Greyhounds: value = demand - supply

[R Warlop]

Wherever I go with my car, it strikes me how few people have ever heard about the AC Greyhound, let alone seen one.
   This means also that any aspiring classic car collector would never think about looking for one - what comes to mind to the average enthusiast are better known brands like Austin Healey etc...
   Demand for our dearest AC's is therefore very low - hence why the prices are stagnating and frankly a bargain for the build quality and rarity. In comparison, I find it outrageous to see a VW camper van going for £90k (RM Auctions in Battersea), not to mention silly prices for 911T's.
   
   So I've embarked on a mission to get the car better known - a few of my activities in the past few months include:
   - Contribute to an article on Petrolicious: see http://www.petrolicious.com/rare-and-italian-bodied-language-was-no-barrier-to-purchase
   - Be featured in Stirling Moss' selection on the Goodwood revival parking lot in a special enclosure, next to a DB2/4 MkIII (see http://www.stewartmillerinsurance.co.uk/goodwoodrevival/shortlists/friday-selection.html)
   - Lend my car to Ralph Lauren for their latest luxury catalogue: http://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/category/index.jsp?categoryId=3980411&ab=global_men_black%20label . They wanted a DB4, but Aston Martin wouldn't let them associate their brand with Ralph Lauren - so my Greyhound came in handy as most people won't see the difference. For the next few months, the whole world will see various ads in print etc... with a Greyhound.
   - Participate to the Octane Tour, where 50 cars were selected for a fun run from Cliveden House to the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace (see http://concoursofelegance.co.uk/2014-event/octane-tour/ )
   - Participate to various tours like the Halsemere Tour, London to Brighton, Knokke le Zoute in Belgium etc... - not to mention my weekly usage of my car in SW London.
   
   Apart from that, I'm pleased to see an AC Greyhound featured for sale since a little while on Car and Classic: http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C511524
   
   Could we collectively ensure that there's always one car for sale on carandclassic - to tease out the market and to ensure continuous exposure (and please put the asking price more than a VW Camper van to start setting the expectations closer to what we believe it's worth). It's worth answering a few calls and turning down some eager buyers for the sake of gaining exposure.
   
   Any other ideas to increase exposure/demand are welcome - but I'll keep going to events around London in the coming year as I enjoy it quite a lot.

[nikbj68]

Well done Reg, you`re a one-man PR team! Really like the Petrolicious article. [8D]
   It has always surprised me how 'unloved' the Greyhound is, and having racked up several hundred miles driving one, it is obvious that it has little to do with the driving experience; I think some bad reviews in the very early days have been regurgitated by unimaginative hacks for years, and mud sticks? [:(]
   I`ve spoken to several people(who can speak from experience, and who`s opinion I value) who prefer a Greyhound to an Aston to drive!
   
   How many people noticed the Greyhound 'fueling up', towing a Cooper in the ad breaks on the Silverstone Classic TV coverage this year?
   
   
   
    Not many, I`ll bet!
   
   This year, we have attended Goodwood (Cobra Drivers` Club), Shelsley Walsh, where 'Goody' and her identical twin(1 chassis number earlier!) formed bookends to the ACOC`s spectator parking area, and the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, but unfortunately  had to 'call in sick' trying to go to the Silverstone Classic(as it turns out, due to a bad tank of fuel!).
   
   Everywhere we go, car enthusiasts come & ask questions, my favourite was the chap who was looking around the AC for some time before asking me:
   "Sorry, but I have to know, how do you pronounce the name of it?"
   (After a moment`s pause)I replied: "Grey-hound".
   He (after 2 moments` pause, and a puzzled look): Oh... Bugger.    I didn`t know if it was 'Ace-Car', 'Ah-See-Cah' or 'A-chee-chaa'. thanks." [:o)]

[rsk289]

Lovely.  But....  dodgy number plate?  Or a very new Greyhound...

[nikbj68]

Yes...that wasn`t seen in the footage! The Greyhound & Cooper belong to Ian Nuthall, the Bristol engine specialist & racer, I wonder if the `Hound even has a towing ball... anyone?

[R Warlop]

The towing ball was a standard feature fitted to all Greyhounds, but many owners paid extra to have it removed! I was considering towing my Greyhound with my BMW X3 - but now that I've seen this picture, I am considering to swap them around ;-)
   For the winter, I'm considering fitting a snow plow in the front - I welcome your suggestions regarding fittings.
   
   Anyway, back on track to my initial request: any other suggestions to raise the profile of this great car?

[rsk289]

Lend it to C & SC for a side-by-side comparison article, maybe Bristol, DB2/4, 541 etc.

[nikbj68]

Lord no, Not Classic & Sprout AGAIN!
   Octane, or Women`s Weekly even, but not them!

[rsk289]

quote:Originally posted by nikbj68
   
Lord no, Not Classic & Sprout AGAIN!
   Octane, or Women`s Weekly even, but not them!
   

   Never had any real dealings with them... didn't know they were that bad.
   But, you can't deny they are prominent and would get photos 'out there'...

[R Warlop]

quote:Originally posted by rsk289
   
Lend it to C & SC for a side-by-side comparison article, maybe Bristol, DB2/4, 541 etc.
   

   
   Done this Summer, 2 years after your suggestion!
   
   Who's next to help raise the profile?

[nikbj68]

NEC...
   This weekend...
   ..."Barn Find" Greyhound's first outing for the new owner!

[R Warlop]

On top of the C&SC article, this year I participated to the Salon Prive breakfast meeting in Blenheim Castle, surrounded by many >1£M cars, yet mine being the rarest of all! Also participated to the Shere Hill Climb, an event well attended by Greyhounds since a few years.
   ....the roadshow continues and the joy that goes with it increases..