Pagoda SL Group
Off Topic => Way Off Topic => Topic started by: mdsalemi on December 18, 2011, 02:39:39
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So yesterday was the Christmas party for Brian Joseph's place; he is the car selection chairperson for Concours of America. He runs a restoration business http://www.classicandexotic.com/ catering to the ultra high-end and exotic; you know, V16, things with the name "Phaeton"; "Dual Cowl"; "Boat Tail" and more. Duesenbergs, Packards, Rolls, Bentley—95% prewar stuff, a few interesting exotics, like his own 1956 Ghia Supersonic Aston Martin DB2/4.
Interesting Point #1.
My friend Adam and I are walking around the works in progress (entire shop was open) and there was a sheet-metal shell, which was being held "open" by a tube structure. Without it, the shell (incomplete) would collapse. Upon close observation we determined that perhaps the restoration is about 5% done. It was a Tucker. (Note for those that don't know: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_Tucker_Sedan) We both agreed that it would be interesting to see the "before" photos, what this shell looked like when it was hauled in. Clearly a lot of metal had been cut out; some rusty bits were being saved, but there were large parts of the car's body and structure just missing. A Tucker engine was elsewhere in the shop.
We asked Brian if he had the "before" photos of the Tucker. To which he replied, "Which one?"
When he actually got around to answering the question he said, "Have you seen what iron ore looks like after extraction from the ground?"
Interesting point #2.
There was a letter tacked up on a bulletin board from the Torrance, CA owner of one 1933 Duesenberg J. He wanted to "freshen up" his restored Duesey; not for Pebble Beach, but for a driver. He asked for an idea of pricing on three items:
1. Repaint
2. New Interior
3. New Soft Top and Boot Cover
Penciled in for a reply were the following.
1. $150,000
2. $35,000
3. $15,000
I found this all very sublime and amusing. In addition, the drinks were great; the food good, and the band was OK. Cars were amazing.
My own rather pedestrian eyes were more intrigued by the car that stood out there because it didn't belong: a late 1960s or early 1970s Alfa coupe. Could not tell which model it was, as it was de-badged for painting, and my Alfa knowledge isn't up to snuff. The car had been in for a repaint, clearly, but it was perfect size, lovely proportions. Even in its "What were they thinking?" battleship grey/green color, it was stunning.
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That was an interesting read Michael; thanks for posting.
Not sure if I'd already told you this, but I had a chance to visit Paul Russell's place not too long ago. Probably quite a few of us have been hosted at great restoration shops, and I've always found it to be a terrific experience. The cars at Paul Russell's place were simply amazing, but my favorite part was visiting with the fellow who'd worked on my little signal red 280SL.
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Wow. Makes me appreciate my own cars that much more: complete transmission rebuild for the Earl Camino: 1000 euros plus maybe 500 labor for removal/installation.
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Wow. Makes me appreciate my own cars that much more: complete transmission rebuild for the Earl Camino: 1000 euros plus maybe 500 labor for removal/installation.
Cees, you realize that your tranny rebuild would have been about half that here...
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Cees, you realize that your tranny rebuild would have been about half that here...
Yeah, I figured as much. Ditto on a complete engine rebuild I'm sure. Parts are really inexpensive generally speaking. Many times, the shipping to Europe costs more than the parts... It's the same with many European classics though; cars like the Volvo Amazone, the Vee-Dub Beetle or the Mini; complete rebuilt engines for what we here spend on a set of new pistons and rings ...
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Cees
It is quite a shock sometimes. New chassis, re-con engine and front disc brakes for our Citroen 2CV supplied and fitted for £2,000. New canvas hood for £150. That is most of the car for £2,150! The 2CV parts market does benefit from lots of non-original parts but as fit and finish is not really an issue on these cars, I don't even ask.
Regards
Andrew
1966 230SL
1976 Citroen 2CV4
1989 420SL
2007 S320 CDI
2007 BMW 535d Touring
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http://www.classicandexotic.com/gallery.htm (http://www.classicandexotic.com/gallery.htm)
Alfa at the bottom of the page.... anyone round here know their Alfa's? ;)
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Alfa GT junior?
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That's my first car right there! Alfa GTV, ours was the 1750 variety. Paid the equivalent of 250 euros for it in 1978. The one in the photo looks like an earlier model, 1300 junior if I'm not mistaken.
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Alfa 1300 GT Junior, prior to 1964. I navigate most of my rallies in one just like this, down to the color... although I think that bumper on the Classic and Exotic one looks downright ugly... it does have the correct rims...
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Very beautiful, very well proportioned car with exquisite lines. I really like it. Now I'll have to see out 1300 GT Juniors around...