Original Color and Minor Mods

[MarshgrassA]

I follow the Healey posts even though I don't have one...yet.
I do have an MGA and TR4A that are close to the color and condition they were born with. My question to you Healey folks is how much importance should I place on originality of color and modifications in my hunt for a big Healey? It seems that high dollar cars from restorers can fetch top money even if the color has been changed. While I am not buying for investment purposes I do want to make sure I have a car that has good value when I do sell.

Irene

 

[CLEAH]

Irene,

I think it really does depend upon one's opinion. As to paint colors, many non-original colors just don't look right, which depending upon the color and how picky a buyer is would affect "value." That said, my Sprite is bright orange, certainly not a standard color, but I bought it that way, and I did not mind because I happen to like orange and it is fun on this car. However, if I restore the car someday I will most assuredly return it to its original Speedwell Blue with blue interior. My BJ8 has been Healey Blue since my family bought it in 1978, but in restoring it I am returning it to its original Ivory White.

Same goes for mods. In my opinion, modifications made in period are fair game, especially if they are bolt in so someone can change it back easily. I think a modification that makes the car look more modern is a mistake and will affect value.

Of course, your results may vary!

 

[HealeyRick]

The safest car to buy with a look towards reselling at some point is one with the original body, interior and top colors that it came with. Next is a car that has been repainted a factory color, just not the one it came with. Non-original colors can still sell well, like the California Sage that Kurt Tanner uses on his cars. But that color almost looks like it could have been a factory color. Once you start getting away from an original-type color, you'll narrow your pool of buyers and the more "unique" you get, the smaller the pool. Mods are the same. Factory or period options will generally improve value, while modern additions will not. For some a 5 speed transmission conversion is a plus point, for others a negative.

 

[bighealeysource]

or maybe a big, honkin' V-8 would be a positive for some folks we know !!!

 

[HealeyRick]

or maybe a big, honkin' V-8 would be a positive for some folks we know !!!

And some people have those icky mods like a louvered bonnet and leather strap, larger carbs, airbox, camshaft and hi compression pistons.

 

[drambuie]

Well, for the return investment, Try to hunt down the most Solid original or correctly restored to original you can afford and find! Same as you did with the Triumph and MGA. As you most likely know...inspect any car you buy from the Frame up. Straight, no frame rot and solid solid solid....don't get blind from shiny paint and chrome! But you already know that!

 

[Healey_Z]

Jaguar BRG only helped this sale (originally white)

 

[DerekJ]

I agree with Rick's summary. The best situation for value is if the car is painted in its original colours with correct interior, although personally I don't care too much, as long as the car is in a Healey colour. Stray away from those and the car will be harder to resell therefore worth less.

Within the Healey colours some are more popular than others, although that comes down to personal taste. I think Healey Blue and Red were the two most popular colours. Pacific Green and Florida Green probably the least popular. Florida Green looks weird here in the rainy UK. Great for Florida and California though!

 

[MarshgrassA]

Rick,
I have to say I like American Iron and bet your Healey is a blast to drive but.....Mike's "icky mods....." are at the top of the food chain for me. I can't afford a 100M and am beginning to think a nice 100 is getting out of range as well. Oh well the hunt is half the fun as long as there are LBC's in the garage to play with while hunting.

Cheers,
Irene