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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Owning a late '70s Silver Shadow

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Question
I am recently retired.
I have always dreamed of caring for a Shadow. MGs and Jags just don't do it for me. Many have passed through my care.
Can you own,drive and maintain a decent($25,000)Rolls on a modest income?
Would a budget of $5000 a year for routine maintenance be sufficient?
Or will driving a Rolls always be just a dream for me?
Thank you so much for your time and expert advice...
Doug, British Columbia

Answer
Hello Doug. I will harbor  your question with the upmost care. it is not often that my opinion would sway someone's dream. Thank you for the Honour. Most emphatically yes please do indulge yourself, Life is to be enjoyed, your sensible budgeting will more than allow for the upkeep of an excellent example Shadow. Please note I did say (excellent example) with a service history from a reputable specialist. continue with the same prudence you have shown regarding budgeting and make sure that you have a prospective purchase thoroughly surveyed by a competent specialist which is the first thing to locate. do not just go by the seat of the pants feel of the car, they can drive extremely well and still require a small fortune to correct neglect or poor work performed by incompetents. do this and you will have a long term friend that will carry you in regal comfort reliably for the rest of your life and whomever you leave it to down the road, such is their nature and build quality. I would be very happy to perform such a survey if you find one in florida where they seem to congregate the most. Again thank you for allowing me a part in your dream and if I may please let me know how you fair in your quest. My very best regards JM

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Jorge Martinez. Rolls Royce & Bentley specialists

Expertise

Al Questions regarding the upkeep of Roll Royce & Bentley I am a Factory Certified Master Technician retired after Rolls and Bentley ceased to exist. I do not work on BMW or Volkswagen's garbage disguised with the Rolls Royce and Bentley badge's

Experience

Ariel Industries – Monte Video, Uruguay 2005 – 2008 / Chief Engineer – Plant Manager Designed electrical 240 / 480 schematic and fire suppression system for building and factory operation. Prestige Imports – Miami Beach, Florida 2003 – 2005 / Shop Foreman Chief Specialist Lamborghini, Ferrari, Lotus and Aston Martin. Managed a team of 10 technicians. Lauderdale Imports – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 2001 – 2003 / Shop Manger - Lead Technician Specialist in the repair of Rolls Royce and Bentley. Braman Motor Cars – West Palm Beach, Florida 1999 – 2001 / Shop Manger - Lead Technician Specialist in the repair of Rolls Royce and Bentley. Executive Motor Works – Boca Raton, Florida 1993 – 1999 / Owner-Founder Directly responsible for the overall profitability, sales and service for Rolls Royce and Bentley specialty restoration and repair shop, which generated more the $ 8 million annually in sales revenues. Defined and implemented long and short-term objectives, oversaw and controlled all daily operations, policy implementation, advertising/promotions and strategic directions. Set and administered budgets; initiated cost controls to ensure profitability. Recruited, hired and motivated a staff of 14 including key management and support personnel for sales, service, parts and body shop departments; evaluated overall and individual performance and devised and implemented proactive management training processes. Establish departmental goals with management teams, which were based on exceeding the expectations of the customers through continuous improving services. Provided an environment of mutual trust and respect and demanded the highest ethical and professional standards from the staff and management. Sold the business in 1999.

Publications
The Silver Lady, Miami Herald.

Education/Credentials
PRIVATE CERTIFICATIONS: Lotus Cars USA, Inc – Lawrenceville, Georgia Certified Technician of Lotus Rolls Royce & Bentley – Factory Certified Technician for Rolls Royce and Bentley Lamborghini USA – Boston, Massachusetts Certified Technician of Lamborghini Morton College – Berwyn, Illinois Certified Technician – HVAC Airco Technical – Chicago, Illinois Certified Welder – MIG, TIG, ARC, Plasma ASC – Miami, Florida Certified Master Technician EDUCATION: Eisenhower College – Seneca Falls, New York Mechanical Engineering – BA

Past/Present Clients
!!!YOU MUST BE KIDDING.!!! how completely unethical

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