Classic Car business for retirement.
Discussion
I put this on the business form but no replies, do you think this is realistic, not looking to make a living but cover expenses plus.
I'm looking to retire, and having tried it once I know I will hate it, so this time I'm planning to do something part time.
I live in Malaysia, and that will be my base, although I have a UK home as well. I'd like something car related, as that my interest, looked at a workshop and to much effort in managing staff, and I'd probably need a local partner, and to few customers who would pay a premium for how I would want to do it, I know most of the people in the classic/race car prep business and its saturated, back street lock up repair business doesn't interest me.
One thing I've thought about but not pursued to date, is the idea of shipping Ford Escorts back to the UK. For example, I've just seen a nice 2 door MK 2, little rust for 1800 ONO. I was offered a MK 1 Cortina 2 door for 1200 pounds, and Minis and Morris 1000 can be found.
I'd be looking at shipping say 4 at a time, but I need a UK partner, I'd also be prepared to look at adding value this side, I can get welded in cages built to FIA spec with certs for 400 pound as an example, and resprays for under 200, on a stripped car,
Not looking at this as a 'living wage' business just part time say 1 shipment a year.
My questions.
Are escorts really fetching the prices I see being asked.
Would this be a realistic venture in the UK? say 6 cars a year. (obviously finite number of cars, but I'm retiring and there are enough cars around to see me out)
Best route/suggestions to find a partner who could market, arrange import etc, and registration. I haven't lived in the UK for years, my idea would be limited to an advert in the back of Motoring News.
I'm open to discussing finance, I can finance purchase and would discuss profit split, based on risk, service, facilities, ROI etc,
I'd want a proper business relationship, shared risk/profit not a chav with a council lock up.
Legalities on export would be no issue and I could provide proof of age ownership etc for any cars.
I have storage facilities and a trailer etc so basics covered.
Constructive thoughts appreciated
I'm looking to retire, and having tried it once I know I will hate it, so this time I'm planning to do something part time.
I live in Malaysia, and that will be my base, although I have a UK home as well. I'd like something car related, as that my interest, looked at a workshop and to much effort in managing staff, and I'd probably need a local partner, and to few customers who would pay a premium for how I would want to do it, I know most of the people in the classic/race car prep business and its saturated, back street lock up repair business doesn't interest me.
One thing I've thought about but not pursued to date, is the idea of shipping Ford Escorts back to the UK. For example, I've just seen a nice 2 door MK 2, little rust for 1800 ONO. I was offered a MK 1 Cortina 2 door for 1200 pounds, and Minis and Morris 1000 can be found.
I'd be looking at shipping say 4 at a time, but I need a UK partner, I'd also be prepared to look at adding value this side, I can get welded in cages built to FIA spec with certs for 400 pound as an example, and resprays for under 200, on a stripped car,
Not looking at this as a 'living wage' business just part time say 1 shipment a year.
My questions.
Are escorts really fetching the prices I see being asked.
Would this be a realistic venture in the UK? say 6 cars a year. (obviously finite number of cars, but I'm retiring and there are enough cars around to see me out)
Best route/suggestions to find a partner who could market, arrange import etc, and registration. I haven't lived in the UK for years, my idea would be limited to an advert in the back of Motoring News.
I'm open to discussing finance, I can finance purchase and would discuss profit split, based on risk, service, facilities, ROI etc,
I'd want a proper business relationship, shared risk/profit not a chav with a council lock up.
Legalities on export would be no issue and I could provide proof of age ownership etc for any cars.
I have storage facilities and a trailer etc so basics covered.
Constructive thoughts appreciated
Berw said:
One thing I've thought about but not pursued to date, is the idea of shipping Ford Escorts back to the UK. For example, I've just seen a nice 2 door MK 2, little rust for 1800 ONO. I was offered a MK 1 Cortina 2 door for 1200 pounds, and Minis and Morris 1000 can be found.
I'd be looking at shipping say 4 at a time, but I need a UK partner, I'd also be prepared to look at adding value this side, I can get welded in cages built to FIA spec with certs for 400 pound as an example, and resprays for under 200, on a stripped car,
Not looking at this as a 'living wage' business just part time say 1 shipment a year.
My questions.
Are escorts really fetching the prices I see being asked.
Yes, they are!!I'd be looking at shipping say 4 at a time, but I need a UK partner, I'd also be prepared to look at adding value this side, I can get welded in cages built to FIA spec with certs for 400 pound as an example, and resprays for under 200, on a stripped car,
Not looking at this as a 'living wage' business just part time say 1 shipment a year.
My questions.
Are escorts really fetching the prices I see being asked.
However, there was a batch of repro Mk2 shells made and I believe there is still stock, but they are around the £7000 mark, for a bare shell.
Obvisously, a mint Mk1/2 Escort shell with identity and registerable at those kind of prices, even with shipping etc., makes it a doable project. Nice 2-door Mk1's would be the find over a Mk2, although Mk2 still worth sending back, as would Mk1/2 Cortina 2-doors, and even Mk1 Capri's if cheap.
Personally, with the registration issues in UK now with DVLA, I would be looking at shipping complete car as is. Stripping and fitting cages etc., and respray etc will involve a lot more hassle/problems now with DVLA, as cars are now inspected by SGS who are contracted by DVLA to verify identity and roadworthiness prior to issuing registration.
You'd be better off just sourcing IMHO.
I'd contact some of the well known historic rally sales brokers, prep places...such as
http://www.historicrallysport.co.uk/
http://www.rallysport-development.co.uk/
http://www.ralloy.com/projects.php
http://jasonlepleymotorsport.co.uk/
There is also a fair demand for classic Japanese parts. Malaysia has a following of Lancers like mine and body panels impossible to get over here - £250 for a door for example, £500 for a decent bonnet, that's before getting into the trim and other parts. Same goes for classic Toyotas and Hondas.
As for getting them into the UK, a freight forwarder will do all the paperwork for you, from door to door if necessary.
I know it's slightly off what your original topic was about, but if you're putting cars into a container then why not fill the space with other parts?.
As for getting them into the UK, a freight forwarder will do all the paperwork for you, from door to door if necessary.
I know it's slightly off what your original topic was about, but if you're putting cars into a container then why not fill the space with other parts?.
texaxile said:
There is also a fair demand for classic Japanese parts. Malaysia has a following of Lancers like mine and body panels impossible to get over here - £250 for a door for example, £500 for a decent bonnet, that's before getting into the trim and other parts. Same goes for classic Toyotas and Hondas.
As for getting them into the UK, a freight forwarder will do all the paperwork for you, from door to door if necessary.
I know it's slightly off what your original topic was about, but if you're putting cars into a container then why not fill the space with other parts?.
apologies...your mention of 'lancers like mine' got me interested so i had a little look...lovely lancer. lucky guy. i had one for three years in the eighties. sold it to a mate who wrote it off :-(As for getting them into the UK, a freight forwarder will do all the paperwork for you, from door to door if necessary.
I know it's slightly off what your original topic was about, but if you're putting cars into a container then why not fill the space with other parts?.
how long you had it?
Had you considered being a sourcing agent? On the basis that you have ready access to local market for complete cars and spares that are scarce in the UK you'd be doing some of the same work but without investing any of your own cash. Just need a half decent website and get your name out through social media etc.
pmr01 said:
apologies...your mention of 'lancers like mine' got me interested so i had a little look...lovely lancer. lucky guy. i had one for three years in the eighties. sold it to a mate who wrote it off :-(
how long you had it?
Hi,how long you had it?
Sorry to go off topic OP
AKC I've had for 19 years (an original PWO) and my Serbia black one HPU451Y since 1990, but HPU is rusting in peace on a farm keeping my current one supplied in parts. If you look for "Colt Fanboi" on youtube there's a load of vids about the light restoration and the car in general.
Can you remember the Reg? I've got loads of LTR info from back in the day along with a list of chassis numbers etc.
Thanks for the replies on here I've had a few contact and I'm proceeding with the idea, Just missed a nice escort, but i know believe this is a serious idea and I'm in discussion.
The idea of sourcing parts as an agent is interesting, but the problem is I know nothing about Japanese cars.
The other week I found a couple of Marina back axils, i wanted one to replace a twisted half shaft on my Caterham, I looked on ebay for years nothing came up, in the end I just stopped at a local scrap yard and bought one cash and carry, so its amazing what's around, But a lot of stuff is up on the Thai border which is a two day trip so small parts are an issue logistic cost wise.
Another issue is that ebay don't like listings from Malaysia, Once I get up and running I'll run some formal adverts,
So moving forward and thanks again for the support.
The idea of sourcing parts as an agent is interesting, but the problem is I know nothing about Japanese cars.
The other week I found a couple of Marina back axils, i wanted one to replace a twisted half shaft on my Caterham, I looked on ebay for years nothing came up, in the end I just stopped at a local scrap yard and bought one cash and carry, so its amazing what's around, But a lot of stuff is up on the Thai border which is a two day trip so small parts are an issue logistic cost wise.
Another issue is that ebay don't like listings from Malaysia, Once I get up and running I'll run some formal adverts,
So moving forward and thanks again for the support.
Thailand may well be a treasure trove of stuff but on the occasions I've been, there hasn't been much classic stuff outside of Bangkok. The place was once rammed with fifties - seventies Fords and Jap stuff and there must be some of it around somewhere.
The problem with Escorts is that the market is flooded with rubbish. Look on Ebay and someone's idea of a 'good shell' is one that I would consider junk. Mark 1, 2 door, original paint and unrusty. That's worth a lot of money here. The usual tatty rusted out scrap on Ebay is struggling at £2500 and isn't worth the bother.
The problem with Escorts is that the market is flooded with rubbish. Look on Ebay and someone's idea of a 'good shell' is one that I would consider junk. Mark 1, 2 door, original paint and unrusty. That's worth a lot of money here. The usual tatty rusted out scrap on Ebay is struggling at £2500 and isn't worth the bother.
Could you not source parts on demand for Car clubs?. Classic Japanese body panels and trim for stuff like 80's Corollas, Mitsubishis and certainly the ZX datsuns will definately sell. I'm fairly well plugged into the 80's mitsubishi scene and would be happy to help.
Some of the early Japanese stuff will attract individual enquiries, but it might be hard to know what to buy. A majority of interior and exterior trim parts are now NLA from the manufacturers, and as they are light, cheap for you to airfrieght and relatively cheap to buy it might be worth looking into that. Maybe setting yourself up as a person who can source that hard to find part, to a specific quality will allow you to charge a worthwhile price.
There are people selling stuff out of Thailand on Ebay accounts, could you set one up there but trade out of Malaysia?.
Some of the early Japanese stuff will attract individual enquiries, but it might be hard to know what to buy. A majority of interior and exterior trim parts are now NLA from the manufacturers, and as they are light, cheap for you to airfrieght and relatively cheap to buy it might be worth looking into that. Maybe setting yourself up as a person who can source that hard to find part, to a specific quality will allow you to charge a worthwhile price.
There are people selling stuff out of Thailand on Ebay accounts, could you set one up there but trade out of Malaysia?.
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