DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

Some very helpful and thoughtful replies - thanks. Richard - that breakdown was particularly helpful.

This is Mike's old car - mechanically excellent (Mike Bainbridge engine rebuild around 4k miles ago) - but the bodywork is not good - Its rusty and leaky. This will be a daily driver (more or less) for me and will live on the street - so some preservation work is needed as a priority. Also - admittedly shallow - but the rust patches and peeling paint are hard to live with on a daily basis. I have applied rust eater liberally and so the bright orange patches are now dark grey - but the overall effect is not a good one.

It would be sensible in an ideal world to delay the restoration and use the car as is for a while - but makes more sense for me to go ahead now. Another factor is that restoration costs are only likely to increase.

I am not looking for a concourse finish but want a proper/thorough restoration and a usable car. Well aware of the potential costs and risks - hence trying to get as much information as i can.

Vimal

Which Mike?

210

Think the numbers posted are very realistic.

My limited experience is a "the bill will be what the bill will be" approach with some. Fine if money is no object, but for most of us, that's not the case and budgeting is required.

There were a couple of genuinely lovely, faded and "run in" cars at Hedingham. Honestly, they were my personal favourites so if yours was one of those - congrats, you own a truly wonderful car carrying its history like the lines on a face (Quite poetic for a saturday morning - better go back to bed . Try not to destroy all the lovely patina in the process of what ever you.

The other point to mention - if this is going to be a daily driver, if you go to mad you will be worried sick about where you park it, where you take it ect. Honestly, you go from loving the car to drive to be scared stiff of some numpty bashing it in a supermarket car park so, even more issues to consider.

Good luck!

vimal wrote:Some very helpful and thoughtful replies - thanks. Richard - that breakdown was particularly helpful.

This is Mike's old car - (Mike Bainbridge engine rebuild around 4k miles ago) -
Vimal

Neil Bainbridge.


Regards
Mike

I personally think Pete above is spot-on.
I painted my 911 in a single garage myself in cellulose in 1989. Cost me £200 all-in.

The car is solid and has some patches that could be neater, but it sure carries it's hard running life so far.
From 10 feet away it looks glorious.
I'm really not bothered about stones etc. as I've done far worse to it.

I have a new Skoda Superb in very dark blue as a daily. Am I ever scared of the lady with 3 screaming children in the supermarket and that one thoughtless opening of the SUV rear door into my flawless body.
"Oops, sorry, its only a little scratch. Bye!"

Mega paint bill by a pro and your heart will be broken after such an event.

im painfully aware of the dangers of having a nice car as a daily driver - but it's either that or not see the car much as it would be in storage. I've spent many years worrying about parking spaces , car parks, school run mums etc - all very stressful (but one day I will have a garage !). I think whether concourse or scruffy I would still be worried.

And yes - Neil bainbridge not mike. The engine is great so only a cosmetic overhaul needed.

Vimal