This is the show car that toured Europe as the jewel of the Saoutchik coachwork... now, well, there isn't much left of the passenger side and it's been re-ended. So, why $2 million? For a conversation piece that can't be rebuilt? I say can't because there would be very very little of the original car left in anything that resembled a restored car. At best, something can be built that looks like what this had once been. No bumpers, no hubcaps, no interior from the original... and not much whole sheetmetal, just a lot of holes
Images from https://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/this-pile-of-rust-and-dust-just-sold-for--1-9-million-171817268.html
There's enough left to begin the job. There are many photos from every angle that show what is once was. Any vehicle created by the genius of Saoutchik is worth saving. This is ONE of ONE and should be brought back to life.
ReplyDeletewould you rather
Delete1) purchase this at about 2 million dollars, then pay for a restoration which will have very little of the original body
or
2) pay a coachbuilder, I have posted at least 3 still in business, to built a car from scratch that looks identical to what this looked like when it was made in 1949? So identical only a Saoutchik expert could tell that it was not made in 1949
I think you might agree, take away all the rust damaged unsalvageable metal, and there isn't much left of this original, and what there might be, isn't the same high grade materials as would be used today, and that original might be made with Whitworth sized hardware, or some other ridiculous stuff that isn't going to make it easy to live with
But a replica, no matter how close to the original wouldn't BE the original;.
DeleteThis is like George Washington's axe, it's had three heads and six handles, so is it still his axe?
This is a labor of love [and the finished vehicle will be worth many more millions because it ISN'T a replica.
Clearly, someone thinks it's worth it, we should respect their judgement, even if we don't share it.
I see you agree with what I stated, very little of the original body would remain, as the metaphor/allegory of the axe shows, and the middle color photo makes it clear, the passenger side front fender is over 1/2 rusted away, only 3 headlight buckets would be original in ANY version, and only 2 of the orginal grills still exist. The shiny trim on top of the fenders is likewise never going to be original, and none of the original rims, wire spokes, hubcaps will be on any future version of this.
DeleteAny thing you imagine for a future for this is exactly Washington's axe.... no original parts left, just junk used to pattern replicas from.
So, why are you arguing with me instead of answering my question?
1) or 2) ?
Also, no, it's not clear anyone has any restoration in mind, you suspect they might, but it's much more likely they bought this as an investment to flip like EVERY other one of one 2 million dollar car.
Personally, were I well heeled [ie: silly rich money] would go for option 1.
DeleteBut only because I think the "essence" of Saoutchik is so special and unique.
Option 2 I would get the putative coachbuilder to create something new in the classic style, not replicate a one of one.
As far as the motive of the buyer, perhaps you are right, but I'd like to think they put that $2mil up because THEY feel the same about Saoutchik's work as I do.
Peace out.