Roadster list,
Thanks to all those who responded to my original posting. I am now
reassured that I am not alone in wanting to preserve the originality of
these cars. An even bigger thanks to those who didn't respond. I was
afraid that some on this list might misunderstand my position and flame my
ass. You did not.
A few comments on some of the responses I received. I agree with everything
Sid said in his diatribe. I am no fan of trailer queens either. The
200,000+ miles on my car are a testament to my belief that cars are meant to
be driven. Maintaining originality does not mean the car must be put away
forever. It doesn't even preclude modifications intended to improve
drivability and safety. I just feel that some attempt should be made to
document and preserve our knowledge of how these cars were originally built.
I went to Shasta a few years ago. Although there were several 1600's that
were quite original, the original 2000's were few and far between. I loved
seeing the beautifully modified cars and talking to their enthusiastic
owners, but I was a little disappointed to see so few U20's. I think the
U20 is a great engine. It has wonderful torque and horsepower, a throaty
exhaust note, and looks good under the hood. I know that timing chain
assemblies are quite expensive, and a new head can cost more than the car is
worth, but I would hate to see them all go away for economic reasons.
And regarding value, yes the roadster has been immune to the price
appreciation other sportscars have enjoyed. That is probably why many of
you own your cars in the first place. But that may not always be the case.
My '56 Chevy cost $300 when I bought it. The Healey was once so worthless
that it just sat in someone's garage for 25 years. Try buying a restored
example of either of these cars for less that 6 months salary. Things
change. The roadster might actually be worth something someday. If that
day comes, the original ones will be the most desirable.
As for me, I am not interested in the economic aspect. It's a personal
thing. And I guess that is what it is all about whether you restore or
customize. But if we preserve the knowledge of the car's originality, I
think we will all benefit.
Thanks again,
John
Original message:
>
>Roadster list,
>
>Does anybody here care about originality? As a long time roadster owner, I
>joined this list in the hopes of connecting with likeminded enthusiasts.
>What I have found is people who see the roadster as primarily a platform
>for
>customization. Engine swaps, body mods, wheel and suspension changes seem
>to dominate what few technical threads I have seen. Please do not view
>this
>as being critical of what you are doing. I know that many of these cars
>have been spared from the crusher by your work. I just feel that something
>valuable may have been lost in the process.
>
>I bought my roadster when it was a relatively new car. I wanted a car that
>was built from the factory to perform well. I also needed a reliable car
>that was economical to drive on a daily basis. The roadster filled the
>bill
>perfectly. Over the years many cars have come and gone but the roadster
>remains (Actually I did sell it once and bought it back, but that is a
>different story). I love the car for what it is, not for what I can turn
>it
>into.
>
>When I was in high school back in the early 1970's, I owned a '56 Bel Air.
>I replaced the original engine and transmission with a built 327 and 4
>speed. I eliminated the side chrome and painted the car a solid color. I
>put on mag wheels and installed a custom interior. If the car is still
>around, I am sure that someone went to considerable expense to undo all my
>hard work and return the car to its original configuration. Sometime in
>the
>future someone may want to do the same with one of your cars. Will there
>be
>any reference that will guide them back to originality?
>
>I am currently restoring an Austin-Healey. Despite a considerable amount
>of
>documentation, there is still an amazing amount of dispute about what was
>original on any specific car. Given that the roadster has existed all
>these
>years in relative obscurity, I am afraid that any notion of what was
>original in these cars may be gone forever.
>
>I would like to preserve the originality of my car if for no other reason
>than because it is such an important part of my life. It has been the only
>constant for nearly a quarter of a century. If anyone out there shares my
>desire, please let me know.
>
>Thank you for your patience,
>
>John Peak
>'70 2000
>
>
>
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