21-10-2020, 09:02 AM
I read the article and put the mag down, returned and read it again and yes I can see both points of view.
What a desirable car to own in its present condition, but I don't and am unlikely in the future to have the funds to purchase it, I do not have the woodworking skills or the time to return the body to a useable condition so sadly not for me as beautiful as it is.
Your combined thoughts made me consider my own Special, originally built from a Ruby chassis and Ford 1172 engine, gearbox and axles in 1951 and purchased by me some 20 years ago with the intention of competing in MCC/Classic Trials.
So the car the chassis came from was possibly 15 years old at the time of construction and presumably damaged or worthless in some way enabling the constructor to achieve his dreams and certainly not a "classic" at that time.
Getting the car into a useable condition took a considerable time and not a small amount of outlay, along the way it received an alternator, electronic ignition, modern electric fuel pump, electric rev counter etc etc, all of this with a view to ensuring the reliability required to compete and finish in classic trials.
The profile and major components are true to the builders dream and the car performs well, but it is a Specials that follows "Jenks" definition.
I believe I have preserved a good example of an important phase in the British motor sport movement (now industry) and more to the point I get a lot of fun using it, it is a fun thing and definitely not an investment!
The problem for the Amilcar is the huge industry that has developed around the Classic Vehicle movement. Without that industry and the supposed value of our cars we would not be able to so easily obtain parts or find the specialists who can undertake detailed work, but everyone employed in this industry wants to make a living, some a better living than others.
In short we are guilty of being to successful not only are the vehicles available but entrepreneurs are arranging myriad events for owners to participate in many of these outside of the VSCC and similar bodies and this will encourage those we believe to be unscrupulous.
And my other classic car, well I don't have one but when I dispose of the three motorcycles I will be looking for an ideally unrestored Chummy or RP but as my good lady says "It must have doors, windows and a roof"!
See you on the hills hopefully
What a desirable car to own in its present condition, but I don't and am unlikely in the future to have the funds to purchase it, I do not have the woodworking skills or the time to return the body to a useable condition so sadly not for me as beautiful as it is.
Your combined thoughts made me consider my own Special, originally built from a Ruby chassis and Ford 1172 engine, gearbox and axles in 1951 and purchased by me some 20 years ago with the intention of competing in MCC/Classic Trials.
So the car the chassis came from was possibly 15 years old at the time of construction and presumably damaged or worthless in some way enabling the constructor to achieve his dreams and certainly not a "classic" at that time.
Getting the car into a useable condition took a considerable time and not a small amount of outlay, along the way it received an alternator, electronic ignition, modern electric fuel pump, electric rev counter etc etc, all of this with a view to ensuring the reliability required to compete and finish in classic trials.
The profile and major components are true to the builders dream and the car performs well, but it is a Specials that follows "Jenks" definition.
I believe I have preserved a good example of an important phase in the British motor sport movement (now industry) and more to the point I get a lot of fun using it, it is a fun thing and definitely not an investment!
The problem for the Amilcar is the huge industry that has developed around the Classic Vehicle movement. Without that industry and the supposed value of our cars we would not be able to so easily obtain parts or find the specialists who can undertake detailed work, but everyone employed in this industry wants to make a living, some a better living than others.
In short we are guilty of being to successful not only are the vehicles available but entrepreneurs are arranging myriad events for owners to participate in many of these outside of the VSCC and similar bodies and this will encourage those we believe to be unscrupulous.
And my other classic car, well I don't have one but when I dispose of the three motorcycles I will be looking for an ideally unrestored Chummy or RP but as my good lady says "It must have doors, windows and a roof"!
See you on the hills hopefully