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Alpines -- why not?

To: "MG List" <mgs@autox.team.net>
Subject: Alpines -- why not?
From: Max Heim <mvheim@studiolimage.com>
Date: Wed, 31 May 2000 14:41:56 -0700
Larry Macy had this to say:

>I have a friend, (well actually Reg is on the list, but a little behind 
>in his mail) that was doing a Sunbeam Alpine resto. His major comment - 
>The parts are WAY too expensive and you will never make up the value of 
>the cost of restoring one. Little to no resale value, even for a perfect 
>restoration.
>
>Larry

Umm, what is different in that description from an MGB? OK, MG parts are 
cheaper, but the cars are more common (by a factor of 15 or so), and you 
still can't make your money back on a resto. More potential buyers, I 
suppose, but "commonness" holds the price down, too.

Until you get up to more "prestigious" marques (A-H, Jaguar), it's all a 
labor of love, anyway, with no hope of recouping expenses. The labor cost 
is always the biggest factor in a resto, and it's essentially the same 
for a Sprite as for a Bentley (allowing for size and number of 
components).

I say, if you think you would like an Alpine, go for it. I certainly 
wouldn't let "investment
potential" considerations hold you back. My pal drove one that he had 
rebuilt from a basket case, for 10 years as a daily driver. He still 
regrets it was totalled in a multi-car pile-up (not his fault).

Compared to a CBB, a stock Alpine is more solid (less "rattly"), with a 
taller windscreen and roofline, a larger boot (depending on the year) and 
smaller wheels (13"). It has a slightly softer ride and less power and 
acceleration, but makes a good long-distance cruiser. Many Alpines you 
see have been modified with high-performance suspensions, etc, as if they 
were Tigers; this may or may not be an improvement.

IMO, FWIW..

--

Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the red one with the silver bootlid.


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