MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - survivor on ebay (from concours thread)

I've spun this off from the "concours" thread as a separate topic:
This low mileage MGA is being sold on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MG-MGA-1600-MARK-1-60-MG-A-1600-Mark-1-COLLECTORS-6125-ORIGINAL-MILES-RARE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ80750QQitemZ4607361714QQrdZ1
What would you do with this car?
It looks as though it really is a 6000 mile car but what kind of problems are lurking under the surface. It doesn't appear to be particularly well cared for in certain areas. The engine bay shows alot of dirt and rust. Interior looks a bit shabby. The body has alot of blemishes. I'm sure that most of the rubber has deteriorated. If it has been unused for at least 10 years as the ad states the engine may even be seized. My question is this:
Would you buy the car, do the minimum mechanical repairs to make it roadworthy, and drive an original but shabby MGA? Would you buy the car and bring it back to showroom specs, making it a $26000 restoration project? Or something else.
I'm just throwing this out to my illustrious MG mates as a topic for discussion.

Bill
Bill Boorse

Bill Jacobs is a local collector who owns and operates a number of auto dealerships in the Chicago area. I've heard that his collection is quite large, but I've never seen it. He is known for seeking out the very best example of a vehicle. About 15 years ago, he bought a 1963 Austin Healey from my cousin, an original perfect car with 6500 miles on it. Probably the best original AH
in the world. Paid the asking price (very high at the time) and took the car home. Not sure if its still in his possession, but maybe this MGA is another example of what he does.

G Goeppner

G,
It may very well be in excellent overall condition, but the pictures on ebay certainly don't do it any justice. My question is more hypothetical than anything. How much work would an untouched low mileage car need and what is appropriate?
Bill
Bill Boorse

I understand Bill; I wasn't attempting to respond to your (interesting) question. We don't usually have any information on the seller, so in this case I thought I'd offer a bit of background on the guy for anyone who might be interested.

George
G Goeppner

Personally, all I would do is Belt brakes and Rubber (blue streak or other period repalcement). If the seals are leaking badley, then replace.

I would be more affraid of driving this car on the street than a fully restored concours winner. After all you can always create another concours car, but where are you going to find another original with 6000 miles?

To take a car in this highly original state and do a full restoration would be a sin.

John
JohnB

One mans opinion here, but why would anyone "restore" such a car? It is beautiful just the way it sits. Cars such as this with this "original patina" if it is original, command good premiums.
Many of the large well known car show & concours now have original classes for cars of this type.

In answer to your question Bill, I would only do whatever was necessary to make it roadworthy and enjoy every minute of ownership until it became absolutely necessary to restore it, if that day ever came.

Clayton
C. Merchant

Clayton,

I stand and applaud your insight!

Ya mon, drive it very often in nicer weather, and clean it diligently. A little rain will never hurt it either.

There's plenty of documentation out there of what they looked like from the factory.

Paul
Paul Hanley

This thread was discussed on 27/01/2006

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.