Brian Furgalus wrote:
>
> I'm a HS Junior and am about to make the big purchase! I have decided
> to buy a hobbby car to tinker with over the summer months, since I plan
> to go into Automotive Engineering......So, it has been narrowed down by
me to two cars. The Good ol' MGB, or > the Spit.
> So, my question. What do you guys/gals as an unbiased group, think of
> these two cars?
====================
Both are good choices for a first time "wrench head". You won't go
wrong either way. Some of the list members may disagree about the MGB,
but chalk that up to bias. Don't forget to consider the sprite/midget,
too.
====================
Parts availibility (specifically panels), ease of
> repair (I'm sure that's where the Spit excels!), and overall comparison
> of the two (build quality, fit/finish, reliability, fun factor, etc)
====================
Parts for both cars are VERY obtainable and are remarkably cheap compared
to some other cars such as older Porsche 356s, the big Healy's, or
Jaguars for example. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule - I
think you will find that a small handful of parts (e.g., heater valves,
rear hubs, original fuel pump, etc.) for the Spitfire are either
difficult to find here state-side or are available but at what seem to be
hideous prices. However, these really are the exception.
Ease of repair - no contest here, the Spit wins hands down. There is
nothing that beats a flip forward bonnet for ease of access. I don't
know if the MGB body easily unbolts from its frame (fellow listers?
comments?) but the Spit body litterally lifts off after undoing about 10
bolts. Otherwise, there's not a terrible lot of difference between the
two.
Overall comparison - Build quality is the same - spotty in places, good
in others. Fit and finish on a project car is really a non-issue if you
think about it. You're going to redo it anyways, right? Keep in mind
both the MGB and the Spit were meant to be CHEAP sports cars. A better
comparison is the sprite/midget, as the MGB is really a more up market
vehicle as it was slightly better equiped than the Spit and significantly
heavier. Reliability was never a strong point with these cars, but if
you do a full restoration that won't be an issue for you. Fun factor?
Shoot, ANY little British car is FUN!
Final words - find a solid rust free vehicle that is "complete" and
within your budget. If you have to spend a little bit more for a
complete car, then go over budget to get it. You'll be happy you did.
And P.S. - Get the Spit :^)
Ross D. Vincenti
64 Spitfire 4
64 Porsche 356C Coupe
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