[Hydroglen]

I am not speaking for Clyde, but from my observation on restoration costs,
it all depends on how one factors in "costs". Given comparable conditions
of "scruffiness", the cost of paint, trim, chrome and even mechanicals is
pretty much the same for most makes. It will also cost more to redo a
saloon /sedan than a coupe / 2 door. It follows that a more valuable /
desirable car is "cheaper" to restore, than a more mundane model. But
then it all boils down to how you view the hobby, taste in cars, and how
you spend your money.

I agree with documenting a restoration, but disagree with it being done by a
reputable restorer. I know of many lovely cars that were done privately and
would equal the work of a "reputable" restorer.
Many or most so called "reputable" restorers turn out good work, but they
are largely assembly houses. There is no magic! They put their trousers on
one leg at a time!......Same as you.
They send the chrome out to be done at a plating / polishing shop... same as
you.
They send the engine out to a machine shop to have it's innards redone and
then reassemble, .....same as you.
They have a freelance trim chap come in and retrim the car or take the seats
and panels to a trim shop, ....same as you.
They buy a whiring harness from a specialist shop and install it, ....same
as you.
They may have an in-house panel beater, but then you can take your bits to a
shop that specializes in that work. Same end result.
And so forth........

Therefore if a private owner has the ability and space, he/she can end up
with a product just as good as a "reputable" shop. Much of the work will
have been done by the same shops / tradesmen anyway.

Many collectors enjoy doing their own restoration and the finished product
(if well done) should never take a back row seat to a "reputable" shop.
Cheers,
Dorien