Sprint fhc to dhc values

[Andyhirst]

I am looking at a sprint which was rebodied in the early 90s from a fhc to a dhc
How does this affect the value?
Is it worth more than a fhc or less?
Thanks
Andy

[mmatthej1]

Can't help as to values but just wonder if it would have been re-boied as such or 'merely' have had the lid surgically removed?

[Andyhirst]

No it's was rebodied by SMS auto spray in 1994.
There is an invoice for a new body shell ?1200
And then a separate invoice of nearly ?7000 to paint and refit t to the chassis
Andy

[mmatthej1]

Oh fair do's - I'd always thought these conversions were done with a large can opener!

(wonder what they did with the FHC body?)

[trw99]

I find that people approaching me with an interest in buying a Sprint are increasingly reluctant to accept anything other than an original spec as far as bodywork is concerned. Most are happy to live with some or all of the acceptable upgrades but want the original body configuration and engine number.

I would guess that there might therefore be a lessening of values of those cars that have been converted from FHC to DHC (usually by the cutting off of the roof). Having said that, if you just want the Sprint driving experience and are not worried about the overall investment value of your car in the future, there would be nothing wrong with buying the car described. On the contrary SMS are well respected and a new body is a new body.

Tim

[jimj]

That`s a great question, as was Tim`s answer. Inevitably when you ask opinion human nature directs a subjective response.
I`m a DHC fan but being as objective as I humanly can, Elans and every marque tend to be worth more as a soft top, quite a bit more here in the UK. Your question is about a conversion and I think Tim is right in that a FHC converted to a DHC is worth less, ball park 10% less, but the car you mention with a new body professionally done then less less.
It`s all about, as Tim says, whether you want it and if this price is right for you and, maybe, you can negotiate a bit less still then that`s OK.
At the top end, though, I suspect a conversion, even this one, would be undesirable. At around ?20K, for example, I`d say it didn`t matter so much.
Jim

[gherlt]

>Your question is about a conversion and I think Tim is right in that a FHC converted to a DHC is worth less, ball park 10% less, but the car you mention with a new body professionally done then less less.

I would like to add that the difference in value does not cover in any case the cost of rebodying the car, even if you get a second hand body. My S3 is a converted car, too. I do not care less. Maybe in the distant future, when I fancy a coupe and the body needs attention, I might change it back to Coupe.

[Andyhirst]

Thanks for the replies
I have bought the car and hopefully will take delivery on Thursday