 all acknowledging the wonde=
rful looks the Healeys have!=C2=A0 If you park one, you will undoubtedly fi=
nd your self in a conversation with someone who either had one and sold it,=
wished he had bought one way back when, wished he could buy one now, had a=
n uncle who had one, or a cousin, or a friend=E2=80=99s dad, or, or, or=E2=
=80=A6 - you know how it goes!=C2=A0 <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D"M=
soNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"=
Aptos",sans-serif"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNorma=
l"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos&q=
uot;,sans-serif">As much fun as it has been to drive my Healeys all over th=
e US and Canada, as well as Norway, Denmark and Sweden =E2=80=93 I can say =
that maintaining the cars has been the sore spot for me, and I=E2=80=99m no=
w at an age and physical condition where it=E2=80=99s somewhere between rea=
lly-not-fun, really-not-practical and really-not-possible anymore. As such,=
this conversation hits home for me.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D"Ms=
oNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"A=
ptos",sans-serif"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal=
"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos&qu=
ot;,sans-serif">SO =E2=80=93 what do I think about the future of Healey own=
ership? I suspect there will always be a small cadre of serious collectors =
who want and value cars that are as original as possible (whether =E2=80=9C=
concours=E2=80=9D level, or just plain nice cars!). The pool of cars that s=
urvive in such condition is shrinking gradually, but then so is the pool of=
such people! <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D=
"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"=
><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US"=
style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">I also=
suspect that there is a substantial and growing group who would love the o=
pportunity to have a car with the classic styling of an Austin-Healey, but =
the reliability and drivability of a modern car. =E2=80=9CModern=E2=80=9D i=
n this context may well be a very plastic term =E2=80=93 meaning different =
things to different generations.=C2=A0 For today=E2=80=99s purposes I ask y=
ou all whether the future might be electric? An Austin-Healey that has good=
acceleration and brakes, good handling, no fluid leaks (!!) and far fewer =
to no 60 year-old parts to go bad =E2=80=93 all combined with the classic l=
ines of the Healey.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span la=
ng=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-s=
erif"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"E=
N-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">W=
hat do you say?<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=
=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-ser=
if"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=
=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-s=
erif">-----------------------------------<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=
=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&=
quot;Calibri",sans-serif">All the best,<u></u><u></u></span></p><p cla=
ss=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family=
:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><p class=3D=
"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quo=
t;Calibri",sans-serif">Al Fuller<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><p clas=
s=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:=
"Aptos",sans-serif"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><div><div styl=
e=3D"border:none;border-top:solid #e1e1e1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0cm 0cm 0cm">=
<p class=3D"MsoNormal"><b><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;fo=
nt-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span lang=3D"EN-=
US" style=3D"font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> =
Healeys <<a href=3D"mailto:healeys-bounces@autox.team.net"; rel=3D"norefe=
rrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">healeys-bounces@autox.team.net</a>> <=
b>On Behalf Of </b>James Frey via Healeys<br><b>Sent:</b> Sunday, February =
16, 2025 3:10 PM<br><b>To:</b> Michael Salter <<a href=3D"mailto:michael=
salter@gmail.com" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">michaelsa=
lter@gmail.com</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> Healey List <<a href=3D"mailto:heal=
eys@autox.team.net" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">healeys=
@autox.team.net</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [Healeys] Hello<u></u><u></u=
></span></p></div></div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=
=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><div><div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D=
"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:10.5pt">The costs you cite below are inexorably =
linked to the =E2=80=9CWhat to Do with our Healeys=E2=80=9D question that w=
as also raised.=C2=A0 Over the last several years, I have restored/built 3 =
cars with most of the work done by a local shop (one of which was a Bugeye)=
.=C2=A0 I needed to have most work performed by my shop.=C2=A0 Although my =
skills are moderate and I enjoy turning wrenches, my time available to do s=
o has lessened in recent years. =C2=A0</span><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u><u=
></u></span></p><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=C2=
=A0<u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US"=
style=3D"font-size:10.5pt">Given the above circumstances, I have easily sp=
ent 2-3 times market value on the purchase price, work performed, parts, et=
c.=C2=A0 I consider myself lucky to have a trusted local shop, but dependin=
g on where you live (even assuming you are willing to spend the money), it =
can be extraordinarily difficult to get the cars serviced, let alone have s=
ignificant restoration work done.=C2=A0 I also don=E2=80=99t see the value =
of most Healeys going up much, and it might go down given the (arguably) sh=
rinking market/demographics for these cars. =C2=A0</span><span lang=3D"EN-U=
S"><u></u><u></u></span></p><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US=
"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span la=
ng=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:10.5pt">So given my recent experience, as m=
uch as I might love to own a BJ8 and would consider myself =E2=80=9Ca trust=
ed steward=E2=80=9D, paying significant dollars (even for a beautifully res=
tored car) in a declining market might not be the best idea.=C2=A0 As for a=
car that =E2=80=9Cneeds work=E2=80=9D, I=E2=80=99m starting to feel like I=
=E2=80=99ve been there and done that a little too often.=C2=A0 Also, there =
are fun (more modern) cars out there for similar dollars that don=E2=80=99t=
present the same financial risk and difficulties in selling. =C2=A0</span>=
<span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNor=
mal"><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p></div><div><p clas=
s=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:10.5pt">Lastly, I=
=E2=80=99m 61 (so not =E2=80=9Cyoung=E2=80=9D) and I think those that are y=
ounger than me are an even tougher sell.=C2=A0 I have 2 adult sons that hav=
e a moderate interest in cars and the =E2=80=9Cold cars=E2=80=9D they might=
have an interest in are probably from 2000-2010. =C2=A0</span><span lang=
=3D"EN-US"><u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span=
lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNo=
rmal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:10.5pt">The market is undenia=
bly softer than previously, but I actually think current values are a selle=
rs market, even in the US.=C2=A0 With the potential for declining demand, i=
t=E2=80=99s hard for me to see an improving Healey market over the next 10+=
years. =C2=A0</span><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u><u></u></span></p></div><d=
iv><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span><=
/p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-siz=
e:10.5pt">Jim</span><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u><u></u></span></p></div><di=
v><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></=
p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></=
u></span></p><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"margin-bottom:12.0pt"><sp=
an lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><blockquote style=3D"margi=
n-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt"><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"=
EN-US">On Feb 16, 2025, at 2:16=E2=80=AFPM, Michael Salter <<a href=3D"m=
ailto:michaelsalter@gmail.com" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_bla=
nk">michaelsalter@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><p=
class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><d=
iv><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US">Very good question.=C2=
=A0<u></u><u></u></span></p><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US=
">All the work that you describe requires an individual with significant sk=
ill(s). These tasks are not something that your "run of the mill"=
parts changer can undertake.=C2=A0 In our part of the world (Canada) those=
"parts changers", without breaking a sweat can easily pull in 6 =
figures which equates to $50/hr. $50/hr paid to the tradesman will typicall=
y be charged out at an hourly rate of at least $100.<u></u><u></u></span></=
p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US">In my book a full =
restoration takes 1200 hours at least, usually a lot more to produce concou=
rs standards.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><sp=
an lang=3D"EN-US">So labour ONLY $120K.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div>=
<p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US">Parts and materials usually at =
least 50% of labour. $60K.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"M=
soNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US">Incidentals at least another $20K<u></u><u><=
/u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US">It'=
;s getting up there </span><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-family:"=
Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif">=F0=9F=98=B3=F0=9F=98=B3</span><span lang=
=3D"EN-US"><u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span=
lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNo=
rmal"><span lang=3D"EN-US">M<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D=
"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p></div></div=
><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p=
><div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US">On Sun., Feb. 16, 20=
25, 1:40 p.m. warthodson--- via Healeys, <<a href=3D"mailto:healeys@auto=
x.team.net" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">healeys@autox.t=
eam.net</a>> wrote:<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><blockquote style=3D"b=
order:none;border-left:solid #cccccc 1.0pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 6.0pt;margin=
-left:4.8pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:5.0pt"><div><di=
v><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-family:&qu=
ot;Comic Sans MS"">The list has been very quiet for a long time.<u></u=
><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" s=
tyle=3D"font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">How about a discussion about=
the cost of restoring a BN1?=C2=A0<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p c=
lass=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-family:"Comic Sa=
ns MS"">The metal work is About 90% done. The remaining work includes =
final fitting all body panels, preparing for paint & final painting.<u>=
</u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US=
" style=3D"font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Wiring, plumbing includin=
g rebuilding the brakes, interior, fitting the windscreen, convertible top,=
side curtains including providing all material where necessary.=C2=A0<u></=
u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" =
style=3D"font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Rebuild the engine includin=
g all the machining. I have all the necessary components.<u></u><u></u></sp=
an></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font=
-family:"Comic Sans MS""><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p></div><di=
v><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-family:"Co=
mic Sans MS"">Gary Hodson<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=
=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-family:"Comic Sans M=
S""><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><=
span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">=C2=A0<=
u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-=
US" style=3D"font-family:"Comic Sans MS""><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></s=
pan></p></div></div><div id=3D"m_-5130005294262615903m_-4958623443882670529=
m_6446190483034331511ydpaa12e928yahoo_quoted_0398894478"><div><div><div><p =
class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:10.0pt;font-fam=
ily:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#26282a">On Sunday, February 16,=
2025 at 10:46:32 AM CST, Mike Sinclair via Healeys <<a href=3D"mailto:h=
ealeys@autox.team.net" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">heal=
eys@autox.team.net</a>> wrote: <u></u><u></u></span></p></div></div><div=
style=3D"border:none;border-left:solid #cccccc 1.0pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 6=
.0pt;margin-left:6.0pt"><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US" st=
yle=3D"font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:=
#26282a"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><=
span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica&q=
uot;,sans-serif;color:#26282a"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p></div><div><d=
iv id=3D"m_-5130005294262615903m_-4958623443882670529m_6446190483034331511y=
dpaa12e928yiv3642250353"><div><p><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:10=
.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#26282a">Is it me, or =
is the list quiet?=C2=A0 I haven't seen anything for quite a while?</sp=
an><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helveti=
ca",sans-serif;color:#26282a"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p><span lang=
=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-se=
rif;color:#26282a">Mik</span><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:10.0pt=
;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#26282a"><u></u><u></u>=
</span></p></div></div><p class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"margin-bottom:12.0pt=
"><span lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetic=
a",sans-serif;color:#26282a">_________________________________________=
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options/healeys/rcw414@icloud.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></p></div></block=
quote></div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span lang=3D"EN-US"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u=
></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div>
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