It is above all a passion. For Christophe Leroux, president of Vintage & Classic Car Owners Association (VCCOA), collector cars have everything to seduce. Beautiful and attractive, they attract because of their history. "These are cars that crossed generations and are invaluable," said he.
He notes that Mauritians are interested more in these cars. "They realize that these vehicles deserve our respect," he said.
Starting from twenty members at the beginning, VCCOA increased to fifty in a few years. "With each announcement, we have new members that integrate the association and want to share their passion for old cars with others," says Christophe Leroux.
There would, according to him, some five hundred vintage cars in Mauritius, but only a quarter of them would be on our roads. Where are the others? "They are often abandoned by their owners who do not recognize the true value of these jewels or so who do not have the means to maintain them, because these cars require a lot of attention and investment," says our interlocutor.
Scouts
And it is often the "scouts" who identify these abandoned cars. "Many people these cars left to rot in their yard or at the bottom of a garage," reveals Christophe Leroux. The latter which, themselves, know the potential of these old abandoned cars bought for the then retype them. Their mission is primarily to save a motoring heritage.
At Rose Hill, Defi Media find one of those rare people who have trouble seeing older cars in poor condition. "It's a mess. Such a heritage abandoned, "says Gilbert Desveaux. The latter has a flair for finding old cars. "He drives a lot and he will find these cars lying in the yard people," said his son, Mark. Gilbert Desveaux will find these hidden treasures everywhere throughout the island. He market price of these cars abandoned and it is with satisfaction of having saved a heritage Gilbert Desveaux buys.
Once out of the garage, the car returns to the bitumen for some time before that collectors are lurking around to own it. "I can not keep everything for me. And once restored, people are snapping, "he says.
However, he states that "it is not the business. I used one for some time, but if collectors want to have, I agree to sell it to them and I'm looking to buy other cars and restoration, "said the enthusiast.
Currently, he has no car collection, but working on a project size. He seeks a unique body in Mauritius, without motor and wheels, then restore it.
Restaurateur
But until these cars are like new, they pass into the hands of experts in collector cars. In Mauritius, there is not a lot of mechanics that specialize in restoring antique cars. One, there is another Gilbert, equally passionate about cars.
Indeed, 35 years, Gilbert Parisot enters its twentieth year in the restoration of classic cars. His firm Gilbert & Restore Vintage Custom Co. Ltd has built a solid reputation in the field. Whatever the model, the expert makes a point to refurbish your vehicle. In his garage in Terre-Rouge, we find that older cars in poor states. "Most old cars have been abandoned in a garage or on the street. After 20 to 30 years, they are in deplorable states of the time, "says Gilbert Parisot, who recognizes well the value of these cars regardless of the condition in which they are found.
Sheet metal, paint, trim, electrics and mechanics are often repeated. But our interlocutor, it is not retype but to restore. "We restored a collector's item," says he. And its customers are passionate about, "they can spend a lot to achieve their desires," says he.
Finances
Indeed, it must have the means to restore the beautiful antique cars. "People are willing to spend a lot to buy the parts and their cars back nine," says Gilbert Parisot. It is not given to everyone to preserve this heritage because, according to the mechanic, a vintage car can cost more than a new car. Moreover, Gilbert Desveaux, the scout, with a doctor friend to sell his old car, a Morris 8 to Rs 500,000.
Restoring a classic car also takes a lot of time, months or even years. To switch to a car wreck almost new, it is a long process. "We work on a car at the time," says Gilbert Parisot. In his workshop, his team found the process of restoring a Datsun Fairlady fifties. A challenge to the mechanic that makes this car a work of art. "We need the car to be as it was when it was new." In the end, the hard work is rewarded when the client sees his car turned ...
Associations grow
In recent years, the clubs and automobile associations are increasing. The most popular are, among other, the Vintage & Classic Car Owners Association and the Morris Minor Association. Defi Media also find the Dream Car Association and the Beetle Family Club. Newest Mini Club are Mauritius and Mauritius Land Rover. "This is a very good sign that these associations are emerging," said Christophe Leroux. This indicates that the fans are more numerous, but they want to share their passion group. "This has many advantages. It is easier to find parts for his car as part of a group, "admits he.
The new fiscal measures
The arrival of new measures to help restore the pedigree classic cars. Thus, those presented last year by the Minister of Finance, Xavier-Luc Duval, made from beautiful vintage cars to allowing those who wish to import cars manufactured before 1969. "Previously, the local standard for a car to be recognized as an antique is that it should be made before 1948. Henceforth, the fleet can grow our collection, "says the latter. The budget collectors, "it would suffice to pay Rs 1000 to register his car once purchased," said Christophe Leroux.
And additional Rs 1000 for annual reporting. "With Rs 2,000, an avid collector cars can now register their car and pay the above statement to be able to run," highlights our interlocutor. These measures are in force since the beginning of this year and for collectors, this is a breath of fresh air. "We have members who also have more of a vintage car, but can not maintain it. The cost is too high, "says Christophe Leroux, especially when they want to use original parts to maintain its authenticity.
