thinking of buying a Brooklands LPT

[W1TAK]

As the title states my dad is thinking about buying one of these cars, hes previously owned a Shadow II so knows a bit but is wondering what to look out for when purchasing?

Prices seem to be 15-25k, he would like a 40-50k mile example 97/98 year must have full Bentley SH. Thoughts from other owners or anyone with experience would be appreciated...

[stain]

My advice is to buy one from a reputed expert dealer or have the car inspected by one first. The later cars are best but still are 10+years old so can have a few surprises waiting in the wings. Low mileage doesn't mean less problems. My Turbo RL has had new suspension front and rear as well as the headgaskets done - all at 38k miles. Mine is a one owner car with full JB history! That lot came to about 10 grand for info.

[W1TAK]

Thanks for the advice Stain, I will make sure Dad doesnt fall for a cheaper private sale with no inspection then.

Could I ask what the typical upkeep costs are per annum for 5k miles and one good service at a reputable dealer? He realises the MPG isnt brilliant!

Many thanks

[stain]

That is the key. Get close to an indie and they should be able to keep things sensible. I use Royce for the RL and they will give you an honest report on what needs doing and when on your car. I've not had a standard service yet as there are always little add on jobs, but I'd say a running fund of about 3k per year ought to suffice providing you get a good car in the first place. That may sound alot, but it shouldn't depreciate that much unlike modern german stuff. But if it drops a clanger big time then take some vaseline as it will hurt. Headgaskets are weak point (at any mileage) and my bill was for 5.5k!

Fuel is not too bad really considering. My new Flying Spur is no better.

[Balmoral Green]

Hillier Hill are not far from you at Olney. They have a good reputation and used to look after my car when it was with its previous owner. Might be worth a call for advice about buying and servicing, they have cars for sale too.

Also, Phantom Motor Cars aren't that far away from you either at Crondall, I go to them all the way from Derby. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

[Bluebottle911]

Balmoral Green said:

Hillier Hill are not far from you at Olney. They have a good reputation and used to look after my car when it was with its previous owner. Might be worth a call for advice about buying and servicing, they have cars for sale too.

Also, Phantom Motor Cars aren't that far away from you either at Crondall, I go to them all the way from Derby. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

I, too, am a Phantom fan - my TR is there now for its annual visit.

These are not cheap cars to run, I am afraid, because parts do wear out from time to time and when they do, they usually cost a few bob. For example, I am looking at £3K (all in) for new front shockers this year. However, when you think just how little they cost to buy now, compared with what they cost new, or the price of other new cars now, and look at the quality of the fixtures and fittings, they are fantastic value for money.

So my advice is "go for it"! But, yes, do be careful, because there are loads of cars out there which have been run "on a budget" and they will be seriously expensive to get back into good order.

[W1TAK]

Thanks for all the replies and advice, I think it makes alot of sense to buy from somebody reputable and to ensure its checked over before purchase. I dont think Dad will be concerned with 3-4k per year maintenance costs.

Talking of Phantom Motors in Crondall, that is where we went last week to look at a Brooklands they have for sale ! small world. The car was very impressive but too expensive and they werent prepared to negotiate, but I feel better knowing they are a reputable dealer.

Dad is off to Madeira for ten weeks and will resume his search upon his return. In the mean time Im going to keep a look out for him.

Many thanks

[stain]

Bluebottle911 said:

Balmoral Green said:

Hillier Hill are not far from you at Olney. They have a good reputation and used to look after my car when it was with its previous owner. Might be worth a call for advice about buying and servicing, they have cars for sale too.

Also, Phantom Motor Cars aren't that far away from you either at Crondall, I go to them all the way from Derby. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

I, too, am a Phantom fan - my TR is there now for its annual visit.

These are not cheap cars to run, I am afraid, because parts do wear out from time to time and when they do, they usually cost a few bob. For example, I am looking at £3K (all in) for new front shockers this year. However, when you think just how little they cost to buy now, compared with what they cost new, or the price of other new cars now, and look at the quality of the fixtures and fittings, they are fantastic value for money.

So my advice is "go for it"! But, yes, do be careful, because there are loads of cars out there which have been run "on a budget" and they will be seriously expensive to get back into good order.

Are you going to keep the active ride stuff or do what I did and put Bilstein struts on it?

[atomicpunk]

W1TAK said:

Talking of Phantom Motors in Crondall, that is where we went last week to look at a Brooklands they have for sale ! small world. The car was very impressive but too expensive and they werent prepared to negotiate, but I feel better knowing they are a reputable dealer.

Are you referring to the blue car that's up for around £25K? I noticed it on their website recently and it does look like a really good example.

[Balmoral Green]

Well maintained cars in good condition with proper service history are a rare and diminishing commodity. There is the world of difference between the budget/auction range cars at £6-£10K, the average dealer fodder at £10-£14K, and the very best cars at £20K plus.

Although I do agree that £25K is top dollar

When my car was last in at Phantom, it sat in the showroom for a couple of weeks before I could get down to collect it, apparently they had three people wanting to buy it. They asked where they could get one as good as that? they were told they couldn't

As ever, buy the very best that you can, and don't worry if you think you've paid a little bit too much, it's really not that important. Getting the right car takes priority over getting a bit of a deal IMO.

Edited by Balmoral Green on Tuesday 27th January 19:25

[atomicpunk]

Balmoral Green said:

Well maintained cars in good condition with proper service history are a rare and diminishing commodity. There is the world of difference between the budget/auction range cars at £6-£10K, the average dealer fodder at £10-£14K, and the very best cars at £20K plus.

Although I do agree that £25K is top dollar

When my car was last in at Phantom, it sat in the showroom for a couple of weeks before I could get down to collect it, apparently they had three people wanting to buy it. They asked where they could get one as good as that? they were told they couldn't

As ever, buy the very best that you can, and don't worry if you think you've paid a little bit too much, it's really not that important. Getting the right car takes priority over getting a bit of a deal IMO.

Edited by Balmoral Green on Tuesday 27th January 19:25

On this very subject, and because current interest rates mean I have money sat in the bank earning next to nothing, I'm thinking about putting some of it towards a really good Royce or Bentley. My current shopping list of potential buys looks like this:

1. The very same Brooklands at Phantom that's been mentioned in this thread (£25K)

http://www.pmcuk.com/BrooklandsLPTPeacock.asp



2. What looks like a gorgeous Bentley T at Graeme Hunt (formerly Bramley of Kensington)

http://www.graemehunt.com/motor-cars/for-sale/1975...



3. A Corniche at Vintage and Prestige in Henley (£23K)

http://www.vintagerollsroycecars.com/car-details/1...



4. A Shadow at the same dealer (£16K)

http://www.vintagerollsroycecars.com/car-details/1...




All very different cars, I know, but I'm looking for something special as a long term 'keeper' so condition is more important than model.

Does anyone have any views or personal experience of each model to help me choose (I'm currently running a 1987 Silver Spirit EFi), or has anyone had any experience of Graeme Hunt/Bramley or V and P. I've seen plenty of good feedback here on Phantom, so that one's already answered!

Cheers.

[Balmoral Green]

Nice Shadow, I wonder why it is on a 67/68 plate?

[atomicpunk]

Balmoral Green said:

Nice Shadow, I wonder why it is on a 67/68 plate?

I understand it's a 'private' plate (GEF being the initials of a former owner).

[Balmoral Green]

I see, it suits it, but the plate needs to be silver on black, but that would be illegal on a '75 car. I bet the bib wouldn't pick up on that though unless they ran a check.

[atomicpunk]

Balmoral Green said:

I see, it suits it, but the plate needs to be silver on black, but that would be illegal on a '75 car. I bet the bib wouldn't pick up on that though unless they ran a check.

You are a mind reader sir! I was just looking at prices for these on the 'Tippers vintage plates' website. I could always have the regular set ready for use when MOT time comes along

[Bluebottle911]

stain said:

Are you going to keep the active ride stuff or do what I did and put Bilstein struts on it?

I am sticking with the original set-up. Why did you change? Are you pleased with the result? Pros and cons?

[Bluebottle911]

atomicpunk said:

On this very subject, and because current interest rates mean I have money sat in the bank earning next to nothing, I'm thinking about putting some of it towards a really good Royce or Bentley. My current shopping list of potential buys looks like this:

1. The very same Brooklands at Phantom that's been mentioned in this thread (£25K)

2. What looks like a gorgeous Bentley T at Graeme Hunt (formerly Bramley of Kensington)

3. A Corniche at Vintage and Prestige in Henley (£23K)


4. A Shadow at the same dealer (£16K)

All very different cars, I know, but I'm looking for something special as a long term 'keeper' so condition is more important than model.

Does anyone have any views or personal experience of each model to help me choose (I'm currently running a 1987 Silver Spirit EFi), or has anyone had any experience of Graeme Hunt/Bramley or V and P. I've seen plenty of good feedback here on Phantom, so that one's already answered!

Cheers.

Decisons, decisions! If the convenience of four doors does not matter to you, I think I should go for the Corniche in your place. Close second would be the Brooklands, for the combination of performance and modern conveniences. Also the colour, which is absolutely delicious. Yes, it does seem a litttle pricey, but, as BG said, finding a good one is not easy. And it may be worth paying top dollar for a top car - it could save money in the long run. "The qality will be remembered long after the price has been forgotten". However, it will depreciate, unlike the Corniche.

[stain]

Bluebottle911 said:

stain said:

Are you going to keep the active ride stuff or do what I did and put Bilstein struts on it?

I am sticking with the original set-up. Why did you change? Are you pleased with the result? Pros and cons?

The results are suberb and I was advised by the garage to go down this route as the std set up doesn't last long before needing attention. My shocks had gone and the springs were shot meaning it was practically on its bump stops. Now it is great. They fitted an ecu to lock the rear active in the middle setting too. Cost-wise I am told this is cheaper in the long run as the std system has a short life.

[pennrolls]

I bought my Shadow from Hunt and Keal. I had no complaints!
As ever, please do get the car checked over prior to purchase. My mechanic www.nsandell.com is superb and a member of the http://www.rrbsa.co.uk/. I would trust any one of them. Also, the chaps on here say that Phantom Motors are good, so you have a variety of good mechanics to choose from.