Valuing an elderly Dutton

[LBird]

I've recently become the registered keeper of an elderly Dutton Malaga B+ and when insuring it, randomly (and stupidly as it turns out) suggested that its value was about GBP500 - it being old and a little battered. I have since been advised that its value is likely to be more like GBP2000 due to it running perfectly and having a 2ltr pinto engine with big valve head, twin 40 webers, new brakes, one year MOT etc.. My insurers have refused to increase its insured value without proof despite my stated willingness to pay an increased premium (not sure how they can therefore justify accepting my first guess at its value but that's another debate).

Anyone out there involved with Duttons who can offer any support to the GBP2000 valuation or any ideas as to how I might prove that this is its value (if indeed it is)?

Thanks for any help.

[Stig]

Hi there, having had a B+ I would say that in reality, it is probably only worth £500

[Ferg]

Letter from the Owners Club???

[trackcar]

It would have to be a real minter to be worth 2k, with something a bit more exotic than a pinto.

[Darkspeed]

Easy enough to provide a bit of evidence by getting the prices for similar cars on the net.

E-bay - Completed listing
Dutton owners club site - Classifieds
Pistonheads Kit car classifieds

A 2.0l Pinto engined B+ which is a bit tatty around the edges would be worth 800-1200 - with a non Q and a pre 73 reg add another £500 for a pre 79 reg add another £250.

Early cars with the right registration date sell very well to the French Dutch and Germans where they are very popular and the Euro price at the moment means they pay well for them.

Andrew

[LBird]

Many thanks all.

[Comadis]

i dont think that there are a lot of non-uk people who are interested in buying such an ugly kitcar like such a dutton, besides the fact that they are "only" interested in the V5.....

[tr7v8]

Comadis said:

i dont think that there are a lot of non-uk people who are interested in buying such an ugly kitcar like such a dutton, besides the fact that they are "only" interested in the V5.....

And where do you get that idea from? My Dutton was bought by a German who does a trip over every 2-3months & trailers the away, I know of Dutch guys doing the same. They refurb them completely, then because they are registered in another EU country their own registration authorities have to accept them. This is non-Q plated cars. Otherwise kit cars in these countries have loads of restrictions.

[V8 GRF]

tr7v8 said:

Comadis said:

i dont think that there are a lot of non-uk people who are interested in buying such an ugly kitcar like such a dutton, besides the fact that they are "only" interested in the V5.....

And where do you get that idea from? My Dutton was bought by a German who does a trip over every 2-3months & trailers the away, I know of Dutch guys doing the same. They refurb them completely, then because they are registered in another EU country their own registration authorities have to accept them. This is non-Q plated cars. Otherwise kit cars in these countries have loads of restrictions.

Are you sure they refurb them, have you seen pictures. As the Comadis posted I think you'll find they're buying them for the V5 and then they transfer the registration to another vehicle. Dodgy stuff I'd suggest.

[Comadis]

totally agree with "V8 GRF"....the "only" duttons which might get restored are the phaeton ones (but why should i invest money in such an ugly kit, with such a lousy chassis when i can purchase a better one from a differnt brand, ready to drive?)...recently a robin-hood was for sale at ebay in germany (the seller was dutch) and you had the choice of 3(!!) V5:

the robin-hood V5 (as from year 2000--> impossible to registrate in germany)
a V5 from a donor vehicle (a Sierra--> useless)
and a V5 from a ´78 dutton.

the guy who is traveling to UK from germany and is always buying duttons must be "Dutton-Kalle"...he´s a dealer and specilized into Dutton and other kitcar imports since 25 years.

but, the registration precedures are so easy in the meanwhile that dealers which made a good business 20 years ago are not necessary anymore.

buy the way: he also buys robin-hoods and other cheapish kits....and i guess he also uses some of the V5 to make some other cars road-legal.

also interesting is (if its this guy): he has a "private-seller" ebay-account but is running a business...so earning money, passing around the local tax laws...

Edited by Comadis on Monday 20th October 11:24