The UK preference for originality was a deciding factor where prices were concerned, yet a recent surge in cars popping up, regardless of originality are priced at the sort of levels expected of a concours car.... is original now irrelevant?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z1-/12137 ... 1c42606fb0
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1989-BMW-Z1-C ... 4ad7a6b922
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z1-1989-E ... 4d1f2ecba4
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/ ... 90/2388300
http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/car ... 91/173279/
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C490550
Is original relevant?
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Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6437
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: Is original relevant?
.......... I would say it's more to do with the scarcity of the model vs originality.... I came across an M1 last week, only 2 recorded as having ever entered SA. The valuation on it is around US.$380,000. The one I saw was in for resusitation...it has been standing in the owners garage for 20 years... really fugly in my opinion, but worth money based on rarity.. 
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Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6437
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- Location: Johannesburg
Re: Is original relevant?
..... Not sure... they were produced to compete in endurance type events like the current LeMans series, so they were required to produce a minimum number (200??) to qualify for entry as a "production" car. It's a full mid-engined rear strait 6 of 3.5l capacity I think - might be 3.8l...anyhow, the interior is seriously ugly... very square and loads of plastic... and I think they were only produced in LHD models...
Re: Is original relevant?
Z1s are a tad scarce in the UK, but no so much the wider community, still 5000+ vehicles worldwide, it seems attitudes are changing, coinciding with the 25th year anniversary, better to have a non-stadard Z1, than no Z1.
Re: Is original relevant?
"Z1s are a tad scarce in the UK, but no so much the wider community, still 5000+ vehicles worldwide, it seems attitudes are changing, coinciding with the 25th year anniversary, better to have a non-standard Z1, than no Z1."
You would say that, Jamal, although yours is quite tasteful.
Surely, the 25th anniversary is more of an issue in relation to imports into the USA, since the regulations concerning import and usage change for cars over that age. We might find that US buyers are happier buying UK cars because we speak English. Do you think that is already driving prices?
Anyway, there will be one original Z1 at Witney Motor Show tomorrow http://www.witneymotorshow.co.uk/
Free to get in if you display a car, so I'm £2.50 up already.
You would say that, Jamal, although yours is quite tasteful.
Surely, the 25th anniversary is more of an issue in relation to imports into the USA, since the regulations concerning import and usage change for cars over that age. We might find that US buyers are happier buying UK cars because we speak English. Do you think that is already driving prices?
Anyway, there will be one original Z1 at Witney Motor Show tomorrow http://www.witneymotorshow.co.uk/
Free to get in if you display a car, so I'm £2.50 up already.
Re: Is original relevant?
Anyone want to buy a tastefully designed Z1?ChrisS wrote: You would say that, Jamal, although yours is quite tasteful.
Re: Is original relevant?
You're not selling, are you?
Re: Is original relevant?
Cars are designed to be used and will eventually need new parts - e.g Triggers Broom !
If the Oem parts become expensive or no longer available alternatives are usually sourced, and improvements made. An aftermarket Z1 rear exhaust box is fine if it maintains the unique aero profile which generates downforce and sprays water and mud out through the back of diffuser !! The BTB twin outlets in stainless steel really suit the design of the car.
Aluminium under trays are more durable with well thought out engine access modifications. Original specifications for cosmetic items are important to me. I like the original and exclusive factory Z1 wheels, the style of the seats and paint colours. I am sure a durable camo leather (anther than Nubuck) could be obtained for a retrim as an alternative if there was sufficient interest. Its just painted and impressed (patterned) or punched (ventilated) hides.
I did a very detailed inspection of 1967 Lotus Elan recently - it has its original period correct look but with modern engineering under the skin in terms of CV driveshafts rather the original rubber "donuts" - modern cooling and fuel pump system and adjustable suspension. Unfortunately, I suspect it also needed a new water pump, the achillies heel of the Elan, which is an engine out, head off, 30 hours labour task to replace a £50 part. A £700 modification reduces further replacement an hour and is valued improvement.
If you just want to really use the car, modification to suit your needs and taste are fine, to maintain value in a rising classic car market - originality is a very important consideration.
TJS
If the Oem parts become expensive or no longer available alternatives are usually sourced, and improvements made. An aftermarket Z1 rear exhaust box is fine if it maintains the unique aero profile which generates downforce and sprays water and mud out through the back of diffuser !! The BTB twin outlets in stainless steel really suit the design of the car.
Aluminium under trays are more durable with well thought out engine access modifications. Original specifications for cosmetic items are important to me. I like the original and exclusive factory Z1 wheels, the style of the seats and paint colours. I am sure a durable camo leather (anther than Nubuck) could be obtained for a retrim as an alternative if there was sufficient interest. Its just painted and impressed (patterned) or punched (ventilated) hides.
I did a very detailed inspection of 1967 Lotus Elan recently - it has its original period correct look but with modern engineering under the skin in terms of CV driveshafts rather the original rubber "donuts" - modern cooling and fuel pump system and adjustable suspension. Unfortunately, I suspect it also needed a new water pump, the achillies heel of the Elan, which is an engine out, head off, 30 hours labour task to replace a £50 part. A £700 modification reduces further replacement an hour and is valued improvement.
If you just want to really use the car, modification to suit your needs and taste are fine, to maintain value in a rising classic car market - originality is a very important consideration.
TJS
