I am seeking the advice of the British Sportscar aficionados out there to resolve a problem that I have encountered.
As many will know I used to own and operate Precision Sportscar and our speciality was Big Healeys. At the peak of the business, in the mid eighties, we had 8 full time employees and occupied a 12000 sq. ft. building. During the 23 years that I ran the business we accumulated a huge inventory of new and used parts. I used to pride myself that we had a parts order fill rate of something like 95% and our used parts inventory was well organized and very complete.
Unfortunately the early 90’s were a really tough time in the British Sportscar business and we were forced to diversify. To keep the doors open I started Magicare, an automotive service business devoted specifically to Chrysler minivans, at a time when one vehicle in eight on Ontario roads was a Caravan or Voyager. The idea was quite successful but unfortunately with my enthusiasm for British Sportscars in general and Austin Healeys in particular I quickly discovered that I didn’t want to be the manager of a general repair facility.
By the time the Healey business improved sufficiently to support a specialized business I was pretty burned out from the rigors of day to day servicing of kiddie carriers and when the opportunity to sell the business came along I sold it off.
Since then the business has changed and evolved, as businesses must do, and as a result I now have ended up still owning the inventory of British car parts.
The problem I have now is…what to do with the inventory?
We are not talking about a couple of shelves of used bits here. The new parts had an original purchase cost of around $200K and the used parts occupy three 40 foot trailers. Despite having been picked over for the last few years there are still hundreds and hundreds of useful parts in there and I’m very loath to send them off to the scrap man.
To give you some idea from memory in the used parts there are at least 40 Healey doors, not to mention Sprite MGB TR4 – 6 and Spitfire, probably 40 – 50 shrouds, dozens of fenders and piles of top frames, gearboxes, engines, windshield frames, differentials and on and on and on. The new parts include what is left of everything that you could imagine would ever be asked for in the way of service or over-the-counter parts. We never stocked upholstery but there are tops, tonneaus, exhaust parts, windshields, brake cylinders kits and hoses, distributor parts generators, bearings, rings, gaskets set, etc, etc, etc.
I have tried to sell off stuff on eBay but quite frankly that has been only marginally successful because of a lack of time and enthusiasm on my part and the sheer volume makes that look like a very daunting task. I’m definitely not interested in selling off individual parts one at a time because my life has moved on.
So guys, what to do with all this stuff!! Don’t send me requests for this or that part, I won’t answer but if anyone out there has an idea for how to get rid of the lot in one go let me know before someone out there must be able to use this treasure trove.
Hello Michael,
I might be interested in ALL your parts,do you have a figure in mind? I have been thinking of starting a part time venture. I am in the construction trades and work is very slow now. I am looking for something to supplement my income. perhaps we could work something out that would be beneficial to both of us. I am in the detriot area and have the means to move all the inventory to my location quickly. plmk what ideas you have on this… thanks a million! Mitch
I am interested in everything. How much?
interested, but need a price and a general inventory
405-420-6996
I’m grateful to all who have offered suggestions and expressed interest. When the weather warms up a bit in Toronto I will spend a couple of days putting together an inventory of the used parts and send copies to all who are interested. I will send a message to the Healey newsgroup when the inventory list is ready.
Michael,
Hire a college kid to put the stuff on e-bay or load into shipping containers and send to UK as the Unser Bros. did with their old stock.
need to talk to you anyway, drop me a line regular e-mail when you have a moment.
Porter
Michael
I would also be interested in the parts but like the rest need a copy of the inventory and price
Look forward to hereing from you
Adam
Let me put a invenory list together and sell it for you.Drop me a line for further talks.
Mark
Michael,
I own an MGB and MGC-GT and would be interested in speaking about your MG inventory. Let me know if you would be interested in selling off the MG portion of your inventory.
Tom Johnson
Michael,
I to am interested, but only in the 100/4 portion, an inventory and price would be appreciated
Regards
Ian
Michael
I have a 1967 Healey 3000. I am looking for a front shroud and a grille surround. Thanks Mike
Mike
As you probably know, we’re in the British car business.
Would you like an offer on the whole works?
I’d like to come see your stuff.
sincerely
mike p
Michael,
Where did your parts end up as I am looking for some late BJ8 steering/axle parts?
Norman
Mike
Hope all is well for you… do miss the old Precision …. well I have another Healey… 61 BT7 (plus a 73 jag V12 XKE.. and always looking for another project car)…. the old British sport cars have always had a special attraction for me…. Healeys and Jags in particular… Any idea what you want for all these parts…. you wouldn’t happen to have some kind of manifest for the stock?… probably doubtful as its been your salvage storage area.
Always entertained and intrigued with parts and their possible uses…. anyway do you have a value in mind?… the problem now is new parts are available and not many people are rebuilding old parts.
Hows the 100M is it still in your coral….
Thx
Neil
I am also intrested in some BJ8 steering/axle parts. Can you tell me does your inventory include these?
———–
Joshua Downes
http://MyCarParts.com – The place to find car parts
Hi Joshua, I have a lot of BJ8 and other Healey suspension and steering parts. Contact me through the link at the top of the page and let me know what you are specifically looking for.
A-arms and uprigths for bn2 or newer,can you make me an offer for this parts
Regards
Petter Moen
Michael
I like to order following parts (if available) :
– Uprights for ex.Mk1 (discbrake !)L/R rebushed and crackt.
– A-arm (BN2 or newer) L/R
– Bracets for caliper
– Hubs for steelwheels (discbrake)
Give my the price and where to pay (VISA,Mastercard,etc )
– Packing and carriage (cheap as possible, I dont need the pa
rts rightaway, post,sea ???)
– Regards
Petter Moen
RISKEGRENDA
1352KOLSÅS
NORWAY
Hi Michael
I am looking for Ah Bn6 Motor and transmission , either one or both .
Please let me know how much ..
Thanks
Al
please we need cylinder block for austin healey 100 4
Micheal,
I need front wheel hub assembly for a disc wheel car and the same drum brakes for the rear.
Thank you,
Paul
Hi Paul, What make and model do you require the hub and drums for?
Mikhael,
I have a 100-4 BN-2 that I would like to put disc brakes on and use a disc wheel to mount Minilite wheels.
I have a 1965 Austin Healey Sprite with wire wheels and want to change them to Steel wheels! I was told that I would have to change the complete rear end with a newer (late model) rear end? Can’t I just change the Axles? Do you have any of these parts?
Thank you,
Carl
Michael, Still trying to establish contact concerning TR7 courtesy lamp on EB.
They will not allow transmission of any contact info. Direct response to
mgtc1724@aol.com. LC
Michael:
I came across your site by accident.
Really missed it when Precision closed.
Have a BJ8 which you folks certified July 1987. You were my source of parts. Set of wire wheels, complete exhaust, etc.
Still have the car. As has been the norm will put it on blocks in a few days. Has been a great hobby. As said, miss Precision