Why do we modify our A2s?

Malcyb

Malcyb

Member
Hi,
I alluded to this question on another thread the other day, but thought it might be best to post it here as a general question about what drives us to modify our A2s and how this might affect their future value, if we believe the hype about it being a Future Classic.
For me, the motivation to get a 6 speed box was mainly to extend the car’s useful life, given the gearchange issues I’ve had, though I’m sure the improvements to driveability and economy will be worthwhile too. However Gracie is a very rare car, as a silver colour storm TDI90, and that rarity has some value which might, over time, increase. Could it be argued that by undertaking this modification I might diminish its value as I’m eroding its originality? In my specific case it makes me think that just perhaps it’s worth keeping the old gearbox to sell with the car one day - however since it’s been a daily driver all it’s life and passed 150,000 miles maybe it’ll never truly qualify to be a classic.
Is this a question that crosses anyone else’s mind when they consider mechanical or cosmetic enhancements to their pride and joy? I’d be interested in peoples’ opinions.
 
Many "classic" cars are not as they left the assembly line. I agree originality is always the main factor, but see the need to "update" areas to make them more practical in todays world. Sympathetic mods are after all what manufacturers often do through out production life cycle. The A2 escaped with the "facelift" model comprising the change from smooth to slatted grille.

However, as I have said on other threads I doubt our cars will be still on the road to become true classics. This government seems hell bent on ridding our roads of internal combustion engined cars and I feel we may have only 5-10 years maximum left before the A2 is outlawed.
I stress this is only my fear at the moment.
 
In the case of most real / more traditional, non-exotic classics, a gearing upgrade such as longer or additional gears rarely does anything other than enhance the vehicle’s desirability, as the car looks and feels no different but is now more useful and more pleasurable to drive because of the reduction in noise and fuel consumption.

A case in point was my old E9 BMW coupe - fitting an overdrive 5th gearbox from a later BMW to upgrade it from the original 4 speed dropped the engine revs at 70mph from 3900 to 3200 and hence increased its desirability, especially because I used a mounting kit from a respected / well-known-to-the-club supplier. The owners of those cars are like us in that they typically wish to drive and enjoy them, rather than wrapping them in cotton wool but mostly don’t wish to change the looks beyond perhaps some mild suspension work and a possibly a change in wheels.

My point is that I believe A2s with mods that are practical (e.g. the six speed gearbox) rather than based on individual taste (body kits etc.) will always be more desirable as you’ve improved on the original design in the eyes of the vast majority.
 
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dj_efk said:
In the case of most real / more traditional, non-exotic classics, a gearing upgrade such as longer or additional gears rarely does anything other than enhance the vehicle’s desirability, as the car looks and feels no different but is now more useful and more pleasurable to drive because of the reduction in noise and fuel consumption.

A case in point was my old E9 BMW coupe - fitting an overdrive 5th gearbox from a later BMW to upgrade it from the original 4 speed dropped the engine revs at 70mph from 3900 to 3200 and hence increased its desirability, especially because I used a mounting kit from a respected / well-known-to-the-club supplier. The owners of those cars are like us in that they typically wish to drive and enjoy them, rather than wrapping them in cotton wool but mostly don’t wish to change the looks beyond perhaps some mild suspension work and a possibly a change in wheels.

My point is that I believe A2s with mods that are practical (e.g. the six speed gearbox) rather than based on individual taste (body kits etc.) will always be more desirable as you’ve improved on the original design in the eyes of the vast majority.
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I think we’re talking a long way down the track for the ‘classic’ situation to arise that will lend itself to a rocketing in values and as @audifan and @johnyfartbox say, legislative culling of our little friends may well rule this out anyway, though I sincerely hope sense will prevail.

At that point, in the event it did happen, you’ve already hit on the solution to your quandary imo. Many valuable cars that have ‘necessary’ or desirable upgrades are simply supplied with the original parts on sale which then mitigates against any lack of originality. In essence this is the best of both worlds.

It’s also a useful hedge against anything going awry with the new part you’ve fitted and allows you the luxury of having the original box refurbished by someone reputable so in the event you hit a gearbox issue it can be re fitted.
 
When it comes to classics factory spec is where the money is. If you believe your A2 will become a valuable classic then keep it completely standard.
I don't think A2s will make classic status, I think the future value is in cars converted to electric. That is what I'm planning for mine.
 
philward said:
When it comes to classics factory spec is where the money is. If you believe your A2 will become a valuable classic then keep it completely standard.
I don't think A2s will make classic status, I think the future value is in cars converted to electric. That is what I'm planning for mine.
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It’s more important to me that the car “works” for us (or my wife now) as a daily driver, however if I can preserve its future value then that’s an added bonus. So as @Erlingtheyounger alludes to, keeping hold of the original gearbox seems like it’s a sensible thing to do.
 
Malcyb said:
It’s more important to me that the car “works” for us (or my wife now) as a daily driver, however if I can preserve its future value then that’s an added bonus. So as @Erlingtheyounger alludes to, keeping hold of the original gearbox seems like it’s a sensible thing to do.
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If you believe it will be a classic then yes, keep the gearbox. Big miles is no a barrier to classic status, I have a classic mini with 120k miles on the original engine and gearbox. It will never make the value of a 35k mile minter but it is desirable and does command a price.
 
philward said:
If you believe it will be a classic then yes, keep the gearbox. Big miles is no a barrier to classic status, I have a classic mini with 120k miles on the original engine and gearbox. It will never make the value of a 35k mile minter but it is desirable and does command a price.
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I honestly don’t know! If you believe some of the motoring press then maybe it will appreciate. But obviously the apparent death-knell of the internal combustion engine might change all that, though I think us A2 owners don’t have quite as much to lose on that front as many do.
 
A2s has what is probably best described as a cult following; us. I think to become a classic there needs to be:
A group of people competing for cars that come available. People now with spare cash who wanted, for example a XR3i when they were younger but couldn't afford one.
A good supply of parts, there are specialist for Mini, VW, Porsche etc. Possibly Ford but I'm not a Ford fan.
Cars relatively scarce, Fords didn't last so those that survived are more sought after. Compare the price of a XR3i to a Golf GTi, the Ford sells at a massive premium.
I think those are the three main requirements to make a future classic. I'm not sure A2 ticks any of those boxes; if it ticked all three I would have retired mine by now.
 
philward said:
A2s has what is probably best described as a cult following; us. I think to become a classic there needs to be:
A group of people competing for cars that come available. People now with spare cash who wanted, for example a XR3i when they were younger but couldn't afford one.
A good supply of parts, there are specialist for Mini, VW, Porsche etc. Possibly Ford but I'm not a Ford fan.
Cars relatively scarce, Fords didn't last so those that survived are more sought after. Compare the price of a XR3i to a Golf GTi, the Ford sells at a massive premium.
I think those are the three main requirements to make a future classic. I'm not sure A2 ticks any of those boxes; if it ticked all three I would have retired mine by now.
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You may well be right. For sure the A2 is very niche and, for all its practicality and cutting edge design and engineering, few people outside us lot “get” them and many hate them. It‘s probably true that while it was current it was never intended to appeal to a younger demographic in the way that an XR3i did so doesn’t have that kind of nostalgic following. And as far as rarity goes, I guess aluminium construction counts against it as they don’t rust away like many contemporaries. Still, following this logic, it’s hard to explain why 2CVs are worth so much…
 
Since the motoring press have started referring to the A2 as a future classic the forum does seem to have changed somewhat.

4-5 years ago it was all about modifying and improving them, i'd say the peak of this was when Steve Birchall did 'The project'.

The last few years, there seems far more focus on keeping the cars oem and as Audi intended, with an increasing focus on only fitting factory accessories. Just look at the increase of price of mudflaps and rubber mats in that time.

I'm not saying either approach is right, but I hope that the spark for trying something new and pushing the boundaries a bit hasn't been lost as a result of a possible false impression that the cars are going to skyrocket in value as classics.

Personalising the cars for your own taste has been a large part of what makes them interesting in my opinion, use the car as you wish and enjoy it for what it is; who knows what's around the corner.
 
@Malcyb more or less my thoughts. When A2s were new they niched on owners with cash who wanted an eco alternative the the 5 series but didn't want to compromise on quality. Those people who wanted them got them. For A2 to become a classic we would probably need it to become a classic in another market. MK2 Golf GTi was a good example, it sold up market in UK, leave the Merc on the drive and go to the theater in the Golf. People who wanted them got them. Demand now is for the retro look and modification. Mint original cars do command a premium but buyers are not queuing up like for a good XR3i. The price I think is partly driven by demand in Germany where Golf GTi are sought after and parts supply is good. We would need something similar for A2.
 
A2Steve said:
Since the motoring press have started referring to the A2 as a future classic the forum does seem to have changed somewhat.

4-5 years ago it was all about modifying and improving them, i'd say the peak of this was when Steve Birchall did 'The project'.

The last few years, there seems far more focus on keeping the cars oem and as Audi intended, with an increasing focus on only fitting factory accessories. Just look at the increase of price of mudflaps and rubber mats in that time.

I'm not saying either approach is right, but I hope that the spark for trying something new and pushing the boundaries a bit hasn't been lost as a result of a possible false impression that the cars are going to skyrocket in value as classics.

Personalising the cars for your own taste has been a large part of what makes them interesting in my opinion, use the car as you wish and enjoy it for what it is; who knows what's around the corner.
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Couldn’t agree more Steve in terms of how nice it is to see the cars being personalised.

For me the ‘classic car’ debate is exactly that. A debate that will either prove to be correct or not down the stretch. It’s certainly in no way a reason for ownership for me though.

I just love driving my various aluminium chariots and greatly enjoy how different they are from one other due to the differences between models and various modifications that have been made prior to me owning them or since I’ve acquired.
 
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