Next step: SportsItalia.co.uk

[Felonious Crud]

Superb progress, Matt. This is tremendous. Good luck to you all.

And good luck at being taught new tricks, too.

 

[Andyk]

Well done Matt....This was always your calling. Great for Maserati owners to have a garage they can trust.

 

[conaero]

Thank you for all your kind words.

Yes, I don’t do the forum or the garage for money. The forum sponsors cover the forum costs, the garage I have taken nothing from, quite the reverse having put a lot in.

For me, it’s about the brand and the cars...ok, I’ll say it...the passion.

For the first time in over a decade, I spring out of bed on workshop days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and love every minute.

For someone who was planning on imminent retirement it’s funny that I am the busiest I’ve ever been.

For Ashley and Ryan, they are at the beginning of their careers so I want to make it work for them as they have young families and financial commitments.

They are working 6 days a week for a basic wage as all the profits are being ploughed back in.

Fortunately, we all share this vision of hard work now, build and reap the fruits of our labour further down the line.

For any whom have visited us, it’s clearly apparent that we have to move. Rome wasn’t built in a day plus our labour rate is ridiculously low.

Year 1 goal is to buy outright all the equipment. We don’t finance, we work, then spend the profits. We have 3 ramps and a scissor which is sufficient, small tools we now have and all the factory tools in the first half of year 1. Dual gas AC machine, transporter and a couple of courtesy cars are planned for the second half of year 1.

Year 2 will be premises. We want to buy rather than rent. Funds are not an issue, finding the right property is. This is why we are currently looking into the build route. This is easier said than done as land in the South is hard to come by.

 

[rockits]

Very admirable Matt and a pat on the back from me. This country needs more people like you.

I can see me doing something automotive related soon. Can't come soon enough for me. Like you I haven't exactly been springing out of bed for some time like I used to. Would like to have that feeling again.

Enjoy it and forget about the money. As long as it wipes it's nose it can still make sense if you enjoy it. Almost like doing voluntary work.

 

[conaero]

Nail on head Dean...All I will say is do it.

The renewed sense of purpose outweighs financial reward when your our age.

 

[conaero]

I know you have the ramps and the workshop, how about starting with single project restorations?

You can then work at your own pace and if you make a profit great, but it will be more of a learning exercise.

 

[hashluck]

Nail on head Dean...All I will say is do it.

The renewed sense of purpose outweighs financial reward when your our age.

Have done exactly the same for same reasons.

 

[conaero]

Have done exactly the same for same reasons.

Indeed. Times running out. If you always promised yourself you would do something, best get on with it.

 

[Geo]

Incredible. Now if only I had a car to use the services

Well done, all

C

I could lend you mine!

 

[CatmanV2]

I could lend you mine!

That works. My rates are very reasonable
C

 

[rockits]

I know you have the ramps and the workshop, how about starting with single project restorations?

You can then work at your own pace and if you make a profit great, but it will be more of a learning exercise.

Agreed. I've been doing an odd project in the background and doing bits on my own cars which has kept me busy. It is different when you have a full time day job/responsibilities though as I'm sure.you know. You don't quite enjoy it so much doing the car works when you have too much on your plate and juggling too many balls.

I have enjoyed finding, doing a deal and going to collect the little 206 GTi 180 I just bought. Alarm went off @ 5.45am, walked down the track to the station, into Paddington and out to Chippenham. Met a lovely guy, car was as expected and just drove it back. Enjoyed it. Few jobs to do on her and another one to squirrel away.

I won't do much more than I already am doing car wise until I can spend less time day jobbing. Got to build a house as well!

Like you I'd like to do an official qualification or college course just to learn much of the standard stuff the text book way. Everything is self taught so far.

 

[safrane]

Yep... do it niw whilst car maintenance is still a hands on experience rather than change the battery or throw away.

Will EVs ever hold this place in our automotive hearts?

 

[Felonious Crud]

Have done exactly the same for same reasons.

And your enthusiasm is palpable! Don't give up the day job yet, though - I enjoy working with you.

 

[D Walker]

I’ve been thinking in a similar vain, tho not quite so in the mechanics, more in detailing etc, I would just like to eek a living, have had discussions with my storage guy etc, as a couple of guys who store there cars there have mentioned it when thy have seen me sorting my car. Never know.

 

[D Walker]

I’ve been thinking in a similar vain, tho not quite so in the mechanics, more in detailing etc, I would just like to eek a living, have had discussions with my storage guy etc, as a couple of guys who store there cars there have mentioned it when thy have seen me sorting my car. Never know.

 

[rockits]

I’ve been thinking in a similar vain, tho not quite so in the mechanics, more in detailing etc, I would just like to eek a living, have had discussions with my storage guy etc, as a couple of guys who store there cars there have mentioned it when thy have seen me sorting my car. Never know.

I think there are plenty of things a capable person can do to earn a few sheckles. Especially if the mortgage is paid and the kids have flown or less dependent. Detailing would be a good thing for sure but cleaning or detailing cars is not one of my favourite things. Especially in tandem with a car storage business or and specialist car dealer.

It is one of the reasons I felt a car storage business would be good as there are lots of bolt on products/services related that can be hoovered up when you have a fairly static/captive customer base.

 

[rockits]

I’ve been thinking in a similar vain, tho not quite so in the mechanics, more in detailing etc, I would just like to eek a living, have had discussions with my storage guy etc, as a couple of guys who store there cars there have mentioned it when thy have seen me sorting my car. Never know.

I think there are plenty of things a capable person can do to earn a few sheckles. Especially if the mortgage is paid and the kids have flown or less dependent. Detailing would be a good thing for sure but cleaning or detailing cars is not one of my favourite things. Especially in tandem with a car storage business or and specialist car dealer.

It is one of the reasons I felt a car storage business would be good as there are lots of bolt on products/services related that can be hoovered up when you have a fairly static/captive customer base.

 

[D Walker]

Yep, plenty I could do, if I didn’t have to earn a wage, I’d really like to get involved in veteran rehabilitation, helping ex-serviceman to get on their feet.
As it happens, you could make the storage thing work, you’ve very similar qualities to the guy who owns the place where I store mine, as in, him, and his side kick treat all the cars, the same way they would treat their own if not better. If you want to pop up, I could set up a meet for an insight, look round.

 

[Team GCR]

Looking good Matt. I look forward to being able to push the button on the project we have discussed some time next year!

 

[conaero]

Looking good Matt. I look forward to being able to push the button on the project we have discussed some time next year!

We are waiting for that call!

 

[Dman666]

Would love to book my car in for a check over to see how things are