One major factor that will help Austin Healeys to remain desirable well into
the future is the fact that, at least performance wise, you can drive them
in today's traffic. They have the speed to at least keep up with the other
traffic on the highways, they have the stopping ability too. Those factors
allow the owner to use the car with reasonable confidence.
I think that's a major factor that has certainly caused prewar cars like
Ford Model A's and even the postwar T series MG's to slide somewhat in the
market place. They simply can't keep up with the highway traffic, nor can
they get stopped in a panic situation if need be.
The AHCA's Future 50 programme is cartainly a start, and you have to start
somewhere. However, thus far it's primarily aimed at the kids under 12 that
are accompanying their parents to the AHCA Conclave each year. If these kids
see the Healey as a cool, desireable item, maybe when the time comes, and
it's up to them, they'll want to keep the car in the family.
It's a simple economic fact that the big Healey is generally far out of
financial reach for most younger people under 30 unless they inherit the
car. That's where the basic desireability cuts in. Does he/she want to keep
it, or do they simply see $$$$ sitting there that can be used for something
else.
Rich Chrysler
_______________________________________________
Support Team.Net http://www.team.net/donate.html
Healeys@autox.team.net
http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/healeys
http://www.team.net/archive
|