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Re: Alpines vs. Tigers

To: Dallas Bowen <thebowens@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Alpines vs. Tigers
From: Steve Laifman <Laifman@Flash.Net>
Date: Sun, 14 Jun 1998 17:07:19 +0100
Dallas,

You want a hot rod.  Buy a hot rod.  If your "investment" is for your own
pleasure, alone, enjoy it.  But remember, an Alpine can be purchased for $300
and a lot of parts thrown on to make a "rod".  This does not increase the
intrinsic worth of that car, as it is not rare, or unique.  Modifications are
never recoverable financially. A good stock Alpine, in fact, may be worth more
than an Alger.

There are a number of well known, and very fast, winning racers with Fords in
Alpines.  It is said that they race them (not sell them) as "Tigers".  A great
many take offense at this.  I believe that you will find more Tiger owner's
displeasure at a "Tiger" labeled Alger, regardless of what your private intent
is.  They cannot read your mind.  Leave the insignia in place, and they have no
doubt as to your intentions, and will treat you as befits any good enthusiast in
the modified racing class.

I do not believe this is a case of "snobs", just the attitude toward the
appearance of fraud.

If you have no intention of selling the car as a Tiger, why are you even
considering "dressing" it like one?  The intent may be secure in your mind, but
unclear in that of the observer.

The Tiger was listed in Hemming's as one of the top 10 collectible cars in the
world.  They are probably the least expensive car on that list my factors of
10.  You are "investing" in a car, whether you realize it, or not, and you are
investing in a very small section of a very small society of sports
enthusiasts.  Anonymity is not to be had easily, nor, I imagine do you desire
it.

If you want to race in a stock class wit a lot of participants, you could
consider the "Spridget".  They are quite active, and the car is fun and
competitive, in it's class.  you want to win in the modified class of a hot
Ford, you're up against some big boys with big money.  Want to go up against an
Alper with a $14,000 engine?

Good luck, whatever you do.  My only observation is that  it is not your intent
that makes your reputation, as much as the perception of that intent.

Steve


--
Steve Laifman         < One first kiss,       >
B9472289              < one first love, and   >
                      < one first win, is all >
                      < you get in this life. >


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