Finding it hard to thin down collection
Discussion
I own three classics and I think the extra trouble is lessening my enjoyment.Has anyone had difficulty in parting with a classic you are attached to,and what would be the best advise in doing this,I fear I will regret doing so.Car 1- Fiat dino coupe,my absolute favourit car,owned 15 years but off road requiring at least an engine rebuild and is probably not cost effective.Car 2- austin healey sprite mk2 owned over 23 years ,good when convertible but not too user freindly in london.Car 3- Ferrari 308 gtb,owned over 2 years great car but best when driven fast which is not that easy without getting into trouble.
It can be real tough to thin down a collection of cars with sentimental value... I suggest you avoid my route which started with a garage fire and the total destruction of the whole collection in one foul swoop! Still, its made me a lot less sentimental about the cars I have subsequently bought to replace the ones toasted, although I have accumulated cars I cannot help feeling I would never want to sell....
As it happens, I might actually be able to help - I have been on the hunt for a Dino coupe as a project for a while (seriously, even been speaking to BB @ Dino Club) having owned one years ago. I was even specifically looking for one needing engine work (long story). Whilst I am sure your post wasn't intended to solicit any interest in your collection, it may be that there is some mutual ground here that could work for both of us, if you are interested - feel free to PM if you are.
Hopefully someone else will have some pearls of wisdom on how to thin down, but I will add that when I lost my lot (which included a number of projects) I was surprised by the sense of relief that was mixed in with the sense of loss - I hadn't realised how the projects were actually hanging over me. You may be surprised by how liberating it could be to move some of your stuff along. With the decks cleared, I was able to put some effort into one single project and achieve a really nice result. Since then, whenever I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed by numbers, I work on the principal of selling two to buy one - moving up the scale all the time. I now feel I have some nice (for me) toys and strangely I don't miss the toys that have gone before as I feel like I have moved on (the most recent release was a car I had enjoyed for over 13 years, the reality was I wasn't using it enough and it was time for it to go - I haven't really missed it at all and the proceeds from that, plus another toy, went into a car that I have had a huge amount of enjoyment from already and that has been used more than both the sold ones combined - despite its higher value). I hope that kinda makes sense and please do get in touch about your Dino, seriously.
As it happens, I might actually be able to help - I have been on the hunt for a Dino coupe as a project for a while (seriously, even been speaking to BB @ Dino Club) having owned one years ago. I was even specifically looking for one needing engine work (long story). Whilst I am sure your post wasn't intended to solicit any interest in your collection, it may be that there is some mutual ground here that could work for both of us, if you are interested - feel free to PM if you are.
Hopefully someone else will have some pearls of wisdom on how to thin down, but I will add that when I lost my lot (which included a number of projects) I was surprised by the sense of relief that was mixed in with the sense of loss - I hadn't realised how the projects were actually hanging over me. You may be surprised by how liberating it could be to move some of your stuff along. With the decks cleared, I was able to put some effort into one single project and achieve a really nice result. Since then, whenever I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed by numbers, I work on the principal of selling two to buy one - moving up the scale all the time. I now feel I have some nice (for me) toys and strangely I don't miss the toys that have gone before as I feel like I have moved on (the most recent release was a car I had enjoyed for over 13 years, the reality was I wasn't using it enough and it was time for it to go - I haven't really missed it at all and the proceeds from that, plus another toy, went into a car that I have had a huge amount of enjoyment from already and that has been used more than both the sold ones combined - despite its higher value). I hope that kinda makes sense and please do get in touch about your Dino, seriously.
Ahem. My good man, there appears to be a queue forming... please step in line 
. I had clocked that one in Spain too. Principally I am looking for a 2 litre car. Have you spoken to Brian? he knew of a few last time i checked with him, although nothing suitable for me. PM me if you want.
larrylamb11 said:
....I have been on the hunt for a Dino coupe as a project for a while (seriously, even been speaking to BB @ Dino Club) having owned one years ago. I was even specifically looking for one needing engine work (long story). Whilst I am sure your post wasn't intended to solicit any interest in your collection, it may be that there is some mutual ground here that could work for both of us, if you are interested - feel free to PM if you are.
..... please do get in touch about your Dino, seriously.
..... please do get in touch about your Dino, seriously.
benjj said:
...I am looking for a Fiat Dino right now. If you'd like to chat then dop me a private message/email through PH any time.
Joking aside, if you are also seriously looking for one maybe we can help eachother . I had clocked that one in Spain too. Principally I am looking for a 2 litre car. Have you spoken to Brian? he knew of a few last time i checked with him, although nothing suitable for me. PM me if you want.larrylamb11 said:
It can be real tough to thin down a collection of cars with sentimental value... I suggest you avoid my route which started with a garage fire and the total destruction of the whole collection in one foul swoop! Still, its made me a lot less sentimental about the cars I have subsequently bought to replace the ones toasted, although I have accumulated cars I cannot help feeling I would never want to sell....
As it happens, I might actually be able to help - I have been on the hunt for a Dino coupe as a project for a while (seriously, even been speaking to BB @ Dino Club) having owned one years ago. I was even specifically looking for one needing engine work (long story). Whilst I am sure your post wasn't intended to solicit any interest in your collection, it may be that there is some mutual ground here that could work for both of us, if you are interested - feel free to PM if you are.
Hopefully someone else will have some pearls of wisdom on how to thin down, but I will add that when I lost my lot (which included a number of projects) I was surprised by the sense of relief that was mixed in with the sense of loss - I hadn't realised how the projects were actually hanging over me. You may be surprised by how liberating it could be to move some of your stuff along. With the decks cleared, I was able to put some effort into one single project and achieve a really nice result. Since then, whenever I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed by numbers, I work on the principal of selling two to buy one - moving up the scale all the time. I now feel I have some nice (for me) toys and strangely I don't miss the toys that have gone before as I feel like I have moved on (the most recent release was a car I had enjoyed for over 13 years, the reality was I wasn't using it enough and it was time for it to go - I haven't really missed it at all and the proceeds from that, plus another toy, went into a car that I have had a huge amount of enjoyment from already and that has been used more than both the sold ones combined - despite its higher value). I hope that kinda makes sense and please do get in touch about your Dino, seriously.
Thankyou for some useful insights.As it happens, I might actually be able to help - I have been on the hunt for a Dino coupe as a project for a while (seriously, even been speaking to BB @ Dino Club) having owned one years ago. I was even specifically looking for one needing engine work (long story). Whilst I am sure your post wasn't intended to solicit any interest in your collection, it may be that there is some mutual ground here that could work for both of us, if you are interested - feel free to PM if you are.
Hopefully someone else will have some pearls of wisdom on how to thin down, but I will add that when I lost my lot (which included a number of projects) I was surprised by the sense of relief that was mixed in with the sense of loss - I hadn't realised how the projects were actually hanging over me. You may be surprised by how liberating it could be to move some of your stuff along. With the decks cleared, I was able to put some effort into one single project and achieve a really nice result. Since then, whenever I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed by numbers, I work on the principal of selling two to buy one - moving up the scale all the time. I now feel I have some nice (for me) toys and strangely I don't miss the toys that have gone before as I feel like I have moved on (the most recent release was a car I had enjoyed for over 13 years, the reality was I wasn't using it enough and it was time for it to go - I haven't really missed it at all and the proceeds from that, plus another toy, went into a car that I have had a huge amount of enjoyment from already and that has been used more than both the sold ones combined - despite its higher value). I hope that kinda makes sense and please do get in touch about your Dino, seriously.
My selling doubts came after seeing a recent program on hoarding and I can definately see some links, Ive also noticed that with alot of people who build up a collection of cars ,the condition of the cars detereorates which says something as well.I can see it as being liberating,but my worry is if I do regret selling, it will be very hard to find the same cars in the same condition.But as they`re not getting enough use is that reason alone to sell?.My 308 will probably be the keeper because it is very rare and with low miles and took me over two years to find.The sprite has the most sentimental value and will be missed on the sunny days. Although the Fiat Dino is my all tme favourite car I`m not ready to undertake the work needed now.Just some brief details in case I do decide to sell,its a very sound second series 2 litre coupe,all working,has had new valves and guides but will likely ? need rings/bore work because its started to smoke(although all cylinders have about good pressure .Its been retrimmed in black leather and has a period ansa exhaust.
I am slowly going through the same process; with the other half, with a cutting pearl of wisdom, three cars, one bike and only one arse! Need to keep the Porsche as its for work, so the Karmann Ghia is being done up and sold although will have to run around town for a wee bit when its done with the roof down enjoying the summer sun...oh hold on...
I am then going to do as has been previously suggested, move the Beetle on and replace with just one project to be the keeper; so far the other half has suggested a Porsche 911 Targa from the early 70's (as much cheaper than a coupe) or a VW Samba...she's a good girl really!!!
But once you move one on, so far my Lambretta and ZXR400 have gone and it really is quite sad but liberating!
I am then going to do as has been previously suggested, move the Beetle on and replace with just one project to be the keeper; so far the other half has suggested a Porsche 911 Targa from the early 70's (as much cheaper than a coupe) or a VW Samba...she's a good girl really!!!
But once you move one on, so far my Lambretta and ZXR400 have gone and it really is quite sad but liberating!
Do you really need to thin down the collection?
Given the strength of the classic car market and the hopeless bank interest rates, I would be tempted to mothball what I didn't need.
It is only the running costs of these things that make them expensive, otherwise they are better than money in the bank.
I recently sold my 1977 Caterham Seven and I already regret it.
And maybe five years ago I sold a 6000 mile Ferrari 328 for £33,000. How much would I have to pay to buy another like that?
You have three very desirable cars. The Dino and the 308 would be very difficult to replace. The Sprogeye less so, but it is probably worth least and yet is the most fun.
Think carefully before you act. I once sold my Esprit in haste, only to have regrets when it was too late. I was lucky to get the chance to buy the same car back a few years later.
I would love the chance to own a Fiat Dino or another 308/328. It is very easy to get complacent about what you have.
But if I had your dilemma and one really had to go, then I would probably keep the Frogeye and the Dino.
Given the strength of the classic car market and the hopeless bank interest rates, I would be tempted to mothball what I didn't need.
It is only the running costs of these things that make them expensive, otherwise they are better than money in the bank.
I recently sold my 1977 Caterham Seven and I already regret it.
And maybe five years ago I sold a 6000 mile Ferrari 328 for £33,000. How much would I have to pay to buy another like that?
You have three very desirable cars. The Dino and the 308 would be very difficult to replace. The Sprogeye less so, but it is probably worth least and yet is the most fun.
Think carefully before you act. I once sold my Esprit in haste, only to have regrets when it was too late. I was lucky to get the chance to buy the same car back a few years later.
I would love the chance to own a Fiat Dino or another 308/328. It is very easy to get complacent about what you have.
But if I had your dilemma and one really had to go, then I would probably keep the Frogeye and the Dino.
No pearls of wisdom here I'm afraid but I can sympathise.
I have been having similarish thoughts about our collection (seven vehicles and income down to an all time low) and we have seriously considered flogging most and replacing with an MX5. I know that (due to modifications) all would be difficult or impossible to replace if I wanted to but the thought of not juggling all the maintenance etc. got really inviting, especially as I have just discovered a crack in the Vincent's chassis... however, just last week at our local meet, a chap, who had just sold his old Cadillac and had cash to burn, asked me what I wanted for my Austin. My reply? "It's not for sale". That was when I realised that they will probably all be with us for a while yet.
I have been having similarish thoughts about our collection (seven vehicles and income down to an all time low) and we have seriously considered flogging most and replacing with an MX5. I know that (due to modifications) all would be difficult or impossible to replace if I wanted to but the thought of not juggling all the maintenance etc. got really inviting, especially as I have just discovered a crack in the Vincent's chassis... however, just last week at our local meet, a chap, who had just sold his old Cadillac and had cash to burn, asked me what I wanted for my Austin. My reply? "It's not for sale". That was when I realised that they will probably all be with us for a while yet.
The number of cars I have sold that I have later regretted............
And I currently have a Mini Clubman that has huge sentimental for wife but I am sick of the sight of it
And a Volvo 940 Estate that is perfect for every task but not really "me".
Sold over the years
Lotus 7, Lotus Elan, E30 M3, 2002tii, Chimaera, Caterham I built myself, Clan, countless MG, Lancia Fulvia.....
And if you knew what I sold them for over the years yu would cry with me.
And I currently have a Mini Clubman that has huge sentimental for wife but I am sick of the sight of it
And a Volvo 940 Estate that is perfect for every task but not really "me".
Sold over the years
Lotus 7, Lotus Elan, E30 M3, 2002tii, Chimaera, Caterham I built myself, Clan, countless MG, Lancia Fulvia.....
And if you knew what I sold them for over the years yu would cry with me.
I think you may have accidently started a support group with this thread.
I'm another one who can only offer sympathy rather than good advice. For the last few years when spring comes around I've made a decision to sell my Ginetta G21 and replace it with a cheap modern runabout so I can concentrate on finishing my Porsche 356A (12 years and counting). Instead I still own the Ginetta, have bought a Rover Mini Cooper because I needed a 'sensible 4 seater car' and have taken on the restoration of a Triumph Spitfire that my Father had started rebuilding before he died.
So a week ago I made space in the garage to tidy up the Ginetta ready for sale but I have a feeling I will still own at least four cars next winter.
I'm another one who can only offer sympathy rather than good advice. For the last few years when spring comes around I've made a decision to sell my Ginetta G21 and replace it with a cheap modern runabout so I can concentrate on finishing my Porsche 356A (12 years and counting). Instead I still own the Ginetta, have bought a Rover Mini Cooper because I needed a 'sensible 4 seater car' and have taken on the restoration of a Triumph Spitfire that my Father had started rebuilding before he died.
So a week ago I made space in the garage to tidy up the Ginetta ready for sale but I have a feeling I will still own at least four cars next winter.
There seem to be quite a few of us with this dilemma!
Having a restoration project that slowly turned into a lifetime task (13 years and counting) I pined for a car I could actually use. Good old ebay introduced a TR6 into my life, a car I'd always had a hankering for. 34000 miles, two owners and zero welding convinced me this was a keeper.
Then I had a mid life crisis and the next thing I know I've got a bigger mortgage and a 308...not the normal bag of thinly disguised rust, but a really good low miles, three previous owner pampered car. This began to get interesting as I've got a single garage! My parting words to the specialist who sold me the car were 'if you ever get a really low mileage totally original car, can I have first refusal?'
Nearly three years later I get the 'phone call and end up buying a completely original 328...
So I ended up with four cars and one garage, yet didn't really want to sell any of them.
Now to the point...I sold the 308, because the 328 is almost like new and a better example of its breed. It was a very rational decision. Also, having two Ferraris and a much bigger mortgage scored fairly low on the rational front as well!
The problem is we are not rational beings and I really miss the 308; the way it drives, the way it sounds and the way it looks. Simply knowing I owned it was a good feeling! But keeping it wouldn't have been right either...these cars thrive on use and deteriorate fast if they are just left. And a deteriorating Ferrari is a very expensive proposition...you can forget the 'better than money in the bank' arguement!
However, my advice is...don't sell the 308, particularly if it is a carb car as it will leave a large prancing horse shaped hole in your life! Keep the Sprite on the basis that we might get a sunny day this summer and move the Dino on to the orderly queue that seems to have formed unbidden outside your garage door!!
Whatever you do, I hope you make the right decision for you.
Having a restoration project that slowly turned into a lifetime task (13 years and counting) I pined for a car I could actually use. Good old ebay introduced a TR6 into my life, a car I'd always had a hankering for. 34000 miles, two owners and zero welding convinced me this was a keeper.
Then I had a mid life crisis and the next thing I know I've got a bigger mortgage and a 308...not the normal bag of thinly disguised rust, but a really good low miles, three previous owner pampered car. This began to get interesting as I've got a single garage! My parting words to the specialist who sold me the car were 'if you ever get a really low mileage totally original car, can I have first refusal?'
Nearly three years later I get the 'phone call and end up buying a completely original 328...
So I ended up with four cars and one garage, yet didn't really want to sell any of them.
Now to the point...I sold the 308, because the 328 is almost like new and a better example of its breed. It was a very rational decision. Also, having two Ferraris and a much bigger mortgage scored fairly low on the rational front as well!
The problem is we are not rational beings and I really miss the 308; the way it drives, the way it sounds and the way it looks. Simply knowing I owned it was a good feeling! But keeping it wouldn't have been right either...these cars thrive on use and deteriorate fast if they are just left. And a deteriorating Ferrari is a very expensive proposition...you can forget the 'better than money in the bank' arguement!
However, my advice is...don't sell the 308, particularly if it is a carb car as it will leave a large prancing horse shaped hole in your life! Keep the Sprite on the basis that we might get a sunny day this summer and move the Dino on to the orderly queue that seems to have formed unbidden outside your garage door!!
Whatever you do, I hope you make the right decision for you.
Just my opinion here, but it seems that:
a) the Dino is your favourite car
b) you like the Sprite for it's open top
c) you like the 308 GTB.
My bit of advice would be to keep the Dino, you mentioned yourself it's your favourite and that it is in good shape.
I have a solution for the others too: sell both and get a 308 GTS! All itches scratched, no?
a) the Dino is your favourite car
b) you like the Sprite for it's open top
c) you like the 308 GTB.
My bit of advice would be to keep the Dino, you mentioned yourself it's your favourite and that it is in good shape.
I have a solution for the others too: sell both and get a 308 GTS! All itches scratched, no?
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