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Topic starter
06/08/2023 5:00 pm
I no longer own any British cars. I sold my MG TD and the Arnolt-MG coupe, along with parts, repair books, etc. to a local Brit car enthusiast. And he got an MG TD owner with a truck and trailer to haul them off. At my age it is time to start shedding off some things - the inevitable ailment that sends me to the old folks home gets closer and closer.
Of course, the increase in my bank account reduced the sting of loss. And I'm not shedding the bulk of my 1/43 collection just yet - I'm not crazy (for now)!
06/08/2023 5:11 pm
Better to do this now while you still have choices and can enjoy what you choose to keep. Easier for you and not a burden on your daughter. Was just at my MIL’s house with my wife and her sister. She’s in her final weeks (91 and requiring full-time round the clock care) and the sisters are stressed about dealing with a 2-story house with basement full of 50 years worth of “stuff”.
06/08/2023 5:38 pm
It looks like they are going to a good home and they will stay local! ❤️ Plus you have many 100 1:43 British cars left!
06/08/2023 6:07 pm
Harv, I understand. I remember when I sold my 1993 Mazda RX-7 in late 2021. With 154,000 miles maintenance issues were becoming a problem. I do not regret it. Relatively speaking, my model collection is not that large, so buying more (reasonably) is not a problem. More importantly, I enjoy buying them.
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
Steve Jacobs and John Kuvakas reacted
Topic starter
06/08/2023 6:27 pm
@randyrusk Right Randy - I've been to a number of estate sales and taken note of the belongings no one in the family wanted to keep. There's still tons of stuff here I don't want my kids burdened with.
06/08/2023 6:34 pm
It's always difficult to let go of things we love or cherish. It is unfortunately something we all must face or leave to our loved ones. In my case, it will be my children and although they have a moderate interest in a few things I have, most will be dumped. I haven't decided how I am going to proceed, but it is definitely always on my mind.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
06/08/2023 6:37 pm
A sad day in so many ways Harv but one that is necessary in the larger scheme of things. I’m glad that the pair go to a good home and you got hopefully good value. Growing older does create problems, especially for those left behind when we are gone or dependent. Thinking of that, I’ve moved a few larger objects but so far, but parting with the rest of what I have collected and loved, I just put off.
12/08/2023 12:48 pm
Congrats, Harv, on finding new homes for the MGs. If you decide that you need the books again, let me know! I've got an entire shelf of MG books: histories of the marque, MGA/MGB manuals, sales literature, everything! Divesting ourselves of this stuff is difficult. I have a 60+ year collection of sales brochures and ads of cars from the 1910s through, primarily, the 1960s, though there are some from the '70s and later as well. I just don't know what to do with them, besides tossing them in the recycle bin and I just can't bring myself to do that. I have no interest in becoming an online-seller, so if anyone here has any ideas for disposing of them, please let me know. Any museums that might take them? They weigh a ton, so shipping boxes of them is very expensive. My next step is putting an ad on Next-door and offering them for free. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm getting close. And if anyone here wants to drive to Central Texas and pick them up, they're yours! Bring a truck or SUV!
12/08/2023 1:33 pm
I can relate, a few years back, as I sold my last collector car, I walked back into the house feeling a bit empty. But as I've noted only a few times previously...between me and my best friend, we've owned over 400 post-war cars (believe it or not ). Despite feeling a bit crestfallen, "saying goodbye" was the right thing to do. Although, I have to admit....I'm starting to get that bug again. 🙄 😯
Harv, life goes on....and honestly, I do enjoy NOT having to chase parts, perform maintenance/repairs or do so much waxing & polishing; I'm very lazy! 😏 😏
No doubt, you'll enjoy "less stress" too! 😀 😏
12/08/2023 6:55 pm
Another factor in this, is the expertise and particular area of interest of everyone that has posted here. It may seem like a part of the person goes with car or library as it trundles down the drive but at least if we arrange this, ourselves, it goes to a good home and is appreciated in the right circles. Whereas if the job is left to others who lack that expertise and knowledge, and who might be busy with other pursuits, our life's interests may be offloaded hastily and even carelessly.
12/08/2023 7:10 pm
@charles-rockett Those considerations are admirable and always welcomed, as it's clear to all that we are just temporary caretakers of vehicles regardless condition, worth or sentimental attachment. On the other hand, I've been so frustrated with some cars that the future disposition was of little concern.....all I wanted was the cash! 😏
12/08/2023 8:42 pm
Harvey, I sympathise. I have been thinking about this down size subject recently. All this stuff takes energy and I'm not as energetic as I had been. I started listing a few things with good results on Craigs List. Next will be a car or two and a motorcycle. I've even thought about down sizing the 1/43 collection but can't quite bring myself to do it just yet because it would be a lot of work and I'm not in the habit losing money on hobby things. Selling these models will surely require me to change my attitude on some of them.
This post was modified 3 years ago 2 times by Curtis Parisi
Topic starter
13/08/2023 2:27 pm
@parisi50 When and if you do decide to part with some woodies Curtis, please keep me in mind (assuming I still have all my faculties).
And thanks everyone for all the comments. It was the right thing to do and the right time to do it.