I have asked them if they're going to buy Sunbeam Specialties... and I suggested that they do. What they do is their business. The neat thing about Brit cars is, it's a small country. About the size of Oregon. I am a British citizen and well acquainted with how the motor trade worked in the 60's. All of the chrome bits were made by Wilmot Breeden, all the electricals by Lucas or Wipac... Fasteners and other bits were made by Rubery Owen. Pressed steel also built the MGB bodies and the Spridget bodies... Lots of interchangeability. You just have to recognize the bits and know where they were used. I hope Moss does buy Rick out. It would ensure the availability of parts for our cars well into the future. I am well into my 2nd Aston Martin DB5 restoration. Moss has been a source of parts that I know interchange from other marques... I could buy direct from AML, but the cost would be 3x more for the same parts sourced from Moss. I will, obviously, buy parts from AML, when I cannot find them elsewhere.. Same as buying parts from Rick. If I can source them elsewhere and they are exactly the same, and less money... I'll get them there. Sunbeam Tiger brakes are the same as TR4/TR4a... Lots less from Moss. Engine and gearbox parts are less from NPD and others.
If it weren't for my continual badgering of Moss, 73 windshields would be in the dumpster, instead of in the hands of enthusiastic Alpine and Tiger owners. That all of them sold in a week amazed the guys at Moss. They were nice enough to forward the source for brake rotors that VB was buying... which I'd be happy to pass along if there is interest.
I have nothing but time to source the correct parts and materials for my clients. It's far more important to have the right part/material than accept an alternate, less suitable part. Besides, it's their money and their car. My clients have money in spades.... so not an issue!