Beschreibung
GOOD morning. The thinning out of stock at Martin Howey Classics (Est. 26 years) continues today with the listing of a 1980 Triumph Dolomite Sprint at a most appealing price of £7995.
This iconic Triumph model has been dry stored for several years now, although MoTs have been carried out on a regular basis with the last one expiring just last year. She has covered around 200 miles in the past ten years and, although she is on the key and appears to do everything she should, it would probably be prudent to give her a basic check over.
She appears to be sound enough and is a pretty Sprint with a pleasing interior. They can be seen at mad money these days, but we never go down that road here at MHC!
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 44-years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
The phrase "classic car" is, in my opinion, quite often misunderstood. Several decades ago - let's say in the 70s - what we now refer to as classics were called "old bangers." There was vintage and veteran, but they were generally of the Edwardian era and reserved for events like the world famous London to Brighton run.
Now, some people make the mistake of thinking a classic car is a vehicle which has been restored to its former glory at great expense or is perhaps a rare survivor that has been locked away in a heated garage and never driven.
No. Call them whatever you wish, but they are old cars. Ancient cars. Relics, antique vehicles.
They come in all shapes and sizes and, more importantly, in all conditions. Warts and all. Some are in a state of poor repair needing time, love and money lavishing on them; others are projects. Quite a large percentage are in reasonable condition and can be driven. But, due to their age, they will need ongoing work and attention.
Panels and paint suffer along with engines, running gear and structure. Please do not compare them to your three-year-old BMW!
A 6k "classic" cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be as good as the same make and model offered at 12k. Think about it. They need to be taken on board much like family pets. Be prepared for the heartache, the problems that beat you and the cost of it all. But, most importantly, be prepared for the joy that driving a classic car brings you. If you can let that over-ride everything else, then you are the right person to buy what is now widely referred to as a classic car!
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 26 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. the details below
