Chinese Reproduction Shell - Discussion &Poll

[alancdavis]

But what can they do, exactly?

I'm not being confrontational for the sake of it, but what is the difference between that MGB, and an Escort built from a new shell? Are you really saying MGB's can use the existing V5, and Escorts cannot, inasmuch that an MGB 'reshell' actually uses about 10% of the original car once finished? They've all got new trim, new wire wheels etc etc.
Not just that, but a reshelled 'B seems to be more desirable than an original. As long as the vendor of a reshelled Escort is upfront about it, what's the problem?

Your above comments are quite valid but I am saying the problem will be sellers building a car from these shells and then trying to sell it on as something it is not by the use of a e bay special V5

If any one builds a car and registers it correctly then their is the opertunity to own a very nice MK2

[alancdavis]

I think the genuine issue is the use of ...... as someone said 'long dead V5's' to res-erect cars. I have no objection to a 're-shell' per se, if the owner has the original car, the V5 in their name and repairs to the original bodyshell outweigh the economic cost of repair - that is as far as I see it, a one for one swop. But creating something that either didn't exist or couldn't be described as a car is IMO beyond a swop! Haven't BL Heritage Trust certified these replacement bodies as 'true' replica's which offers a degree of originality and desirability - If Ford did the same it would help clarify matters .......but I doubt they will!

Wise words , but most people don't understand that when a vehical is scrapped or exported the document must be returned to the DVLA or destroyed,,,,,not kept in the top drawer for future use

[Andyboy]

Your above comments are quite valid but I am saying the problem will be sellers building a car from these shells and then trying to sell it on as something it is not by the use of a e bay special V5

If any one builds a car and registers it correctly then their is the opertunity to own a very nice MK2

Well here's the thing.

It will be pretty obvious - the grapevine being what it is - that a car has been rebuilt from a new shell up. I personally have no objection to a car being built from a new shell and a V5. A patched up 1100 shell? No, that's not right. Neither is using a V5 to 'ring' a stolen car.
But what amounts to a new build? It doesn't bother me. The end result will be superb and if it puts another 200 AVO cars back into circulation, it might just bring prices down from the frankly insane level they are now.

It also means the rusted out scrap shells on Ebay fetching four figures will be dropped into a shredder and made into something useful - a saucepan or a cutlery set?

In the US, Dynacorn make new Mustang and Camaro shells, and the finished cars are 95% new with just parts like axle casing and crossmembers reused. They wear an I.D from a scrap/long dead car and the classic car community doesn't care a jot.

Basically - if it has a brand new shell, you just know that it's probably built from a V5 and new/restored parts and value it accordingly. I bet a recreated RS1600 is still 50 grand!

[alancdavis]

Time will tell ,, The use of the e bay books and books that have been off the radar for a long time are being investigated by the DVLA so unfortunatly some people who follow this path are in for a nasty shock.

[Frosticles]

he's like that i'm afraid.......

Shut it you ginger ponce.

[robrs2]

Finished car with interesting reg number

So it's now a 2 door and tax exempt, but it's brand new. Well that's going to be interesting. If it has the 4 door shell number stamped in they could be I a little trouble

[alancdavis]

Opens a can of worms

[morcheen]

best 4 door i've ever seen ,only way i'd ever buy one wonder if higgins have or will attempt to register the car ?

[Miniliteman]

What about the 4-door cars that have been converted to 2-door?
Welded up rear doors or proper 2-doors have been fitted.
Have these cars kept their regs?

[robrs2]

Why wouldn't they as they are the original car.

What has been done here is a new body reshell. Which under current rules requires an iva check and the shell stamping with a new number

[Andyboy]

I suspect these plates were just fitted for show - it's obvious it's not a green 2 door whatever, and the red 4 door is showing as exported anyway.

Plenty of 2 door Escort V5's floating about, 1300L etc. My first Escort was a 1300 Sport in green Jade. Replaced the wings, colour changed it to Diamond white, 4 spoke Revolutions and a Mexico chin spoiler. I was The Man in the mid eighties around our way!

[Taz112]

Chinese Shell

All this talk about replica shells original cars
Come on lets be honest I bet at least 50% of MK1 and MK2 escorts have been reshelled at least once and how many have been done twice or more. And as for 100% original I bet thats less than 10%
And if your buying a Chinese shell it more than likely to reshell a rotten car you already have so no Q plate anyway.
Cant we just be happy to the cars on the road in all there glory

[thedman]

But if you look at it, it's a Frankenstein.

5 spot weld scuttle, small strut tops, no badge holes in the boot.

[Frosticles]

All this talk about replica shells original cars
Come on lets be honest I bet at least 50% of MK1 and MK2 escorts have been reshelled at least once and how many have been done twice or more. And as for 100% original I bet thats less than 10%
And if your buying a Chinese shell it more than likely to reshell a rotten car you already have so no Q plate anyway.
Cant we just be happy to the cars on the road in all there glory

A completely different story if you are the unfortunate sap who is duped into buying one of these follies.

[alancdavis]

Shows you can use one to make a nice car but you need to be honest and declare it as a kit car or replica and not an original