Craig: The current NADA Appraisal Guide lists '54 Alpines at $4400-$9450
values. Meanwhile, back in old blighty, Classic and Sportscar values them at
7000-14000 pounds. The Brits are using a much higher standard of quality
than the American guide, but it is a significant difference.
One here in San Diego that was in restoration process was snapped up by some
visiting Englishmen and shipped back to the old sod. $3500 US changed hands
in the deal. The body was sound, it had a Ford 289 and C-4 tranny, but all
the other stuff was in boxes, some good and some not. They also offered a
guy in Yuma AZ $2500 for a body shell and not much else. He turned down the
offer.
The car you're considering at $5K needs a hard look to justify value. Most
mechanical stuff is available - albeit at a price and the nuisance of
shipping from England. As with all old cars and British stuff in particular,
the dreaded rust worms can wreak havoc. Nice thing with the Talbots is that
they are on a separate frame so body rust isn't the structural problem as on
unibody cars. A lot of replacement panels are available. I think the first
places to rust are the floor pan, spare tire compartment, and boot floor,
followed by door bottoms.
Are you a member of Pacific Tiger Club? Dennis Junk has an Alpine and a
saloon, maybe more. Mike Tate in Woodinville (I think that's near you) has a
couple of Talbots. These guys can probably give you local guidance.
Anyhow, hope this info is of some use to you.
"Ole"
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