Michael,
There is another option you have not listed and it might be the best one
of all.
You could look around for a physically sound car that has mechanical
problems and merge the best parts from two cars' to form one very solid
car. It will not be an overnight fix but in the end it could possibly
save you a lot of Quid over trying to keep repairing a car that is
turning into brown powder.
Cheers,
Joe
-----Original Message-----
From: spitfires-owner@autox.team.net
[mailto:spitfires-owner@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Michael Hargreave
Mawson
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 5:27 AM
To: spitfires@autox.team.net
Subject: Depressing News
Dear All,
I have been rather quiet on the list of late, as I have had little to
complain about, little to seek advice about, and even less to provide in
the way of advice to others! However, I now have a depressing problem,
with which I need your help. Last year, Carly needed over a thousand
pounds worth of welding to the chassis and floors to get her through the
MOT. This year, she has failed again (corrosion around the O/S/R
tie-bar being the main problem). Another four-figure sum for repairs
looms. I simply cannot afford to keep pouring money into her, and I am
forced to the conclusion that what she needs is a complete body-off
restoration. I can't afford that either (at least at the moment, or in
the near future). Mechanically she is excellent (rebuilt engine,
reconditioned gearbox, and a wealth of new parts over the past few
years), and overall the bodywork looks in reasonable nick from ten feet
or more away. I have three options, and would appreciate your advice
on them:
1. Pay to have her repaired, get her through the MOT, then sell her.
2. Sell her as an MOT failure.
3. Declare SORN, and dump her in a (rented) garage until I can afford to
have her properly restored (something which may never happen).
Would carrying out the MOT work add anything more than the cost of that
work to her sale value? The TSSC valuation (renewed last month) is
currently GBP4000, which presumably means a retail value nearer GBP2500
or GBP3000, with a full MOT. What is she worth as an MOT failure? I'm
guessing around GBP500-1000. And is it sensible to put her away to rot
still further, with no real idea of when I could afford to do a full
restoration, or would it be better to pass her on to someone who would
do that restoration now?
Oh, one other thing. I know that I also have the option to break her
up for spares, and that I would probably get more money this way than
any other. I won't do it.
Thanks in advance for any advice you'd care to give.
ATB
--
Mike
Ellie - 1963 White Herald 1200 Convertible GA125624 CV
Connie - 1968 Conifer Herald 1200 Saloon GA237511 DL
Carly - 1977 Inca Yellow Spitfire 1500 FH105671
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