I don't remember who started this, but I thought I'd add my 2 cents worth,
I started out in this hobby mostly interested in Tr***phs, (GT*, T*3A, and
*R25*). Then I came across a deal on an MGA roadster, that I couldn't
refuse. I bought it, I'm almost finished restoring it, and have become very
impressed with this automobile. It may not have the performance of some of
the Tr***phs but the engineering, at it's time, origin and cost (at that
time), is very impressive and I found that my car was very straight foreward
to restore.
The best rule of thumb is, if you can bring the car back to life in a
condition that makes you happy, thoroughly enjoy it, and not spend more that
your pocket book will allow, then buy it. If you're looking for an
investment, put your money somewhere else.
I purchased my car for $2500 in December of '94. It was completely
disassembled, sat in a basement in North Carolina since the early 70's, had
some surface rust but no rust through. The engine had been rebuilt but that
was about all the work that had been done to it. I put the car back
together, buying plenty of new parts, a lot of body and paint work which took
oodles of time. I spent a lot of money in the meantime but enjoyed every
minute of it and wouldn't trade the experience for anything. If I was just
looking for an investment, I wouldn't have done it, but my love for the
automobile was all that mattered.
I should add that I was lucky, the engine had been rebuilt, although it was a
concern due to the length of time that it had sat since its rebuild, the
drive train (tranny and rear end) were in good working order, so I didn't
have any big repair bills in those areas. I guess you have to expect the
worst.
The coupe might not be right for a person who lives in a hot climate, but
great for a person who lives in the North, and can drive it during cooler
seasons.
Scott in Northern Indiana TRMGAFUN@AOL.COM
1958 MGA HDA4346400
1958 TR3A TS35306L
1958 100/6 BN4L 0 49881
IF IT'S AN LBC? IT'S INTERESTING TO ME!!
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