To sell or not to sell....that is the question

Pondy

Pondy

Muppet
 At the summit of the picturesque fens
As many will know I built a fake Ferrari on a Z3 over the past few years.
I don't want to blow my own trumpet but I know it is among the very best of these types of car. It is now fully sorted.
It is a fantastic car in many ways, there is no doubting that. It makes everyone comment and smile. I have never known a car like it.

So I took it to it's first 'major' car show today. It was a big 'classic' show with probably 600 plus cars on display. Mine was very, very popular. Three people said they thought it was the 'best in show' (and there were some seriously exotic and nice cars there as with any big show). I tell everyone it isn't 'real' but people just don't care. They like it for what it looks like.

I was approached by one chap who was very interested in the car. He asked how much I thought it was worth, so I told him what I would take for it if I considered selling (it is a lot for a fake TBH). He didn't bat an eyelid and took my mobile number and said he would be in touch. Whether he will or not remains to be seen.

But if he does, I don't know what I will do. If I do sell I know I will regret it, as I will never find another as good, if at all. But it would free up cash (and space) to get something else older I could play with, along with a couple of 1970s bikes.

I hardly use the car at all. Most of the 400 miles I have put on it have been 'shakedown' and 'snagging' miles.

Today has now put the 'selling' idea in my mind which I am struggling to ignore.
 
Go with your gut

If the niggle is leaning to the side of sell do it

I am not sure if you will regret it if you do- only you will know after the event but that is stating the obvious.

If I were in your position I would revisit why you started it?

- to make a profit
- to prove you could do it
- something to fill the endless void

🤣🤣

It’s a difficult one
 
It's a tough call, especially after all trials and tribulations you had to overcome to achieve such a superb build.

On the odd occasion you drive it how much do you enjoy the drive? Do you enjoy all the attention it gets? Are you one of those people who enjoys the journey more than reaching the destination? Is there anything else you think you might enjoy more?

It has been a while since you changed cars after all. :LOL:

Seriously though, good luck whatever you decide. :thumbsup:
 
I think the fun part for you was creating it, would you actually miss owning, admiring and driving it? Would you rather have the cash to buy another project?
 
My first thought, having followed your build, was "Keep It!" But then I remembered reading this the other day!

"I hope so, as I don't like convertibles. I feel extremely 'vulnerable' and self-conscious driving a car with the roof down.
I have only owned 'verts' for the past 4 years. Never had one in the previous 36 years of driving.

I don't like driving my Z3 'thing' with the roof down, but it looks shite with the roof up (and is claustrophobic). So I put up with it; the wind, the cold air blowing your head off, the sun always at the wrong angle and in your eyes. You don't get any of that shite with a roof.

Yes I know. I don't know why I'm here, either."

You could always get an E86 Z4m!

However, for me, the interest in the car at shows would be reason enough alone to keep it, knowing that the work I put in is giving other people pleasure, while I revel in the glory that my mechanical prowess has provided.
 
Assuming the economy doesn't collapse, if it's worth that much to someone now, it probably will be to someone in n years time, too.

Enjoy it a bit yourself, and then sell in 2030 (or whenever)
 
Pondy said:
But if he does, I don't know what I will do. If I do sell I know I will regret it, as I will never find another as good, if at all. But it would free up cash (and space) to get something else older I could play with, along with a couple of 1970s bikes.
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Seems you do know what you'll do. But why? Is the lure of fiddling more than simple ownership? I am curious as to what bikes though.

A top three life error for me was selling my RD350LC about 25 years ago. Was a young father of twins and money was tight. When the guy went round the corner, I chased after him to give him his money back and sulked for many days afterwards.

Whatever you decide, be at peace with your choice.
 
Mr Tidy said:
On the odd occasion you drive it how much do you enjoy the drive? Do you enjoy all the attention it gets?
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I really don't enjoy driving it. It's more for show than to drive TBH. But it goes really well, sounds lovely and is actually quite comfortable (as long as you're not over 6ft with long arms).
I do very much enjoy the attention, yes. More because it really makes people, from 8 to 80, happy. It only gets positive attention. Never negative, unlike a lot of 'flash' cars.
 
GreySquirrel said:
However, for me, the interest in the car at shows would be reason enough alone to keep it, knowing that the work I put in is giving other people pleasure, while I revel in the glory that my mechanical prowess has provided.
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That is a big part, yes. The whole 'classic car' scene has opened up to me now because of this.
I was talking to a chap today who had a beautiful 'Middlebridge' Scimitar. He was soooooo keen to talk about it because 99% of people just walked by it.
Surely people take their cars to 'shows' to 'show' them and for others to be interested in them. It seems a little sad if nobody else gives a toss about your P&J.
 
I also know I have degenerative arthritis, so my driving days may be seriously limited. There are so many other cars I would love to 'try' while I can.
 
CuppaTea said:
I am curious as to what bikes though.
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I have a hankering for 1970s Jap two strokes. An RD400 and KH400 are my first choices.
But anything Kawasaki from the early 70s onwards, two and four stroke, would be considered.

Bikes take up less room in the garage. They are easier to work on and they are (generally) less money than cars.
 
You aren't making it any easier are you!

I've had quite a few RD Yamahas over the years, but the bike I miss the most was the KH500 I parted with in 2002 as part payment for a new kitchen Mrs Tidy thought was essential. :(
 
Only you will know what’s right for you.

I would personally sell but I say that only reflecting on your own comments and what you get from the car. For me, driving is all about the enjoyment I get from behind the wheel. I (again, just my personal opinion and you’re fully entitled to your own) really dislike the whole showing off of cars. I like a car show but the juxtaposition of presenting something for others to enjoy whilst equally being showy offy makes me uncomfortable. It’s a hard one to explain but a car being for show and for others to enjoy rather than myself is something I don’t understand. It’s the same reason I don’t like car shows that focus on one vehicle, especially if it is one I own. It feels very much like patting oneself on the back.

I’ve massively digressed there and probably opened a can of worms. If selling affords you the opportunity to buy something you would truly enjoy driving then I say go for it!
 
Scubaregs said:
Do you want the bikes as projects, or to ride?
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I suppose projects. Not interested in riding them anymore (and the arthritis isn't condusive).

I find it very hard to explain, or even know myself, what I want. The bikes are purely nostalgia and to get them to the 'best they can be'. Maybe that's my driving force. Trying to live a life which I couldn't afford when I was younger?
I take pleasure in doing things very well. But once they are done, not so bothered.
 
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Matt.rowley.1990 said:
I like a car show but the juxtaposition of presenting something for others to enjoy whilst equally being showy offy makes me uncomfortable.
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I totally understand that and used to be the same.
Maybe it's public recognition of the work I have put in, especially considering I have never worked on cars before ever, is what floats my boat?

I did the same with the house I built. Selling it for much more than it was valued at made me extremely happy, as it was recognition of a job well done. Then I instantly regretted it, because it was the best house I've ever owned!
 
Seller's regret is a terrible thing - it just festers in your memory, as my ongoing regret 24 years after parting with that KH500 demonstrates. :rolleyes:

I felt the same after I agreed to sell my first Z4 Coupe, took it for a final drive and realised what I would be missing. So 2 days after it went I picked up its replacement!

But that isn't an option with something truly unique.
 
Pondy. You are an engineer?
If so, then you know what is important to you.
It is the challenge, the project, not the product.
Project completed?
Do the handover and start the new project.
 
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