[406Special]

It all boils down to time and rate set against speed and quality of
work. I could have sent my 406 to Oz or even NZ, but like all
outsourcing, it's the travel and back and forth management and
confidence that are always add on costs. I found a reliable,
trustworthy local outfit with a massive reputation and a fair minded
attitude coupled with an enthusiasm for my eccentric wishes. When
factoring in the actual rate and what they actually do charge me for,
I feel confident that my budget is well within the bounds of reality
(confirmed by Alpine Eagle). I also get a more hands on approach to
my tastes and as things change in my needs/wishes these are easily
communicated as the car is only 13 miles from home. When something
needs a physical inspection I can do it easily. When doing a special
and the design criteria are broadly speaking broad, it pays to have
it close.

I guess if you wanted a simple straight forward as new restoration
and the outfit knows what they are doing, then perhaps a hands-off
approach may be possible in which case my approach above doesn't need
to be the case.

Of course a vehicle with a massive upside to restored value, over and
above the acquisition and restoration costs may well be a candidate
for outsourcing - as long as the outfit can do the work to the
required standard. Lastly one must also consider transportation/tax/
duty implications.

As I mentioned elsewhere recently, the Maharaja of Jodhpur flew his
1928 Phantom over to have it restored cosmetically at Alpine Eagle.
It is no consequence that the cost and rate are far in excess of that
in India, however he is paying for the expertise and quality. It
will be worth more when it leaves the UK than when it arrived.

Clyde