Dear George and fellow enthusiasts...
Just a brief note to respond to your questions about pre-war parts in
the U.S. Whatever may be or may no longer be available, I think it safe
and realistic to say that the nos parts situation for both pre and post
war R-R and B motorcars, is bad and getting worse daily. Heritage car
owners can no longer look to Crewe for spares support. Period. What
may or may not be in the hands of any R-R/B dealers is limited at best
and terribly priced. And if you don't like the prices today...
standby... the worst is yet to come. What parts may be in the hands of
private individuals engaged in the business of selling, is iffy at best.
There are a tiny number of private individuals that are honest and
trustworthy and do indeed sell you what they describe and offer you.
There are a much larger number of private individuals selling used and
supposed nos parts, that quite frankly, range from questionable to
outright crooked. Beware... they are out there and they are waiting for
you.
As someone that has been engaged for several years in the serious
restoration of my two R-R Silver Cloud III's, I have seen most of the
cast of characters that have parts for sale. I could tell you all
stories that would raise the hairs on the back of your neck. I'm the
lucky guy, in that my tech, Steve Szabo, and I are in the home stretch
and have acquired virtually all the parts we need to finish our work. I
do, though, pity those of you who are just getting started. The bits
and pieces you will need may be find able... but, I urge all of you to
be sure to whom you are sending your money and double sure as to what
they are going to sell you in return.
I hope I have painted a realistic picture of a situation I believe is
getting increasingly critical. Spares is a tough subject, because our
cars, if they are to survive, will need replacement of spares
periodically. Will the spares be authentic... will our cars suffer even
more bastardization than they have already... time will tell! Good luck
to one and all.
Best wishes,
Dick Zimmermann
Owner/SHS9 & LSKP37
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