Jurgen Hartwig wrote:
>
> Steve Conley wrote:
> >
> > I have just purchased my first MG this week. (I'm more than slightly older
> > than 18 however!) I spent less than your price limit and found a very good
> > specimen. I, too wanted a chrome bumper, but I say buy the best car
> > available. I looked at a '73 that was a disaster that would've required a
> > lot of work to get up to snuff. What I found is a rubber bumpered '76 that
> > is in very good mechanical condition with a few dents and faded paint that
> > will be fairly easy to fix up. I'm on day 3 of MG ownership and I love the
> > feeling! I can't wait for my first top-down drive. (at least it didn't rain
> > today-we had a record 34+ in. from Nov-Feb)
> > Keep us informed of your progress!
>
> Hi, I thought I'd chime in here, since this thread does seem to be
> centered around MGs, and I've had experience owning two MGBs and one
> Porsche, since I attained ownership of my first B (age 18). The MGB has
> been so very rewarding for me in many ways. This vehicle has not only
> been transportation and a "fun ride," but has managed to raise my
> confidence and teach me many aspects about cars. Just recently I bought
> a '76 912E Porsche. It was not running, needed paint, and the interior
> needed freshening. I stole it from the guy for $2500. If it were not
> for the MGBs, I never would have dreamt of owning or even considered
> owning the Porsche that is in my shop currently.
>
> I remember about 4 years ago, just after I had acquired ownership of my
> first MGB ('78 Pageant Blue), a fellow joined the list and extolled how
> EASY the MGBs were to work on. I immediately took offense, since my
> father and I had struggled to learn this car and become proficient to
> fix it. I lightly flamed the guy, but I realize my ineptness was the
> real problem. Gosh, 4 years has progressed, and I've become pretty good
> with cars. I don't claim to know ALL of the peculiar quirks with the
> MGB, and I never will, but at least now I have the confidence and know
> when the car breaks down, I can fix it. This proficiency transferred
> over when I considered the purchase of my 912E. Hey, I can rebuild a 4
> cylinder MGB motor and Rover V8, so learning to build the flat four or
> six Porsche motor can't be impossible. Plus, my brother has become a
> proficient painter and we have a nice 35' square shop with room for four
> cars. Restoring the Porsche is no problem, I thought, and with the
> moral and physical support of my family and beagle, this car will be
> finished before the end of the month.
>
> My point is that the MGB, with tractor motor and poor electrical, has
> taught me so much. The experience has been so great, I've been
> complemented by Porsche gurus I've met. They have been very amazed that
> a 23 year old college boy could be so enthusiastic and so confident.
> Likewise, I tell all my friends that I find it remarkable that a piece
> of steel, rubber, and plastic could invoke such love, admiration, and
> goodwill. While I will likely relinquish ownership of my two current
> MGBs (one of which is a daily driver), and I will be MG-less, I will
> still hold fond memories in my heart. In fact, I will be conversing
> with a friend who owns an MGA, which is sadly being held in the garage.
> I would like to have her MGA. The lines are gorgeous.
>
> Now, beware that the MGB will and does break down. I began to get
> disheartened, since I felt a breakdown was a direct reflection of my
> maintenance abilities. However, I have to reassured myself that she is
> almost 30 years old, and is being used on a daily basis. Problems will
> occur, and I cannot avoid them unless I rebuild the WHOLE car. I total
> rebuild of the car is not in my plans, since I'm still in school, and I
> just don't have the funds. I feel a supportive family and understanding
> parents is a must for MGB ownership. My parents have been extremely
> supportive of me. I have never heard them say ,"Maybe you should have
> gotten a Honda," despite all the troubles I have had with the car.
>
> The MGB has been so much fun. Top down drives across mountain passes
> are awesome. The autocrosses I have recently begun to compete in have
> been great. The occasional complements from other drivers. The loving
> gazes from the ladies (not for me, for the car - hehe). The symmetrical
> layout of the dash gauges and switches. The cute little round
> headlamps. The gleam of chrome against the blue paint. The hum of the
> exhaust at 3000 RPM. The battery behind the seat. The stubby
> windshield and tiny sun visors. The aluminum hood. There are so many
> things which I find unique and interesting. It will be a shame to lose
> it only months from now.
>
> Getting the Porsche is a welcome change. It's not cheap to own. I hear
> maintenance costs are up there in the stratosphere, but I do my own
> work, so it won't be too bad. Besides, you gotta pay to play. I can't
> wait to get it on the racetrack, which is one of the reasons I'm losing
> the MGB. I know I can take my MGB to the track, but it would need quite
> a bit of work to get it up to a decent level. I can drive the Porsche
> to the track, compete and drive it home at the end of the day
> comfortably. It's certainly one of the finer points of owning a P-car.
>
> Anyway, I encourage all young'uns out there get an MGB while you are not
> married and have the time. Later, you will wish you were still in
> school, because lots of my friends are married now and it doesn't look
> like a walk in the park, especially when you have rug rats.
>
> Sorry for being longwinded. I didn't have much to say, but I like to
> stretch it out as if I did have something to say. :)
>
> Safety Fastest
> Jay
For someone who had nothing to say you said it very elequently!
Rick
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