In a message dated 6/2/01 5:38:18 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
lostranger@MINDSPRING.COM writes:

<< The rest of you may play all the "I'm a car collector" games you want, but
I
 reject that trap. An automobile is a hole into which one pours money. Some
 holes are larger than others. We use our cars daily, and use lowers resale
 value.>>

Dear lostranger.

You are sadly lost indeed if you are making this judgment based on the recent
discussion. Fist of all, my posting was a result of a spillover from Friday
which you would have realized had you been paying closer attention..
Secondly, some of us do play the collector car game and do so profitably. I
have not lost money on a car a held for long term yet. I say yet because
nothing is ever absoute. And yes that is a selfcancelling statement. Thirdly,
if you have been playing better attention my posts, you will find that I
clearly draw a line between what is collectable and worth preserving and ones
which deserves improvement.

Andrew was talking about resale value of vehicles with engine swaps. I feel
somewhat qualified to talk about that since I have owned about 10 such
animals. To get invloved with that many, I had to look over and poke a lot of
others not to mention have to get rid of and/or retain. I have also been in
the VW (substitute car name of your choice) game fro a much longer time than
you could have possibly owned your Westy. I feel pretty comfortable in making
that statement.

<<.. By that time, the body should be well past the condition to interest a
collector.>>

This is short sighted thinking. That is why 21 & 23 windows buses are so rare
nowadays. It takes all kinds of people to make a collector. The more common
items which "wear out" but is still around, and the more "original" it is,
makes them all the more desirable to most collectors.

<< I don't care about resale value. Neither car is for sale. What I care about
 is not wondering where we break down next. >>

It's nice that you can express your opinion the same way I am doing now.
Don't worry I am not trying to buy your Westy nor do Icare about it's resale
value. What I do care about is how you directed your sentiments to me
personally via the list.

If you'd like to discuss the matter at greater length, please fell free to
contact me by pmail.

BenT
avid junkollector
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/myhomepage/index.html">Vanagon
Cafe</A>

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