Car collection - From Spain to UK - Advice
Discussion
About time i joined the PH club! Years of watching, but now i've broken the ice with my first post. I thought that the classic car section would be the best place for this post, but i may replicate it in the General gassing section also.
I have 2 Citroen DS' to collect from a small town outside Barcelona. They are my grandfather's cars, he's had them since new.
Both of the cars are in undriveable condition, as they've not been started for 30 years. I would like to have them collected and delivered at my place in Gloucestershire, so i can commence a full restoration.
Does anyone have any experience with international car collection, international car collecting companies, 1 keen man with a twin car trailer, etc...
I have been in touch with 2 different companies willing to collect the cars, but at a cost of around £1500 per car. This is quite steep from my point of view, especially when they will only collect at a time when it suits them, rather than when it suits me.
A few hints on reputable companies, or a man with a twin car trailer who wants to earn an extra bob or two, would be kindly appreciated.
Look forward to your responses, I'll post some pictures soon.
Thanks
Menno
I have 2 Citroen DS' to collect from a small town outside Barcelona. They are my grandfather's cars, he's had them since new.
Both of the cars are in undriveable condition, as they've not been started for 30 years. I would like to have them collected and delivered at my place in Gloucestershire, so i can commence a full restoration.
Does anyone have any experience with international car collection, international car collecting companies, 1 keen man with a twin car trailer, etc...
I have been in touch with 2 different companies willing to collect the cars, but at a cost of around £1500 per car. This is quite steep from my point of view, especially when they will only collect at a time when it suits them, rather than when it suits me.
A few hints on reputable companies, or a man with a twin car trailer who wants to earn an extra bob or two, would be kindly appreciated.
Look forward to your responses, I'll post some pictures soon.
Thanks
Menno
As above have said, try Shiply. Alternatively put an ad on an ex-pay website near the cars location looking for man+van or man+trailer. Lots of people looking for work/jobs down there.
Also, more details on the car please! Which DS derivative(s) are they and what years? Are you going to restore both or use them to make one good 'un?
You can see my DS restoration here and I'm always happy to talk shop...
http://citroen-ds-restoration.blogspot.com
Also, more details on the car please! Which DS derivative(s) are they and what years? Are you going to restore both or use them to make one good 'un?
You can see my DS restoration here and I'm always happy to talk shop...
http://citroen-ds-restoration.blogspot.com
Have you thought of just what is involved?
Google maps says 1000 miles 16 hours driving time, quick calculation is £250 fuel plus tolls through France guess at £100 then at least one night accommodation minimum £50 then we have wages and vehicle costs.
I would guess that you are looking at £600 one way but you would be lucky to get one way so add a return and another couple of nights accommodation and you are soon at £1500.
I have helped to deliver drivable cars for pocket money and a cheap flight back.
Just trying to be realistic and would really like to see DS's back on the road.
Good luck with Shiply you may find a return vehicle especially if you are flexible on dates.
Google maps says 1000 miles 16 hours driving time, quick calculation is £250 fuel plus tolls through France guess at £100 then at least one night accommodation minimum £50 then we have wages and vehicle costs.
I would guess that you are looking at £600 one way but you would be lucky to get one way so add a return and another couple of nights accommodation and you are soon at £1500.
I have helped to deliver drivable cars for pocket money and a cheap flight back.
Just trying to be realistic and would really like to see DS's back on the road.
Good luck with Shiply you may find a return vehicle especially if you are flexible on dates.
Thanks for the reply guys.
Andrew, I pm'd you.
@ BenJJ; Regarding the DS', models are as follows:
- 1968 ID, in yellow. Pretty standard, however seems to have additional front lights added.
- 1972 21 Pallas, in lovely brown. Has a rare sunroof
Both cars are actually in quite good condition, but they have been dry stored for 30 years gathering dust... So will need quite some work doing to them to bring them up to good, driveable condition again. Good thing is, no rust.
My plans are to restore both of them to original condition, maybe an engine rebuild as well. However, i do dream of making one into a V8, RWD lowrider. I know, there must be something wrong with me...
Andrew, I pm'd you.
@ BenJJ; Regarding the DS', models are as follows:
- 1968 ID, in yellow. Pretty standard, however seems to have additional front lights added.
- 1972 21 Pallas, in lovely brown. Has a rare sunroof
Both cars are actually in quite good condition, but they have been dry stored for 30 years gathering dust... So will need quite some work doing to them to bring them up to good, driveable condition again. Good thing is, no rust.
My plans are to restore both of them to original condition, maybe an engine rebuild as well. However, i do dream of making one into a V8, RWD lowrider. I know, there must be something wrong with me...
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/HfWYmW05.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/6AzxN2Wl" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/6AzxN2Wl.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/U0rWIaMZ" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/U0rWIaMZ.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/S1wlETFh" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/S1wlETFh.jpg)
Yum, nice inheritance 
The I'd has the original factory fit spots. Will have been on it from new. If you want a pair these days you'd have to pay around £500.
Rust is the killer so great they're sound. Still worth checking though. As soon as you get them I'd suggest you ping off the wings front and rear to have a good look. Mine was a Montpellier car from 1972-2006 and it still had rust. You'll want to check the boot floor and sides as well as, most importantly, the sills. Not that easy as they're multiple skinned but possible on a ramp or in a pit. I'd advise against jacking them up in the traditional DS way until you've checked the integrity of the chassis. If it has been ravaged you can twist it quite badly if you're not careful.
If you want to chat just give me a PM any time. I know a lot of people all around the country who look after them. I try to do as much as I can myself but as it is raced I rely on my mechanic/restorer for the tricky bits.
As for the cars in general: the 21 Pallas is a nice car but the ID19 with all the factory kit on is a serious collector car and could be worth a mint when done.
Ben
The I'd has the original factory fit spots. Will have been on it from new. If you want a pair these days you'd have to pay around £500.
Rust is the killer so great they're sound. Still worth checking though. As soon as you get them I'd suggest you ping off the wings front and rear to have a good look. Mine was a Montpellier car from 1972-2006 and it still had rust. You'll want to check the boot floor and sides as well as, most importantly, the sills. Not that easy as they're multiple skinned but possible on a ramp or in a pit. I'd advise against jacking them up in the traditional DS way until you've checked the integrity of the chassis. If it has been ravaged you can twist it quite badly if you're not careful.
If you want to chat just give me a PM any time. I know a lot of people all around the country who look after them. I try to do as much as I can myself but as it is raced I rely on my mechanic/restorer for the tricky bits.
As for the cars in general: the 21 Pallas is a nice car but the ID19 with all the factory kit on is a serious collector car and could be worth a mint when done.
Ben
A great find..... Ile have the Early one !
For Transport try Derek at DW Transport , 01795 - 871083 , he's close to Dover and has bought back 2 cars from Europe for me, one from Sth Germany and the other a Ford GPW Jeep from Spain.
As soon as I can find another Jeep he will be bringing it back for me.
For Transport try Derek at DW Transport , 01795 - 871083 , he's close to Dover and has bought back 2 cars from Europe for me, one from Sth Germany and the other a Ford GPW Jeep from Spain.
As soon as I can find another Jeep he will be bringing it back for me.
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