Mark II Price Bashing

[Bob Barger]

I don't know if my car would qualify as a restomod. I kept the appearance as original as I could and only changed things that, in my opinion made it more reliable. The disc brakes, new Edelbrock carburetor, Mallory electronic ignition, electric wipers, alternator electric fuel pump and aftermarket air conditioning are things i did (oh and I added a fan shroud). I kept original colors and materials, not original to my car but original to the Mark, just because I like them better. My car is so reliable I can jump in it and go anywhere, that is important to me. It looks original until you open the hood and see the Master Cylinder and carburetor.

I probable impacted the value of my car by doing these things but I love it the way it is. I also didn't do anything to it that cannot be unbolted and the original parts installed with not a lot of effort.

[Howard Hussey]

Bob: Your my kind of guy. Except for the convertible top mine is pretty much stock with a few enhancements. Yesterdays post by Wayne Thomas points out the younger guys point of view. In the future most Mark II's will be restomods. All the coveted 50's chevs etc are going this way now & fetching big dollars. Point is they love the look but want modern conveniences. It's not our world anymore.
Some kids today don't know who the Beatles are. There will always be a 'limited' place (museums) for extraordinary cars that are point perfect but for those who want to enjoy their car I would encourage modifications to the suspension, engine etc. Leave the body as is. We all like the look or we wouldn't buy them. The choice no longer belongs to baby boomers. Example is I love classic country music but can't stand the new country. More Marty, Ray & Merle please. I also love 100 point cars but let's make allowances in the forum for a younger point of view. Maybe under it's own heading like 'Restomods' or 'Mild Customs'

[Doc]

I probable impacted the value of my car by doing these things but I love it the way it is. I also didn't do anything to it that cannot be unbolted and the original parts installed with not a lot of effort.

I've seen Bob's car multiple times. I not sure that even the most discerning Mark II enthusiasts would be able to tell it wasn't 100% stock/authentic from the exterior and most knowledgeable car folks would only be able to tell it wasn't stock under the hood when they recognized the master cylinder isn't period correct.

Given the reliability factor, I'm sure Bob has impacted the value of his car: it's worth more than it would have been without his subtle modifications.

[ishigakisensei]

My car is so reliable I can jump in it and go anywhere, that is important to me. It looks original until you open the hood and see the Master Cylinder and carburetor.

Hear! Hear!

What good is it to restore a car so perfectly that it has to stay locked up in a museum/garage somewhere never to be seen again or when it is seen, it has to be trailered?

The MarkII is unquestionably a mobile piece of art that can inspire the imaginations of young people when they see it in action. After all, cars are meant to be functional pieces of art and a a nearly 60 year old daily driver is an amazing achievement in its own right! It would offer a far more rewarding experience than driving, say a Toyota Camry while at the same time offering the same reliability as the Camry!