The Seller is "sjb9va" .
Regarding the fake works speedo needle, I had a dialogue with him about that item
the first part of which I posted on the "WTF" thread.
There was some more
For the sake of clarity (or just for a larf) I'll post the whole thing verbatim
I was going to reply to his last email but I have got a life and was too busy to do it
Dear sjb9va,
Hi
I feel that you are describing this item wrongly.
It is not a works item.
The ones used in the works cars had a white tip, not a red one.
This needle is just an early Morris one, nothing fancy at all.
Regards
Steve
Dear steve1590,
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your email. Yes you are correct, the white tip needles were used on 'SOME' of the 'WORKS' cooper's. You obviously know details of these cars but I guess GRX 309D driven by the late Graham Hill has slipped by you. If you have seen this car in person, as I have, or view any images on either the web or issue March 2005 of MiniWorld magazine you will clearly see the red tipped needle. There is a chance I suppose the car is not 100% acurate, I'll pass on your comments to Tony Arnold, 12th June at Beaulieu.
Regards Steve
- sjb9va
Dear sjb9va,
Hi, thank you for responding to my question, it seems to have annoyed you.
This was not my intention.
I am very well aware of GRX 309D and, as many other people know this car is a "Log book rebuild". This is the thing that has "slipped by you" The only thing "Works" about the car is the number plate. Everything else has been recreated. The original car resides in the USA.
Your claim that this "red tipped Speedo needle" is a works item is still untrue.
I challenge you to show me (a genuine unmolested) works car that has one.
I would be very happy for you to "pass on my comments to Tony Arnold, 12th June at Beaulieu." (I might even be there myself if we could arrange a time)
Regards
Steve
Dear steve1590,
Hi Steve, thank you for your reply. No I am not anoyed, I am simply standing my corner as I would expect you would to. OK, here we go: GRX 309D has not been formaly confirmed as a replica and the debate is as strong today as it has been since it resurfaced/re-Imported in 1995. Some say that if it had been re-imported (without a genuine log book) then it would be given a new registration. Why would an American seller allow the registration to be sold, retain the car and then allow another car to claim it is the original car? To me it makes no sense! Also if the car were a definate/confirmed fake then surely the Cooper Register would not allow it to sit amongst other genuine Works cars ect. Whether it is fake or not and especially as it has not been 100% confirmed a replica, I strongly believe that neither myself or you should judge the car and certainly not try to take anything from what the owners have produced. As for how many of the original 70+ Mini's that left Abingdon and are still on the circuit today and are original or unmolested (in your eye's) is simply bizare , most of the cars have had extensive owners and many have been restored numerous times, so again, even 'IF' GRX309D is a sheet build, the fact that it is what it is, is enough for true enthusiast's. These cars are over 50 years old, can we not pick faults with them all if we try! Back to my listing, I am happy with useing GRX309D as an example to you, it is fitted with a red needle and this is enough for me and many others. Cooper cars were not fitted with either a white or red clear needle as standard, the original thin full white needles were replaced by the Abingdon team. I know that we could argue the toss over and over but I will simply allow you to have your view! I will be at Beaulieu as I am meeting freinds from Portugal, I am happy to meet 1pm by GRX309D where we can carry on this debate. I asure you I am a genuine honest guy and will shake your hand, I think we would become freinds!
- sjb9va
I think I've got a date