Car dilema- Pics up on P3

[Dr S]

Why did I advertise my car for sale?

Some of you will have seen my 70's Alfa Romeo. I've owned it around six years and over that time it's been gradually restored. It's now said to be one of the finest 105 series Bertone Coupes in the country. I absolutely love it to bits and always said I would never part with it.

But....
In the back of my workshop I have an even rarer 105- a first year step front Sprint that belongs to a friend. It's in for some light restoration but said friend has had a rough few years in business and asked me to hold fire on the resto. A few weeks ago he mentioned that he might be tempted to sell.
And here the trouble started. I've always wanted a step front and it would make a great racer that would be able to get into all the top historic race series. Problem is I can't keep both.
So, last week I advertised my own car for sale just to test the water. I put a brief description and a few photos up and put in a slightly crazy price- around £10,000 more than a top 2000 GTV would go for. To be honest I didn't expect a bite. That said there are so few Bertones for sale at the moment and prices are rising fast.
This morning I checked my emails to find a flood of enquires- one bloke is willing to come from New Zealand to view it! Another guy wants to come up and buy it this weekend :shock:

So what do I do? Take the money and run? I do love the car and I'm sure we will have many more amazing adventures together.

The head says yes but my heart says no way amigo.
What should I do?

 

[legrandefromage]

Its just a car.


But if you believe that, you are on the wrong planet.

I miss every silly car I've owned and regret selling the 560 I had.


But, in selling yours, you carry on the upgrade path with the rarer.

Selling yours may also get you some more work in, nowt wrong with showing off.

 

[Dr S]

Last thing I need is more work matey. It's keeping me awake at night. Over the last 3 years I have had a 30% increase in turnover and a 40% increase in the last 6 months alone on last year. I'm getting to that point where I'm no longer enjoying my job due to the pressure.
Since finishing the Alfa I've had so many requests to do similar projects but I just can't cope.

I know it's better than having no work but it is starting to have an effect on my home life.

 

[legrandefromage]

better to be too busy than skint.

I know both and also know what I prefer.

 

[giant-one]

Si.
Take the money. Take a well earned holiday and come back fresh.

Buy the rarer. IMO

 

[lewis1641]

i guess it comes down to how much you want the step front and whether you can afford the time to make it as good as yours.

if you really want the step front and you have a willing buyer now then go for it. if the step front is rarer then i assume it will be worth more than you car when done (not that its all about the money though). there may not always be willing buyers around though.

:?

 

[perry]

You certainly seem like the kinda guy that enjoys the building just as much as the owning but what would be the aim with the new car ? I'm guessing the current one is too nice to be a daily driver so only gets occasional use especially with the work load . Could you get the new one ready for the next season and will the sale of this one fund it ? Or are you just going to make more work for yourself and it sits around for a few years . Have you considered taking on someone to expand your business ? If the cars are coming in it could make sense and I'm sure there are plenty of skilled people looking to get into that side of the trade who will meet your standards . Might give you time and money to finish the car and the time to race it .

 

[cyfa2809]

you have to consider your options
im with perry, if the current one covers the cost of the step front and the step front is the one you want more then go for that

 

[The Ken]

Sell it - from what I have seen you enjoy the build more than the ride, nothing wrong with that, and instead of turning away work, take on another employee (or 2) (even a good freelancer if possible) and try to take a a bit of a step back from the run of the mill work, saving some time for your family.

 

[suburbanreuben]

Keep your present car. Apologise profusely to the buyers , but keep it.
Due to increased turnover, you don't have the time for a resto now, but you might in the future. You should also be making more profit, which means you can afford both, and won't the car be purchased by the business?
You'll always regret selling.
Love will find a way!