Buying pre war from dealer
Discussion
I have 2 in mind, can only buy one tho.
The LM 14/40 which I have been eyeing for ages and a Delage DR70 saloon of 1929 vintage.
The Vauxhall seems to be much more original throughout but has had mechanical extensive recent work. Its a very attractive car (IMHO) and would be a pleasure to own I'm sure.
The Delage is extremely attractive, to my eyes, but lacks all important history, altho some is available I understand. The engine and coachwork have had recent renovation work to high standard but no paperwork to support this. Apparently it was a garage owners car and he had his staff do the work for him in the quite times in garage. The car is alot more expensive than the LM but I feel has more 'stature' for weddings and such like work. Its at www.avonvale.com
I have decisions to make it seems.
The LM 14/40 which I have been eyeing for ages and a Delage DR70 saloon of 1929 vintage.
The Vauxhall seems to be much more original throughout but has had mechanical extensive recent work. Its a very attractive car (IMHO) and would be a pleasure to own I'm sure.
The Delage is extremely attractive, to my eyes, but lacks all important history, altho some is available I understand. The engine and coachwork have had recent renovation work to high standard but no paperwork to support this. Apparently it was a garage owners car and he had his staff do the work for him in the quite times in garage. The car is alot more expensive than the LM but I feel has more 'stature' for weddings and such like work. Its at www.avonvale.com
I have decisions to make it seems.
Yes its the light blue with red interior. Altho there is also another 14/40 for sale at www.watersideclassics.co.uk
Unfortunately I am not at all struck by the colour nor the interior re-trim. And of course its not a 'Tophat'.
Its alot easier to buy a new car (apart from the cost) than seeking out a good pre-war. But not half as much fun nor interest.
Unfortunately I am not at all struck by the colour nor the interior re-trim. And of course its not a 'Tophat'.
Its alot easier to buy a new car (apart from the cost) than seeking out a good pre-war. But not half as much fun nor interest.
ARH said:One issue is many 'dealers' these days are "brokers" and are selling on commission.
no one really knows how much they are worth.
To get a quick comparable I'd look at the other ads on Prewarcars (a black over Maroon Top Hat is listed - might be worth an e-mail) and do a search on Motorsnippets to see the auction (trade) price.
If I was considering a Vauxhall I'd to talk to someone like Julian Ghosh, past president of the VSCC, who is mainly into 30/98, but should be able to give a pointer or two.
Have you done any test drives/rides yet?
Hi TVRGAAS, have'nt done the test drives yet, I am now hovering on the brink, so to speak. Got my funds all in place now and ready to buy. Not driven any pre-war at all unfortunately, which makes it even more difficult to assess i guess.
The dealers are miles away so it is a full day to have a look at each car. I was considering paying for a pro' inspection by someone like classsic assesments but that will cost me around £700 for two cars. Think I should decide which to go for and then perhaps have that inspected. A mistake is something I cannot afford to make, I notice it is'nt easy to sell pre war cars, even dealers seem to have stock for month after month in some cases. Perhaps the market is a bit slow at the moment.
The dealers are miles away so it is a full day to have a look at each car. I was considering paying for a pro' inspection by someone like classsic assesments but that will cost me around £700 for two cars. Think I should decide which to go for and then perhaps have that inspected. A mistake is something I cannot afford to make, I notice it is'nt easy to sell pre war cars, even dealers seem to have stock for month after month in some cases. Perhaps the market is a bit slow at the moment.
for my 2 cents' worth...
dont rush a small Vauxhall, but try an Alvis 12/50 - godd lively performance for 1600cc, revs well by 1920s standards.
I grew up with a 30-98 and a 12/50 - dad still has the 12/50, and its a great little goer. I'd recommend the 30-98 over most other vintages (they really do go) even the Ubiquitous Le Mans Replica Bentley, but I digress...
try a good 12/50 before you buy a 14/40, you might be pleasantly surprised.
dont rush a small Vauxhall, but try an Alvis 12/50 - godd lively performance for 1600cc, revs well by 1920s standards.
I grew up with a 30-98 and a 12/50 - dad still has the 12/50, and its a great little goer. I'd recommend the 30-98 over most other vintages (they really do go) even the Ubiquitous Le Mans Replica Bentley, but I digress...
try a good 12/50 before you buy a 14/40, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff