No, I agree with what you say.... I just used a different term to describe
it.
In the grand scheme of automotive history, Healeys are pretty unique in how
long their development was guided by the founder, his son, and even now, his
family's influence in the possibility of it returning to the market.
On the MG side, even saddled with about 40 years of bad business decisions
by the British auto industry, the marque is significant enough that folks
are paying millions to keep the cars in production in some way shape or
form.
Back to "value" for a moment...
Do you think the new Mini has affected the value of the originals? I'd say
yes, to some degree, as public awareness of the heritage has been increased.
In the new VW Beetle, I'd say no... while it mimics the look of the
original, it is less true to the original's design characteristics. Also,
the Beetle was ubiquitous to the point where no one needs to be introduced
to its heritage.
Big Healey prices are back up again. In their case, rare early models, and
late production cars with the best creature comforts seem to bring the most
dough. Bugeye prices are up to new heights... so, earliest and most Spartan
seems to be offset by the charm factor as people line up to buy them. If,
after about 15 years of rumor, Healeys, both big & small are going to be
built once again, we'll have to wait and see if they're faithful enough to
the original's designs to affect the market values of our cars. (Since I
don't plan on selling mine, but, instead, plan on leaving them to children,
grandchildren, and maybe great grandchildren, ultimately, I don't give a
rat's ass about market values. Also, I may be at a point where I have enough
of them. ;) )
I like all the Sprites (and Midgets) up to the smog years. I don't care for
smog motors, or the federalized interiors of later cars. That's my personal
opinion. I think they began to lose their charm.
-----Original Message-----
From David Lieb [mailto:dbl at chicagolandmgclub.com]
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 7:40 AM
To: Wm. Severin Thompson; Spridgets
Subject: Re: Cherry Mk-IV Sprite
OK, Now I have to wonder whether you wrote that in support of what I said or
whether I said it so badly that you misunderstood what I thought I was
trying to say ;-)
I agree with everything you say. Yes, "historical significance" would be a
better way of expressing it. I was quoting the previous poster and taking
issue with his statement that there was no "historical value" to a 1969
Sprite. hen I said "historically sad", I was not trying to slam the car, I
was pointing out that the historical significance that is attached to that
model has many sad connotations since it represents the end of so many good
things... the relationship between Austin and Healey, Sprites being shipped
to the US, etc. Not a whole lot of celebration.
David Lieb
OK, maybe 72 is a historically significant Midget, since it is the first
model year for the RWA ...
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