Dilemma - sell one car to modify another?

[Scott S]

Hi All. I am faced with a strange dilemma. I have (or should I say had) a very nice, very late production big Healey (very late 1967). Newer paint, nearly flawless original interior, great mechanicals and zero rust. It would be considered a very strong/high level #3 car. I have owned it for almost 20 years. When it was initially inspected, there were two slight dents on the rear frame rails. I was told that this was common to cars that were not properly tied down in transport, or that were towed incorrectly. I verified this info with several others and moved forward with the purchase. It has been an absolutely great car.

Last Thursday I was doing some random detailing and decided to through the thing up on the lift and give the bottom a once over/wipe down. Long story short, I am pretty sure I uncovered a seam. The frame is intact, but it appears the rear body work may have been sectioned at the rear seat pans. I still need another set of eyes to see what I see – but I am pretty confident.

So, it appears my car just lost at least 30% of it’s value – not a big deal, as I got it for a great deal and that is based on 20 year old values. I knew I was way in the black on the car, but that is not why I bought it. It was simply a cool car.

I have always wanted a big Healey vintage rally car, but could not justify cutting up a good car (they have side vents and a shortened left side door with a heat shield to clear the side exhaust). I think it would be a very cool thing to have, and if done correctly -based on the sectioned body work- would not deter from the cars already reduced value. Heck, it may increase it in some circles. It would require some body work and a partial repaint – everything else is bolt on. Here is my dilemma. I have a modified 911S (flares, 3.2, etc). Great car, but it is not worth a ton. I did not buy it as any sort of investment. I bought it to use. However, its value would easily pay for the modifications to the Healey.

I have two great cars right now. Sort of a reverse of “a bird in the hand”. Do I sell the 911?
Would love input.

Here are pics of the cars as they are, and of the rally car.

[Matt Monson]

You've got to follow your heart. Sounds like the Healey is your first love. That 911 will pay all you need to modify the Healey and then some. The value of middies has spiked. I suspect your valuation of the car is a little low.

[77Targa0912]

I had an early '65 3000 BJ8. Are you planning on having the engine reworked to 200+hp? Side drafts? Buying all the correct panels for the side exhaust, decklid for the spare tire? The hardtops are worth $3-5k by themselves. I would have loved to do the same to mine but dropping $30k into a car to make it a rally tribute wasn't going to be a good investment. Sold mine at a solid #3 prices a few months ago. Try to find a local Healey owner and inspect his frame or look for ones on the Internet that have good lift shots. Maybe it was a factory seam.

I loved the Healey for its styling, exhaust note, and torquey I-6 but the driving position and steering were just too old school to really enjoy on a daily basis.

[Scott S]

Body-wise - yes. I have located all of the panels. Deck lid is available in both steel and fiberglass. Still looking for a decent hard top (thought I found one locally - but it was way too rough). Found a great local source for another hood as well, as the aluminum center section of this car is extremly good and I want to keep it intact.

My motor is very strong and has under 75k orginal miles on it. It will stay as is until a rebuild is needed. Only the downpipe (if needed) and the exhaust will be changed.

[mreid]

Please post a picture of the seam. If you can't get either on the road, then keep the one that keeps you up at night with excitement. I also had a BJ8. Two things caught my attention in the restoration manual when I was restoring it:

1. Make sure you install the engine before aligning the body panels. The frame is weak and requires the engine as a structural member. Also, the frame will twist as the engine is installed potentially damaging your freshly painted doors and fenders.

2. There is typically little rust on the undercarriage aft of the engine. This is due to the engine leaking so much oil that it provides a natural rust proofing.

I'd keep the 911.

[Patrick3000]

You have enjoyed the Healey for 20 years with the current flaws. I would just enjoy it for another 20 as is. They both look very nice keep them and enjoy!

[Racerbvd]

Follow your hear, or look for some extra income to fund the healey. I will say this, the Healey will never be quite as fun as your 911, plus, you won't be able to enjoy it as much, other than looking at it. Having been behind the wheel of a very clean, very nice 65 3000, and owner a few Porsches that are not enjoyable because of their value(unless you just want to look at them and show them off) I can feel your pain. I'm going to let thw Weenie cars go and build/enjoy my fun drivers.

We are taking these to the Mecom auction in Fed.

[wally509]

Originally Posted by 77Targa0912

...Try to find a local Healey owner and inspect his frame or look for ones on the Internet that have good lift shots. Maybe it was a factory seam.

I loved the Healey for its styling, exhaust note, and torquey I-6 but the driving position and steering were just too old school to really enjoy on a daily basis.

I agree. Also, even if there were repairs made, finding a Healey with no rust or accident repairs anywhere seems slim. I realize it's a late 6 cylinder car and by that time more of them were second or third cars for people so less of them got driven all year like the 4 cylinder cars did. But I digress...

I'm not sure I agree it blows 30% of the value out the tailpipe having a weld seam from patching, even on the frame. Get a second opinion before jettisoning the 911. If you're really on the fence that is.