How many of you have cars in good condition that have NOT been through a restoration?

[Rek]

Is there a value to having an all original car in excellent condition which has NOT been restored over a similar quality restored version?

As our cars were built in the late 60' and 70' a fair few of them have been consumed and died. Some which were basket cases are now being restored as values have risen. I wanted to find out exactly how many unrestored cars are out there. Minor rust repairs don't count. Restoration means it's been taken apart, repaired and rebuilt. "Sympathetic restoration' which sellers use to describe a quick paint job don't count either.

So just how many untouched good condition cars are out there? If there are only a few, will the market add a premium to their value?

 

[sandhu]

Certain Buyers are only looking for unrestored factory original cars to buy ie no welding been done on them , original factory paint still on the car etc etc
Very very small market for buyers

 

[Lotuss7]

I think the decision often begins with the condition of the vehicle when it is acquired.

I was fortunate enough to purchase a car which was in very good original condition. Maintained from new and then eventually owned by a BMW mechanic in Southern California.

A repaint in the 1980s with old school Glasurite paint but otherwise untouched. Car was given a Ziebart treatment when repainted. No evident rust which is confirmed as much as possible by a bore scope.

I have done a significant amount of work on the car to refresh its condition mechanically. Replaced all soft rubber suspension and driveline components with OEM parts. Shocks and springs as well but I upgraded to Hardy and Beck’s springs and specially valved Bilsteins. I kept all the original parts.

The original ZF transmission was a screamer and as I do take the car on extended trips I installed a 5 sp. to improve drivability on the highway. I kept the old trans, bell housing and driveshaft.

Air conditioning was not working. I replaced the compressor with a NOS York instead of the Sanden option.

Wheels are currently 16” staggered Alpinas. But have the original wheels.

Engine is strong but the Zenith carbs had the typical stumble on throttle tip in. Didn’t rebuild the carbs, but countless hours of re-jetting and tuning and they work flawlessly now.

Pertronix ignition in stock distributor.

Rebuilt brakes with all OEM parts.

Rebuilt radiator. Stock tanks but copper dimple tube core. Dimple tube core is a huge improvement over the stock straight copper tube. The car never overheats.
The car drives beautifully and a well tuned naturally aspirated 2800 is more than enough for me.

The car has a patina that can not be replicated in a totally restored example. It just looks right in my opinion. A well maintained 52 year old car. I get great comments when the car is at events.

Originality is where I think the ultimate value of these cars will be found. But you must start with the right car.

 

[HB Chris]

John, Stumble on tip-in can be the accelerator pumps, did you replace the cups in these? Very easy job to do.

 

[Lotuss7]

John, Stumble on tip-in can be the accelerator pumps, did you replace the cups in these? Very easy job to do.

No didn’t. Simply adjustment and jetting. Runs flawlessly. Had the car at Don’s for a bit and Chris commented on its responsiveness so leaving well enough alone!!

But good to know!! Thanks!!

 

[mulberryworks]

No didn’t. Simply adjustment and jetting. Runs flawlessly. Had the car at Don’s for a bit and Chris commented on its responsiveness so leaving well enough alone!!

But good to know!! Thanks!!

My 1970 2800cs with Zeniths had the original leather cups in the accelerator pumps. Even the contemporary Blue Book service manual suggests replacing them. I was diagnosing an extremely poor running condition when I got the car so I rebuilt the carbs right off to eliminate that variable. Turned out to be bad points in a wonky distributor.

 

[Lotuss7]

John, Stumble on tip-in can be the accelerator pumps, did you replace the cups in these? Very easy job to do.

Haha…had a talk with the guy who worked on the carbs. This was 8 years ago? He did replace the accelerator pumps! Also rejetted and dialed in the carb.

Good call Chris!