peterc wrote:Thanks for all the info Nige.
Looks like a potential nightmare due any time soon.
Can you imagine an owner of an old but valuable car being forced to scrap it 'cos they couldn't get the correct part for the obvious reason they don't make the parts anymore!
I think they should also check how many people they will put out of work if they create such restrictive practises.
First thing is to vote to leave the EU. I have never trusted Brussels and the over paid MEP's
Our friends in Europe already have issues trying to own and run their rebuilt cars.
Peter
Hmm... my personal opinion is that the owner of an old but valuable car is in a stronger position than most for parts availability. If it's valuable, somebody somewhere will make the part. There's more available now for original Cobras than there has been for a long time - and for prewar stuff, there's always someone who will make a casting for a crank, head, block etc. The thing is, you
can make parts for older cars. The problem's with the newer stuff. There was a guy on the Z3MC forum who lost all his rear lights - the whole lot at the back, everything - due to a fault with the body module. He tried an electronics specialist, as some of these things can be repaired, but this was properly fried, apparently. It was off the road for about 9 months before BMW deigned to make a new batch. That is potentially 40-50ks worth of car completely worthless due to a (fairly) cheap electronic component. These cars will be unrestorable when they get older!
As to being ruled by unelected bureaucrats who are intent on forcing different peoples with different traditions and cultures into one-size-fits-all boxes, well, I couldn't possibly comment. We all love the prospect of the European Roadworthiness Directive, it'll make all our lives better.
One day I'll have to bow to the inevitable and use one of those damned emoticons.
Roger