I look at it this way. So much of the components are intact from the Bayer Z-11 that I believe they shouldn’t be scattered into the wind. I’m sure I would have absolutely no difficulty selling off individual pieces and make a sizable profit in the process. That was never my
motivation in acquiring these parts. They should be kept together. They should be carefully and painstakingly massaged back to their original shape and finish to be reassembled. They should not be squirreled away again never to be seen for another 20 years. Even if the original body is gone, to build back the car into a recreation of its former glory will be an effort well deserved. The pieces are what they are. They have a history that needs to be shared with those who remember the cars and those who have never experienced these cars. I am one of those people in the later category. Though I have certainly experience this car in its past, I never heard this car run or seen
it move under its own power.
This is not my first rodeo when it comes to restoring rare cars. I spent 5 years meticulously researching and restoring my late father’s MG TD/c factory competition roadster that he had special ordered directly from Abiingdon England in 1950. This factory prepped race car was campaigned in road racing, hill climbs and time & distance rallyes. The car was sold back to the sponsoring dealership in 1954 to then be traded off for an Austin Healey 100M “Lemans”. Another rare and unique low production race car. It was fate that I found even found the car and it was quite by accident. Though this particular award winning car will never be raced again it is nonetheless restored and shown at concours events and local C&C’s so others can see what these cars were all about back in the day. The research was exhausting and the restoration frustrating at times, but I’m quite satisfied with the results and enjoy motoring this car spiritedly on back country roads when I get the opportunity. I also have a race prepped MG TD with the best speed equipment money can buy to enjoy hi performance driving. The car was intended to be my nostalgia road racer but later decided not to put rollbars and other required modern safety equipment in it and have a car that would be a hassle to drive on the street. Pics of dad’s car below.
I guess my point is I enjoy the research, the hunt for parts and the restoration process. I do all my own work to build/restore cars. With the exception of interiors. It keeps me young, my brain active and my hands busy. I have no doubt that in time I will have the remains of this car back in showable condition to be enjoyed by both
Dad circa 1951
others and myself.