Oh Bother......need advice and a hug

[Mexican Gerbil]

I need help or advise or a hug I don’t know.

Im loosing storage space for my other escort (Mk2 Escort) It’s been off the road since 2013 I don’t want to sell it but no where to keep it. It was my grandads and would rather keep it over the Mex. It needs a lot of restoration work but I can’t do it at the moment. I borrowed a lot of money to restore and build the Mexico, only about halfway through paying it off. I could sell the Mexico, pay off all the loans and have enough money left over to start the restoration of the MK2 escort. 

Mrs Gerbil is in tears over the thought of selling the Mex but it’s not been a great year of ownership with break downs. I just think it’s better to sell, pay off the debt and free up space and restore the MK2. 

Im at a crossroad and don’t know which way to turn.  Help.....

[meXEco]

Sell the Mex-get rid of your debts its horrible to be in debt and keep the mk2. Sounds like that's what you want to do-and it'll be less stress owning a 'standard' escort.

[Rally Pack 2000]

Alot of cars in museums and the like are simply on loan. You may be able to find a partnership for your Mk1 to go on display effectively storing it for free. In that time you can move the Mk2 home to begin it restoration, mainly the work that is free by hand and labour. It would give you a couple of years to get yourself back on your feet again without having to part with either.

Some may be confused with the attachment to a common Mk2 over a genuine RS Mk1 but there are some things that override the rarity and desirability. I often get stunned looks when I tell people that my Mk2 4 door means more to me than my Twincam and there is no way I will part with it. No one but yourself can possibly understand the emotional investment in one car over the other and the memories that it brings about. My Mk2 4 door has been mine for over 30 years. Its my first bank loan, my teens to twenty reckless years and my time at university and touring adventures all over the country. Everyone that I ever cared about has ridden in it while the Twincam was just a luxury showpiece pulled out once a month. When people see the Twincam they say that's a great car and all that but when I show them the Mk2 they go do you remember that time we went there and did that in that car back then. There is a big difference. I can only image a family legacy car even more important.

[Vista]

A tough call Chris, I last sold a classic ford (mk1 3.0 Capri GXL) that I restored as far back as about 2002. I have regretted it ever since and think of that fact every time I toy with the idea of selling one of the ones I have now.

The museum idea isn't a bad one, try Frank at Moretonhampstead?

As regards breakdowns, that's fairly common as things settle in on a fresh restoration, it'll pass if you give it time.

Chin up and don't make any hasty decisions.

[colr6]

You've managed to get yourself in the position of owning not one but two OSFs, a lot would envy that position. Regarding the breakdowns thats old cars through and through, certainly nowt to get disheartened about just a case of dealing with it. Seeing as the Doris loves the Mexico that's a blessing, some would be complaining morning till night. Find a place to store the mk2 even if it's a fair way from you but find something. You will only regret it if you let go of either later on, listen to people who've done it.

[Mexican Gerbil]

Thank you all for your thoughts. Mrs Gerbil has convinced me to sleep on it. 

The Mk2 Escort Estate was my grandfathers. He had a bad fall back in December 2011 and needed a hip replacement. The car was put away until he was able to walk and drive again. In mid 2013 he sent it for an MOT but 3 out of 4 breaks were stuck on and the amount of welding work needed meant he wanted rid of it. I hoped that I would get first refusal but I was heart broken to find out he was selling it to someone else. I was in tears, I remember it well, the phone call from my uncle. A week passed and the chap came and said it needed too much work. I had I call and was told it was mine if I wanted it. I was overjoyed. At the time I still had my white 1300L Mk1 but this was due to go away for restoration so my garage would be empty. Anyway I picked it up and @Vista will confirm it is in a sorry state. I think I remember from years before when it looked better, but It’s the car my grandparents took us out in when I was young and I wasn’t going to let it go. It needs a lot of work but is complete and have new parts for it. I really hoped I’d get it Road worthy before he passes on but as the years roll on its increasingly unluckily. I even contacted car SOS but no joy. 

Will see how I feel in the morning. 

[Monza]

Think if you can keep both, then thats the way to go. I can see why you would sell the mex bit I'm sure you'd regret it...eventually!!


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[Xp197777]

Surely it wouldn’t cost to much to store it Chris, I wouldn’t sell either you will regret it 100% 

james 

[Mexican Gerbil]

!!!! UPDATE !!!!

Mrs Gerbil has given me a good taking too and she has forbidden me to sell the Mex. She is selling her car to “upgrade” our storage facility’s. So I took Top Banana to work a few times last week, mainly to dry her out after Rally Day. 

Plus ive booked into an event for 2019 so its staying put for now. 

[Monza]

You know it makes sense

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[Ray]

23 hours ago, Mexican Gerbil said:

!!!! UPDATE !!!!

Mrs Gerbil has given me a good taking too and she has forbidden me to sell the Mex. She is selling her car to “upgrade” our storage facility’s. So I took Top Banana to work a few times last week, mainly to dry her out after Rally Day. 

Plus ive booked into an event for 2019 so its staying put for now. 

and I thought she was your breakdown recovery vehicle

[stephens_xpack]

The Mex is safe, long live the Mex!! Good for you Gerbil - anywhere good in 2019?.....

[Mexican Gerbil]

A local southwest event that sees 200 ish cars parade through the town of Martock and then a small drive to a show ground. Been wanting to do it for a few years but they didn’t hold it last year. 

Also looks like I will be at Classic Ford show too.  

I hope I can make it to the NEC one year before it looks tatty. It was just an easy solution to a big problem to sell up but Mrs Gerbil wouldn’t allow it.