Yeah a car with no paper work can be a headache to get road legal in the end.The more you can spend and the harder you look the nicer can you can start with.

 

well my opinion to this is that eventually you'll need a lot of money to get that back together which you currently do not have. If I were you I'd start saving a bit and once you have 3000 together you might get a complete car. keep looking.
buying a complete car and go from there will be cheaper then starting with a shell. at least that's what i believe, you can't just walk into a shop and buy a bumper like the lads in the states who enjoy free shipping. you might say that you can ship parts in a container, but that only works if you put all parts in there (which will be huge money). So it's rather that you save for a bumper, pay the same again in shipping and duty and 3 months later you do the same with a windscreen. even if the parts on car are not really good you might be able to restore instead of buying new.

over a year ago here was someone who bought a coupe for 11000, engine fried and he was willing to sell for 4500 because he couldn't repair it (knowledge), was out of work and had no money.
I offered half my old engine (bottom) for 400 and three of us repaired it as a favour to keep him in the club. he's still driving that thing.
In the last three years i've seen two complete mustangs with problem sell under 5000 (4000 pounds). which is a way better starting point .... keep saving and looking is my vote. you;'ll save money in the long run

2+2: what was the total cost of that restauration (not including shipping the car to you and back to UK)? just parts. no labour?



kalli

 

It would take a braver man than I to fly 1/2 way around the world and drive a 40 year old car I knew nothing about from the West Coast to New York. I love my 66 with its original 76,000 miles on it but unless it ever gets a complete overhaul she is staying close to home.

I have had seal failures, radiator blow out, brake problems, tranny problems, electrical gremlins, broken seat, headlight problems etc. Not to bad when I get get it towed a few miles if needed. It would suck to be in the middle of nowhere and have these things happen.

Have you looked into having one transported to New York? My be cheaper in the long run.

 

thanks for all the replies...apologies i didnt write back sooner!

i think saving will be my best bet for something a little more solid. it is incredibly frustrating that the only ones available in the uk usually have already been fully restored and going for an incredible amount of money...hopefully there will still be examples available next year! the trip to the states to get one is part of one big experience...it doesnt necessarily have to be california to new york but after some research the cali cars seem to be sought after...

i will keep looking and one day be a proper member here!

thanks,

john