It is rare to find MG in the less than $2000 range these days in the paper,
but the condition of these vehicles is usually poor, and boarder line
scrap. But it depends on your definitions.
If the floor panels are solid (get on your hands and knees and take a
look) or take a screw driver and try to punch a hole in them. If the
engine doesnt knock (on initial start up when cold) and good pressure (20
idle to 80 at speed), and the clutch and brakes stop you and get you to go
with no squeeling or crunching. If the tires are decent. If the oil spot
on the ground is relatively small. And the interior is in mostly one
piece. I would say $1500 is a bargain, and very fixable into a reliable
runner. I would call it a "Running restoration".
But I have seen cars at this price that describe just like you said, but
have liscensce plates for floors (Scary stuff) and the rockers are missing
all structural integrity and the rear leaf spring is bolted to the drivers
seat. With the construction of the MG it is easy to make it look nice with
non structural methods. Be careful, as some people think that rusted out
deathtraps of british cars are worth gold.
I bought my 68 MGB after looking for about 2 months (I know what I am
looking for) and bought it for $500. I bought it with full knowledge that
it needed a full interior, serious body work (body shell candidate), and an
engine rebuild. But it looked pretty good, and ran and drove very well,
and had all of the parts (and them some). I am sure that some unsuspecting
guy would have paid $1500 for it easily. I basically bought a title and
something to practice welding on.
But I have seen nice later MG s(after 1975) in the $1500 range that had
solid bodies with reasonable engines in original condition. But these are
rare in my opinion, at least in the midwest.
But this brings up the whole, "Do I really want an MG? and how much do I
want to spend?" discussion as how much you have to spend determines the
condition of the MG.
I myself love my B to death, but I also do most of my own work, and have
the knowledge to fix most anything with a length of wire and a piece of
bubblegum. BUT I believe in using these fixes to get me home where I can
do the job right. All too often this is where the British car gets a bad
rap. The DPO bodges up a repair and never does it right.
Fix it right the first time and it shouldn't bother anyone for another 20
years.
Your mileage may vary.
Drew
68 MGB scrap yard candidate, but I am a glutten for punishment.
If it were easy every body would be doing it.
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