Wow - I was scanning this thread and it reminded me that I probably should
do more due diligence on my impending purchase of an MGA.
I am looking for an MGA 1600 circa 1961 - can anbody provide me with tips,
watchouts, experiences, whatever.
Any info greatly appreciated.
Cheers, Rick
Rick Pleczko
Vice President, Product Management
Mission Critical Software
(713) 548-1785
-----Original Message-----
From: Max Heim [mailto:mvheim@studiolimage.com]
Sent: Monday, May 10, 1999 3:10 PM
To: mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Buying a "B"
Actually, it sounds like you've found a pretty good one there. I don't
know about the "expert" appraisal, but you might contact one of the shops
listed in the more recent records and ask their impression of the car.
Was the engine at full operating temp (at least 180 degrees) when you
noted the oil pressure figure? What was it at idle? And in deference to "
mkris" and his cautionary tale, try applying a flexible refrigerator
magnet to the sills, lower wings, and doors, as a test for body filler.
*Definitely* look at the floorboards, both from underneath and by peeling
up the carpet (on the floor it should be just held in place by snaps --
if it's glued down that's a real warning sign!).
I'd say the price was very fair for a documented, original car that looks
presentable if not perfect, with some life left in the motor. But I'm in
California, where 1) rust is rare(r); 2) convertibles are common, which
affects my price perception.
In general, it's better to look at multiple examples to get a feel for
what is out there, and what the going rate is. But then again, you don't
want to pass on a good deal, and regret it later. If I had the money, I
admit I'd be tempted to snatch this one up.
Good luck.
Matt Pringle had this to say:
>Hi there.
>
>I'm trying to buy my first classic car and I'm looking for a B. I
>really like the chrome bumpered ones and I especially like the better
>horsepower in the pre-emmission years. I've read a few sources on
>looking the car over and I went and looked at my first one on the
>weekend. I wanted to buy it right there for the following reasons.
>
>72B
>
>Body and sills seemed solid (fresh paint though, I gave it a yellow
>flag)
>
>Oil pressure was 65 at 3000.
>
>No blue smoke.
>
>No clunking from the suspension.
>
>Top, tonneu, hardtop all in great shape.
>
>2 owners, repair records kept from day 1. An appraisal was made by an
>"expert" that details the car. Original engine. 103 000 original
>miles.
>
>$3000 US.
>
>I'm looking at another this week but I'm really tempted to go for this
>one. Is it too early? Should I look at a dozen? Is it too good to be
>true?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Matt
>
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
Runs great,
looks particularly bad since some SUV clown backed into it.
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the red one with the silver bootlid.
|