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 Posted: May 5, 2014 01:44PM
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US

Its true that I spent the money to make the car like it was when built. THAT was my intention. So, yes, I SPENT the money. But i know that finding an Elf restored to original specs HAS to be desireable to someone. And there is no way that what I am asking will even come close to covering what I SPENT restoring the car. This car has not been altered from originality at all. 

But you are right Alex. IF I don't sell the car, at least I have the car that I intended to have when I bought her. And that is NOT a bad thing.

 Posted: May 5, 2014 08:12AM
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GR
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex
 

... And there is no way that I intend to get ALL THE MONEY BACK THAT I INVESTED.
In reality, there is no way on Gods Green Earth that I could ever recoup all the money I have spent on her in the last 6 years, but that doesn't matter as I've had a blast tinkering with her and doing running repairs. 

just wish some sellers, would think the same way as you Alex!

 Posted: May 5, 2014 06:56AM
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GB
Quote:
Originally Posted by captain61

... And there is no way that I intend to get ALL THE MONEY BACK THAT I INVESTED. However, I cannot  sell it for what I bought it for unrestored! ...

You didn't INVEST money in the car - you SPENT money on making it what you wanted it to be.

Now that the car is exactly as you wanted it to be, why give it away ?
You wouldn't walk into a dealership, spec out your ideal car and then give a random customer in the showroom $15k would you.

If I sold Betty, I would for sure make a 'screen price' paper profit on her - bought from an old lady giving up driving, sold as a semi-infamous vehicle with a bit of history.
In reality, there is no way on Gods Green Earth that I could ever recoup all the money I have spent on her in the last 6 years, but that doesn't matter as I've had a blast tinkering with her and doing running repairs. 

 Posted: May 5, 2014 05:15AM
 Edited:  May 5, 2014 05:18AM
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No...ours is a Mini Tartan Limited Edition. Made only for export to Japan. Did see lots of Minis in NZ when we were there though. Lots of daily drivers and a few concours models in Parnell (Auckland suburb).

If it's not Scottish....it's crap! (Cry of the Mini Tartan Owners' Clan)

 Posted: May 5, 2014 02:21AM
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US

Minerva,

Really cool stuff. I would LOVE to go to New Zealand...

Do you have a NZ Mini?

 Posted: May 4, 2014 07:16PM
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I grew up in NZ and my wife & I went there in Oct/Nov 2012. She had never been there before so we went for my highschool's 50th reunion in Hastings. We spent 1/2 a day at "Middle earth, the Shire". You can tour the real movie set. it's over hundreds of acres in a farmer's field. The Shire, the Party Tree, the Green Dragon Inn, the stome bridge & the mill and about 55 Hobbit Houses. You can go inside some of the houses as they are set into the side of a hill....a concrete cave inside with the house face as in the picture. All the inside shots are at Weta Works studios in Wellington.  

 

www.hobbitontours.com is their website

 

 

If it's not Scottish....it's crap! (Cry of the Mini Tartan Owners' Clan)

 Posted: May 4, 2014 04:53PM
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US

WOW. Cool photo!

 Posted: May 4, 2014 04:41PM
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Speaking of Kiwi Elves...here is the world's largest Hobbit, lurking in the doorway of his Middle Earth mansion in Matamata NZ.

If it's not Scottish....it's crap! (Cry of the Mini Tartan Owners' Clan)

 Posted: May 4, 2014 06:33AM
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US

OH NO!!! "Olive" now has THREE IDENTITIES!!!!! She leads a triple life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Surprised

 Posted: May 4, 2014 06:08AM
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"Olive", ... wasn't that the name of Popeye's girl friend?

 Posted: May 4, 2014 04:02AM
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US

AHA! Minerva...That explains it!! It must be a case of dual identity! I have often wondered where "Olive" disappeared to around Christmas time!!!

 Posted: May 3, 2014 08:25PM
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Olive is a Kiwi Elf? All these years I always thought that "Olive" was "the other reindeer"...as in the Rudolph song?

If it's not Scottish....it's crap! (Cry of the Mini Tartan Owners' Clan)

 Posted: May 2, 2014 07:33PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cup Cake

Miniestate, you called me "full-of-S***e" one time on Mini prices, so I don't mind declaring you delusional. If you do a full restoration, mechanical etc including rust repairs its gonna cost twice what the car is worth.

Cup Cake, Holy Cow Man! What brought that on! My comments are my opinions just like anyone else here in the forum. The Classic MKI Minis that I've owned were all in pretty decent condition when I first purchased them. I made needed repairs, chose tasteful upgrades, and then maintained and took extremely good care of the finished product. All of my Minis placed very well at all the Shows, (I really enjoyed Showing them), and when I did decide to sell, it was always a fast sale and for top dollar. I don't know, maybe I was just lucky? I have made comments in this forum on Mini prices specifically regarding values of 'all original Minis' -vs- 'customized Minis', (ie; 'Cooper copycats' slash 'VTec conversions' slash 'Whatever the heck') I still maintain that a bone stock original Mini in excellent condition regardless of the model will fetch a premium everytime, (yes, even with the painfully slow 848cc A-series engine!) This has been my personal experience (for real) time and time again. Yes, I'm also guilty of being extremely partial to the Mini Woodies, (sorry), in that their value and rarity is far surpassing expectation. OK, now that I've officially been declared 'delusional', I would like to please request my handicap placard for special parking privileges.       Mini Estate

 

"It's a good day when you wake up with a Woody!"
 Posted: May 2, 2014 02:08PM
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CA


The last two mini's we have sold brought in $2,500 and $4,000 over the purchase price.

 Posted: May 2, 2014 12:57PM
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Miniestate, you called me "full-of-S***e" one time on Mini prices, so I don't mind declaring you delusional. If you do a full restoration, mechanical etc including rust repairs its gonna cost twice what the car is worth.

The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it. G.B.S. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Oscar Wilde

//www.cupcakecooper.ca/

 Posted: May 2, 2014 12:11PM
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US

Sad to see her go, but hopefully someone else will get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Just please don't sell her to some collector in Mexico. :(

 Posted: May 2, 2014 12:04PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex

...just drive her then !

You'll never get back what you've spent - Minis are not an investment opportunity, they are just a very good way of spending money - so enjoy the fruits of your labours and instead of taking a bath on what you've achieved, just ride around in a superb car.

I have to disagree with you Alex, that "you'll never get back what you've spent- Minis are not an investment opportunity". Out of the (12) MKI Minis that I've owned, I can honestly say that I have never lost money on a single Classic. I have in the very least broke even, and in some instances I have made a modest profit. I am not a 'Car Salesman'. Every Mini I purchased was with the intent of long term ownership and for sheer enjoyment, (and every Mini I owned delivered just that!) I owned my last Classic for almost ten years.     Mini Estate

"It's a good day when you wake up with a Woody!"
 Posted: May 2, 2014 10:25AM
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US

Daniel,

In fact I have some parts left over. Contact me via email.

 Posted: May 2, 2014 10:23AM
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US

I agree with all of you! I restored the Riley with with the commitment to do what I did. I accomplished that feat. And there is no way that I intend to get ALL THE MONEY BACK THAT I INVESTED. However, I cannot  sell it for what I bought it for unrestored! 

I always laughed at people including friends who restored their cars to this level. I have always been a proponent of DRIVING CARS....however, I did fall into the trap!!!!!!Cry

I am not happy about it. But what is done is done. I am pleased with the results. But I just cannot drive it with the same relaxed attitude that I drive the other minis. It may be time for someone else to enjoy. I tried. It just didn't work out for me.

 Posted: May 2, 2014 10:17AM
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That's an amazing car. And you did an amazing job restoring it. My little Dobby (a 1966 Elf Mk2) will never be up to that level.... He's going to be a little Cooper Elf (too many rust holes/bumper car action/non original parts to make stock... plus I just like the hot rod idea!)

I'd take Olive right away if the wife would allow!

I get that it's hard to drive her when she's so clean and new... But oh boy would that be fun! Good luck with the sale, hope she goes to a good home.

Cheers, Daniel

p.s. If you have some old Elf bits left over from the resto... maybe we can talk?

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