It was at that time of the triple Bond deal the Bond Club parted from me, even though I had sold to a Bond Club member. So my ability to be in the Club was removed at that time. I believe Jan was also let go. Since not trading I have not had, nor wished to own, a Bond, so a reapplication to the Bond Club was not made. I can make known what I know about Bonds, which isn't much. But I do not see how being a Bond Club member alters the value of the information. Its either right, or wrong, helpful, or not.
That leaves the facts of the thing. I admit to being a bit naughty in bringing up the Mackintyre car. Richard is right there. But had the Bond Club taken it in, it would probably be in circulation and the hood been copied. Sadly it was missed, its story is told in brief. I make no recommendation on who does what. But at the time, and possibly now, there is an original period top that could be copied. From that info several things transpire.
1/ A good register inclusive of all cars would know where it is, and record the fact. That could well be in Stan's files, or whatever, for all I know. I just hope the register is not counting Bonds in the Club. Clearly its stats will be incorrect dealing with any questions outside the Club.
2/ If I am correct about the hood, then the information and example exist.
3/ Anyone inventing there own version that is not as an original, does not own a concourse car, in my opinion. For the motivated distance is no object. For everyone else (possibly everybody) that sort of detail is not worth the effort to chase down. That’s not for me to decide
4/ But by the same token, it is beholden to a Club, in my opinion, to always attempt to resource originality where available, catalogue it, and make it freely available to members if, and when, the question arises. I find I am in a minority here, as most clubs I have belonged to have conspicuously ducked this tenant of quality of service. That in turn lowers the bar on accuracy of restoration, leading to cars not being quite as well restored to original as they might otherwise be. To me that is poor service to the marque allegedly supported.
Why do you think I am currently spending a day or so a week digging up a garden 65 miles away removing every last Invalid Carriage item that can be found? It is not to make money. The rapist was there before me and bought all the 'good' bits. I am happy to admit I will gain a return out of it to. But that is more due to my ability to spot a bargain in other stuff there. But the real irreplaceable value is in the unobtanium, and associated oddities that come to. Often of no monitory value at all, but things of great worth to those interested, as they are a resource and springboard to further exploration, or just getting some detail bung on right. Like, now, three Ministry Garage sets, complete with a few asbestos cement panels. Most would leave them there, or reprocess the angle iron into shelves, or something. And there is the difference. Active conservation and restoration, or going along with it, until it gets to hard to be bothered. We all have the choice. Bare in mind how many of us pay to go in museums to goggle at just such uselessness as Ministry Garages.
So the challenge that remains is can you, anyone, join the Bond Owners Club, 'and do it properly'? Well from what I have read so far, eer, no. But you can get pretty close. For most folks that might be good enough, marvellous! But do not be to upset if a Dutchman turns up with an original version on a beautifully restored car and kicks sand in your face. (Of course there is then the tried and tested method of everyone telling him he is wrong. As in Messerschmitts were never converted for use by the disabled! - well, yes they were, easy to prove, and several cars used to exist!. For some reason this fact is beyond the pale and most histories eradicate it, See point 4/ above. Also Richard has more knowledge about my life, than I do, so the process has already started on new hoods being the correct ones over any original hood that might turn up later. You see how it works).
As another for instance. Ponder the Peel just auctioned. At the price and blarney this should be the bench mark of Peel P50s. Fact is, its not, is it? But what does this inaccuracy, backed by big money, mean to those very original Peel P50, without any provenance to go with them? Is what I am talking about important to the genuine enthusiast of the car, as well as the investor? Where is the obvious control and centre for accurate information to arbitrate? its either the clubs, or its motivated individuals who have made a study of the subject, Step forward Stuart for Invalid Carriages. If their wrong, or inaccurate, all fails.
But I might be making all this up.
