suppose you have the chance to get your holy grail, but your going to have to sell pretty much everything you've got AND expect to be without a running ride for 2-3 years. would you do it? FWIW--my located grail is a 52 Caddy Conv.
Depends on what it was I owned that I had to sell. I would not sell my current flock of cars for my dream car unless it was in great shape
I guess if your Holy Grail is in bad enough shape to keep you out of a running ride for 3 years, you should rethink your Grail. There are bound to better shape ones somewhere. And it sounds like it is going to be expensive right off the bat if you have to sell everything...another bad omen. I have been out of a running ride for several years, but it is because of my financial situation, I didn't sell it though, will hopefully get it back on the road this year, as the finances are improving. I guess I woud put some serious thought into what you really want, but you will miss having a ride for those 3 years, that is a fact.
Having a running ride is over rated in my opinion, HAVING the vehicle is everything. I'm happy with the projects I have, but would start selling stuff if the right car turned up. The thing is I'd have to have a iron clad agreement with the dream car owner that I was buying the car and selling a lifetime collection of stuff to finance it. Sure wouldn't want a handful of cash, no cars, or parts and the "Dream Car" sold to someone else or taken off the market. My "Dream Car" is out there when I find it I'll be selling stuff.
I once had my holy grail. Only drove it a couple of times then took it apart and sold it. If it was a last chance to ever get one, yeah, I probably would liquidate to get it. But never sell it again. Remember, they keep getting more expensive and harder to find every stinkin day.
The way I see it if its my Holy grail and it is not completely mucked up. I would sell as much as I needed to, so I could buy the car/truck. Thats just me. Matt
Nope, not at all. Sell everything else AND not have a running driving car for 2-3 years?? Not in my world. I would work a second job for 2 -3 years instead and save every penny of that and use that money to buy the holy grail item that way I wouldn't have to sell anything AND my holy grail might even be a running driving grail instead of the project one.
not the case. it's a rust free unrestored texas car. without motor and trans. the time frame has more to do with the build funds and time I have to commit--no short cuts. I'd be selling primarily the avatar and and everthing but the cab from my 34 ford PU project (mocked up ASC rails with dropped 32 heavy setup, duece grille, hood, new bed and fenders). listing that way if only because I don't drive it as much as I should right now.
my grail is a 61 starliner i would damn near sell everything i own to buy one except my house and it would have to be EXACTLY the ONE for me to let go of my 57
I've asked myself this question several times and kind of dodged the answer. Partly because I have a hard time imagining being satisfied with only one hobby car.....partly because most cars i see for sale, however nice, are not done to EXACTLY my taste ! (when you need an excuse, any will do) . Either that or my Grail isn't Holy enough yet...... I have to say though, a really solid '52 Caddy, Coupe or Convertible, would be mighty tempting........ Ray
I kinda envy you guys that can pick one car as your "Grail". I think mine changes monthly depending on my mood I like the idea, and would be ok with selling off my stuff to get it done, but the 2-3 years would kill me...
Something with historical significance in the 26-36 range. Doesn't have to be worth much as long as I could trace it's lineage to an individual racing it in the cradle of hot rodding during the 40's to early 60's. That to me would be worth more then having my "ideal model" with my "ideal engine" and so forth. For a car like that I'd sell off what I own to obtain it. If we're just talking parts then an Italmeccanica blower.
I would have to have some kind of daily car to get rid of my running projects for another. I think I could possibly limit myself to one project...for a while. The truth is that if I get rid of one...I just made room!
Right now I have no ride, so we all know what nothing from nothing leaves. My choice would be a 1959 or 60 Studebaker Lark VIII 2 door sedan or wagon. I had to sit and watch one of the 2dr wagons go on ebay, for a "buy it now" price I would have given, a couple weeks ago but couldn't bid. I have no place to put it, and my health would keep me from doing what I'd want to do with it. Thus is life.
yeah--I guess it's really a list of about 6 grail cars. but this is the top of the list, and one of the spendier cars when finished--plus I doubt it'll crop up again at this price. FWIW--the others are 35 Ford Phaeton, 57 Vette, 63 falcon convertible, 27 roadster, cobra (kit car's ok).
I've owned my "holy grail" for almost 40 years, a 1932 Ford 5w coupe. I've been collecting parts for most of that time and have just about everything to make it my dream car. Many ask "why haven't you built it?" A complicated answer, but basically I've owned and/or built and driven a couple dozen (or more) cars since purchasing this one. A**** them are 7 different '32's so it's not like I'm "deuce deprived". This one will not be a compromise. It WILL have (as already purchased) a 435 hp/427 Chevy, a Doug Nash 5 spd trans, a Franklin QC rearend, a dash full of original SW convex lens gauges. The top will be chopped (2' rear/2 1/2" front), an original 4" mordrop axle, 45 fin Buick drums, full fendered. I'm only 67 years old................what's the rush? Frank
The Jalopy Journal
