Re: [doc] Looking for a project Delorean

["Chris Parnham" <chrisparnham@xxxx>]

Martin / List,

I think that ONE day, in the distant future, any and all DeLoreans will be
"Economic" to restore and repair, I just don't think that day is here yet. I
have been around long enough to remember when a rag top E type Jag could be
bought for £2000, or an MGB for £75.
I would like to be in a position to buy, and dry store each and every
DeLorean that came available, but of course I can't. If any of us had
"stocked up" with DeLorean's in the late 80's, we would be looking at a £50%
loss now, excluding what inflation has done, excluding storage and
maintinance costs......economics has a place in spending decisions...even on
hobbies..in my opinion. I have been on the phone to 2 people this evening
alone who are on very tight budgets, but would like a car, I can only give
them, what I consider to be my best advice, buy carefully! Don't let your
heart rule your head!

No one can know for sure how future values will go, but my guess is way
up....

Chris ( cautious) P


----- Original Message -----
From: "Martin Gutkowski" <webmaster@xxxx>
To: <doc-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2001 4:54 PM
Subject: Re: [doc] Looking for a project Delorean


> Chris, I am moved here to ask what you'd do with all those DeLoreans which
are "beyond economic repair" as you seem to be
> suggesting?
>
> As you know I'm on the verge of buying a project car. However I've found
one with low mileage that has sat for four years,
> where the body's in prostine condition, but the interior's tatty (mainly
sun damage) and all the non-stainless trim is in need
> of a lick of paint and/or _minor_ repair.
>
> I own two cars already, my Xantia and my BX. My BX was my first car and as
a student at the time, I really HAD to learn how to
> work on it myself, and establish channels for sourcing parts at
non-dealership prices. It's truly amazing what you can find if
> you look hard wnough. Last June I had an accident in it which would have
clearly written it off had I reported it to the
> insurance company. Instead, it sat on my mum's driveway for 9 months while
I got the readies together, bought a knackered BX
> for parts and nursed it back to health. It's now going strong for a freind
who's at university. 176,000 miles and rising...
>
> My point: Especially here in the UK, we put different values on things
DeLorean. Our friends in the US often seem to need to
> replace repairable parts - eg the auto governor computer, interior trim,
even body panels. Mechanical items such as brake
> calipers can be bought new over the counter here as long as you have a
decent parts cross-reference. James Grant seems to be a
> man after my own heart, sourcing places to repair interior trim, the
original manufacturer for his windscreen, and the brake
> caliper mantioned above - £16 wasn't it James? Engine and transmission
parts are STILL available from Renault. I expect to
> find out just how much as soon as my mechanic gets hold of my car - he's
ex-Renault.
>
> At Eurofest, a bunch of us "young-uns" put an informal plan together to
take a road trip round europe when we've all got our
> D's on the road. Chris Hawes was clearly worried about putting so many
miles on what is likely to be a gem in the club's list
> (he wants as near to a new car as he can get). My car has fewer than 2500
miles on it, but having nursed it back to health
> myself, I'm going to relish every last mile I put on that car, because
it's my hands that have made it possible.
>
> ...and the preliminary estimates suggest my "project car" will be a good
investment, but only time will tell. Plus buying this
> one and spending on it over time will enable me to buy it sooner, and
enjoy it sooner. Even if it ends up costing more than a
> "newer" one would, it'll still be MY DeLorean, that I'VE rescued. There's
no greater reward IMO.
>
> And one day, when it's up to scratch, I may well sell it and find another
project car to restore. That's being a true
> enthusiast I'd say.
>
> Martin
>
> Chris Parnham wrote:
>
> > Dan,
> > There are a few people, like you and Chris N , who have been able to
commit
> > time (2 years?), money, and some help from others, and still keep the
dream
> > alive. BUT I have many conversations with people with VERY limited
budgets
> > and time, and family's etc. , for whom, a tatty "cheap" DeLorean project
> > would be a disaster.
> >
> > I have restored 6 cars over the years, it put a lot of strain on family
and
> > finances...its all right for you flushed young lads!
> >
> > I want people to feel good about owning a DeLorean, not wish to hell
they
> > have never seen one!
> >
> > Yes, the ideal purchase for any new member, is one that "some one else"
has
> > put all the money and time into.
> >
> > Sorry just my "shop keepers" view.
> >
> > Chris (Arkwright) Parnham
>
>
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