Heads Up: CMP C8A HMV Ebay USA

[Rob Fast]

when it comes to clearing my vehicle collection. It's always a disappointment, reserves are never met, but granted it does get you some exposure. The fraternity knows where and who has the nice vehicles, and for the most part I think the true value deals are done here. Cheers Rob Fast in Manitoba

[chris vickery]

Rob,
You have certainly "hit the nail on the head" with your advice.
Within the fraternity of collectors, prices are usually determined.
Collectors know who has what as you say and set the pricing according to market conditions.
Epay unfortunately gives too many unrealistic expectations, especially novices or people outside the community.
As one fellow stated to me over the weekend, now that eBay has removed listing charges, really there is nothing to loose by advertising items at whatever price one chooses.
When people had to pay for adverts, they put realistic prices up right off the bat, hoping to intice bidders and force a bidding war.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the restoration business, all too often one puts a lot more money into a project than we gain back. It's a risk that is all too easy to fall into...

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by chris vickery

Unfortunately, when it comes to the restoration business, all too often one puts a lot more money into a project than we gain back.

You're certainly right there Chris, CMP restoration is definitely a not-for-profit business!

[Mike Cecil]

I've always thought the 'costs' were what we pay for the enjoyment and excitement we get from the restoration, and the fellowship it brings with other MV-ers.

If you do decide to sell, what it is worth is what someone else is willing to pay for it, not some cost-recovery figure calculated by the seller.

I was puzzled some years ago when a tyre kicker came to look at a vehicle I was selling (a rare one, I might add), and bored me to distraction when he went through all sorts of verbal machinations about 'resale' and the 'cost/labour time' relationship (whatever that means!). In the end my patience was ended and I suggested he was NOT the right future owner, so please leave. I think I insulted him. Anyway, it did go to a good home and is now restored and looking a million dollars - the current owner did it because he enjoyed the process and the result.

Mike C

[chris vickery]

I would have to agree Mike. The main reason I play with MVs is for the pure joy of turning something old, broken and unwanted into a piece of working history.
If you figure that playing golf, boating, collecting trinkets or what have you all cost money, then really how is MV restoration any different?
When your golf game is over, it's over, the money is gone, you have nothing to show for the money you spent.
I am happy if I can break even on my expenses in parts etc. Labour cannot be factored into the equation...

[Little Jo]

Hi Guys

I fully agree with all previous comments made by members above. When I retired and was looking at what to do. I decided to restore a WW2 MB Willys Jeep, something that had been a life long dream. My Jeep was restored from the chassis up and it was one of my greatest achievements in life.

The friends I made along the way and the support and assistance from my fellow MLU members helped me in the transition from work into retirement. The cost involved was never noted as it was a labour of love and only someone who has restored a vehicle will know the pride every time you drove your vehicle. The looks and comments from others made you feel good.

But when the time came for change I did not worry about the costs involved, as long as my jeep went to a person who appreciated the vehicle and would love it like I did. It sold in one week and I note other similar vehicles are still for sale because the price was calculated to the last penny. I doubt if I even covered costs, but my jeep is with someone who appreciates the vehicle.

That is why I love to follow restorations by fellow MLU members of similar mind, that way we keep WW2 vehicle history alive

Cheers

Tony