I have a 1978 right hand drive 2+2 Savanna in very rough condition.
SA22C 124843
It has no engine and hasn't run in 10+ years (although it has been stored in a garage).

I'm trying to weigh my options and decide whether to restore it, sell it, or what.
Thoughts?
Is this car worth restoring?
Can anyone recommend a Philadelphia area shop that could get it on the road again for me?

 

restore for sure!

 

pictures maybe?

 

send it to me!

 

Yes - I will post some pictures tomorrow.

 

We have one locally it garnishes a lot of attention ... if your into that ... what color was it?

Whatever you do don't scrap it someone will give it a good home

 

It's not worth your time or money. I will take it off your hands at no charge to you.

 

Start the restoration NOW!!!
Post pictures and keep a log on here of what you do.

 

lol wise guys ...

Hey I can have my son there in an hour to get it out of your way he is a fellow rotor head we could rebuild it together

 

The missing engine probably has something to do with why it hasn't run in a long time, I'm betting...

(Welcome to the forum!)

 

restore the car to factory specs. you will be hard pressed to find one in years to come that has not been modified.

 

Just about anything is possibile from a shoestring makeover just to get it back on the road, to a full restoration or ported and lowered winged warrior. All you need is a budget, time and desire. A RHD Savannah is indeed a rare and special example of the breed and should be saved if possibile.

Of course you will get all sorts positive opinion and suggestions here on this forum, but in the end you'll need to search your gut and be honest with yourself. A quality restoration to either a stock or modified condition will put you upside down. It's something to do if you care more about saving the car than you do saving your money. That doesn't mean you can't get it rolling for a minimum of cash. It probably won't be perfect, but lots of cars are long term projects that people work on in stages over time as they can afford it.

Or, as you mentioned, you can turn it into some extra money while sending it to a home where maybe it can get better care and attention than you can provide. No one here can ultimately make that decision for you. You won't get rich selling it, but you'll most definetly get poorer restoring her. These are affairs of the hearts not wallets.

 

The best way to make a small fortune in restoring Japanese cars, is to start off with a large fortune.

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8109882...57629952475753

As I said rough but restorable. I need to take a look at the undercarriage and frame rails but I'm pretty sure they're in good shape.

@ Banzai - I've been thinking of a shoestring restoration just to get it back on the road and then do the body and interior as money and time become available.

Thanks for the advice. I know it rarely makes "economic" sense to do a restoration but I'd really like to get it on the road again.
I actually used this car as a daily driver for a number of years back in the early 90s.

I do have a very clean 1982 with 78k original miles on it that I could sell to generate seed financing.
I originally bought it (sight unseen on Ebay) thinking I might use the engine and other parts to fix the '78 but it's too nice to sacrifice.

 

^That's one pile of a project car. But it would be well worth it to finish up. Good luck with what you decide, I'll keep my eye on it!

 

Wow, a lot of work-Yes indeed but the bones look good. I've never saw wheels like those before either, very cool. To do this car correct will require extra determination and that disposable fortune DD refers to. Not for the faint of heart but a worthy project. I hope you keep the forum updated with whatever happens.

 

i would do naughty things to that! although since its really complete, i think i'd keep the cool JDM stuff

 

I'm drooling and not just cause I'm eating Chinese food but, that's a rare bird you got there I'd RESTORE that girl. I see beauty and potential there you lucky, lucky dog congrats.

 

SPANK that Wankel!

 

I want those wheels.

 

The cheaper, easier route would be a resto-mod. You can update it, make it faster and handle/brake better while still keeping it looking classic. Instead of spending time sourcing hard to find expensive parts you can just grab what's available. While it is a rare car it is not the only one and any car that has time and effort put into it properly will not be destroyed by a few tasteful mods. Either way say good bye to your bank account.

 

its a complete looking unrestored JDM SA. that car is easially restorable and i would not hesitate one second to start restoring that beauty to its former glory.

 

+1, the only reason i haven't started yet is because its not mine! and its really far away....

i was really tempted to start looking up parts for it too, like the LH doorskin. the JDM door doesn't have the crashbar like the US one, supposedly, so a skin would keep it more authentic

 

i tried a few numbers an so far both door skins are NLA....

 

thats door is fixable, probably cost more than a used door though. or you could maybe find an importer and get a door.