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MG MGA - The $114,000 MGA

USD, not iraqi Dinars!! (reserve not met yet)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MG-MGA-1500-MGA-1956-MGA-RARE-Perfectly-Restored_W0QQitemZ4587010370QQcategoryZ80750QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
carl w french 1

What a jewel..check the trunk. The extra zero must be a typo.
D Sjostrom

he emailed me back on my questions.

"Price listed is correct. This car is one of a kind. A rare collectors car"

"I will upload engine picture soon. The engine compartment and all parts are perfect and spotless.

The history of the car is very interesting. It was owned at one point by a European race car driver who raced it in the European Grand Prix. In 1956 MG released only 500 to the USA as a test since the design was dramatically different than previous MG Models. All 500 sold quickly and the style quickly was followed by other sport car companies."

I love the part about the 'European Grand Prix'!
carl w french 1

Seems to me he should have at least started the bidding at 99K just to generate interest. Nice car. 2 nice 4 me!
Tom

I like the fact that it was an European race car driver who raced it in the European Grand Prix and conveniently it is implied it is one of the 500 that made it here.Hey now that I think about it, I saw a European race car driver in one this year in the Australian GP. Maybe our friends from down under can use this info as I bet an MGA with a 7 time world champion connection would be worth a whole lot more
gary starr

This was my car. I drove it 200mph quite frequently. Then I sold it to this guy who buried it in his back yard. It is easily worth $1,000,000.00 and he must be stoned or something for only asking such a small price.
Grayum Hyll

Was there a European Grand Prix in 1956, yes, did an MGA race in the race, definately not! This chap has been seriously wound up, I wonder what he paid for it?
Bob (robert) I get up real early somedays

The rear vision mirror is incorrect, I think the demist vents are the wrong way around, and what is the hole above the radio blanking plate..all this must devalue the car by at least US$40,000! This guy is seriously joking, or has been misled.
Gary Lock

It was MY car !!! Drove it to and from the european GP. Picked a few nice birds up with that one too !
$1.000.000,- naaahhh must at least go for double that money! Or am I getting senile ????
Hey Barney; this is another great story for your guru-pages.....
Merlin Stoss

Priceless!

I love this bit: "Drive the car Elvis and Grace Kelly drove."

Does he mean THIS car, or that the two celebs may once have owned an MGA ... or sat in one for a couple of minutes in the showroom?!

Richard Ross

Elvis did drive a MGA in one of his movies. He also has a MGA displayed with all his other cars @ Graceland in Tenn.
SJ MacKAY

Oh yes ... I see it's mentioned on the Graceland website. Does anyone have any pictures?

... so, it's not the one on e-bay then!

Richard.
Richard Ross

I did not think there was a "European Grand Prix". I had thought they were more locally or nationally named. Where then did the European Grand Prix occur?
carl w french 1

I asked him specifically what race and what driver. I also told him that well over 10,000 MGAs were sent to NA in 1956 and that testing was done in 1955 or before. I also asked what documentation he has. His detailed response is below:

"This MGA was one of the cars imported in 1955 for the late 1955 early 1956 selling year. Only 594 were imported as a test since the design changed so dramatically. This car is one of the few known remaining from this test. After the initial launch in the USA, MG changed a few things about the car. You won't find another like this one. Most people don't care about things like this but serious car collectors will hopefully see the value."

It's clear that he doesn't know much about MG history much less market value.

Based on this auction, I'd like to offer my '58 Coupe for sale. It's one of...oh let's say 327 in 1978 for the late 1930 early 2005 selling year. It was imported to test folding top design and intelligence. Offers over $250,000.
Kemper

And worth every dime...assuming it comes with the beautiful house pictured.
W C Wolcott

OOPS I meant to say its just a so so restoration of the 10,730 th and otherwise not significant version of the prettiest car ever. Hey at least I got the color right on the paint.
R J Brown

The chassis number of this car, 20831, indicates it was built after September 1956 so was therefore probably sold as a 1957 model. Grand prix racing went to formula one rules in 1950. And even if it could have been competitive, why would a European driver use a US market car to drive a European race?
Bill Boorse

Well

We will see how many bids it will get. It is only a MGA not a rarity.

Why not this one:

http://www.cars-on-line.com/18622.html

Cheers,

JGC
Jean Guy Catford

I hope someone buys it for that price. That would immediately elevate the value of the pile of rust in my garage (which resembles a MGA) to a point where I could entertain thoughts of retirement. I'm sure mine was driven by someone famous like Jaques Cousteau because of all the corrosion. It most likely came with some type of experimental engine/transmission combination which was removed for evaluation after the testing was complete, why else would they be missing after 50 years. Perhaps Grayum or Merlin would have information on it's history.;-)
Bill Young

Carl if memory serves me the European Grand Prix of 1956 was held I think in September and was at Monza. I would stake my life on it being won by Moss driving a Maser!
Bob (robert) I get up real early somedays

This guy is daft. As Grand Prix racing of the 50's is a side hobby of mine, I can tell you with certainty that there was NO race named the"European grand prix" in 1956.
The '56 schedule consisted of 8 races of which 6 were raced in Europe including Monaco,Belgium,French,British,German & Italian, with the tracks being Monte Carlo, Spa, Reims, Silverstone,Nurburgring & Monza respectivly,none of which had an MG entered.
It was an interesting season as Collins,Fangio & Moss all won 2 races that year, the championship being won by Fangio but noticeably absent were the great 300SLR cars of Mercedes who had quit racing due to the tragedy at Lemans the previous year.

Clayton
C. Merchant

I should correct myself, the missing Mercedes cars of 1956 were the W-196 cars. The 300SLR was actually built and raced for the World Sportscar Championship in 1954-55 which by the way, MGA's also competed for in a couple of races in 1956 including Sebring & The Mille Migle.

C
C. Merchant

He forgot to mention also driven by the Monkees, as well as Elvis and Grace Kelly!

If you haven't seen the photo, just type monkees mga in Google images.
Jason Ogelman

Has anyone actually called him on any of his falsehoods? Surely ebay must have some policy regarding listings that are so full of lies. (Not that I think he's likely to get any offers on his car).
Andy Bounsall

Mr Merchant I beg to differ Grand Prix racing is also my main interest and I can assure you that Monza was the venue for the European grand prix 1956,there was no Grand Prix named the Italian during that year
During those early years each european country took it in turns to change the name of their own Grand Prix and thus held it as the European. Except for some reason 1953 and of course during the fateful 55 season also the european Grand prix was cancelled. Possiblky that year it would have been run in Spain.
Bob (robert) I get up real early somedays

I've emailed him three times asking for specific races/names. I also told him that according to the VIN, the car was made after 9-56, not late 1955. I asked if he had any documentation to support his story. He's never directly answered any of my questions. That's says a lot, enough really, but his tenacity in sticking with the fairy tale really bothers me for some reason!
Kemper

Somehow I wonder if he will offer to send the buyer a check for $250,000 made out on the Western Overshoe Bank of East Swaziland. Of course you will have to send him the difference before he will ship the car Etc Etc Etc.........
J P Morgan

Condition: New, Mileage 0. I don't think so.
No bids yet!
David M
David M

If someone had the email addres of Sports & Classics they should email them (with a copy of the Ebay page) and ask them to comment on this car. It might be very interesting to know what details they could add to this "MYSTEROIUS MGA"
Gordon

http://www.sportsandclassics.com/
Kemper

Bob (robert),
OK we are talking semantics here and you are correct in that prior to 1983 each countries national Grand Prix (Italian, Belgian, British, French etc.) was rotated annually and given the honorary title of "Grand Prix of Europe" but there was no specific track or location every year where a race by the name of "European Grand Prix" was held.
It could have been held at any of the tracks that I listed above from year to year.
Yes, the 1956 Grand Prix of Europe was held at Monza and was won by Sterling Moss in a Maserati 250.
Unfortunately, it wasn't an MGA as the price this guy is asking for his car would lead you to believe.

Take care,
C
C. Merchant

Notice that he says...

"Please: Only serious collectors need to respond. Hobbyists need not reply."

...maybe we're just not serious enough

I sent the following e-mail to the seller. So far, no reply.

Many of the statements in your ad have generated quite a bit of controversy among fellow MG owners. Could you please clear up the following issues:
1. MG produced over 10,000 1956 MGAs for N. American export. The 1955 model was the first year with just over 500 American exports.
2. The VIN # shown indicates production after 9/56 indicating that your car was probably sold as a 1957 model.
3. Because the 1956 European Grand Prix was run under Formula One rules an MGA would be an unlikely entrant.
4. Why would a European driver enter a US market car in a European race?
5. While your car appears to be a nicely restored example of an MGA, $114,000 is an unheard of price for anything but the rarest of MGAs.

Bill
Bill Boorse

Gees! If for no other reason, his ad sure has generated a healthly discussion. Although I'm not into racing, it has been enlightening to read this thread. Unfortunately, there are too many "enthusiasts" within our hobby/passion that don't have the basic knowledge adequate to perform some of the more simple maintenance issues that are enherent with British car ownership, let alone a restoration. And, therefore, must pay through their teeth to have knowledgeable shops do the work for them. To compound the problem, not a few of these owners are more enthusiastic then intelligent and go to the extreme of powder coating nuts and bolts, etc. They end up "investing" $35,000-$50,000 into a car that will never be worth more then one third of the investment. Then, try to sell it in an effort to recover from the expense of their temporary state of madness. To all those folks who fall into that catagory...we love you! Where else can one buy a car that has had "$35,000 invested in the restoration" for say...$$14,000! As opposed to $114,000?
robert maupin

The Monkees?, jeeez, that made my day.
W C Wolcott

Well done Bill. I don't expect you'll get a reply though.
Andy Bounsall

I just received the following reply:

"I will be happy to answer any questions if you can demonstrate you are a serious collector/buyer with the ability to pay such a price. Respectfully, please see my ad where I ask hobbyists not send emails with questions.

Thank you for your consideration"

Bill
Bill Boorse

This too funny, this guy is off the wall.

Maybe its the Amco luggage rack that is the touch.

Cheers all, keep laughing.

Ted
Ted

"serious collector/buyer with the ability to pay such a price...etc." This is question number 2 or 3 the daffy blonde real estate lady asks you when you set out to buy your first bungalow. "Now, Mr. Dodge, are you able to....perform?" Momentarily appalled you step back and then realize the nature of her inquiry and recite the contents of your savings account, borrowings from relatives and scrapings from under the car seat.

So email this Mr. Highpockets with a somber recitation of the vehicles in your fleet, the mountain of cash at your feet and that at this auction you won't be beat.

Good grief, did I really write that? It's Friiiday!

Art Dodge

OK are you guys ready for this...

MY Response:
"As an owner and restorer of several MGs and other classic cars, I consider myself a "serious collector/buyer". However, any ability to pay your asking price would be predicated on your ability to prove that the car is as represented. My choice to collect MGs as a hobby does not lessen my seriousness. And as a serious MG enthusiast I have an even more fundamental interest in keeping our hobby honorable."

His Reply:
"This sale is targeted to one who is looking for the best of everything and wants to add an MGA to their collection but never found one up to thier standards. Most MGAs would not qualify to part of such a collection. Most of the MGA hobbyists simply restore their cars based on what they can afford not reaching the real potential of the car. It is sad that these incredible cars are held widely by such a group who are only holding back the potential of its superior design. Other car clubs/groups have managed to demonstrate a stronger commitment to their vehicles substantially more than this group of owners. This is due to a lack of real interest by the leaders in this car category who worry more about an incorrect VIN number than the quality of thier own restoration. I have no interest in discussing this car with such people as they only drag the category down.

Please, I am asking you in as nice a way as possible -- I am not here for your entertainment. Please pass this to your other MGA friends. If you all spent as much time and enegry and passion that you have on this ebay ad, on your cars, you would also be selling 100k cars."

I think we've just been collectively insulted.

Bill
Bill Boorse

This guy is too funny, he should write us directly here on this board, we would laugh till next spring.

Jean Marc
60 Coupe
Jean Marc

I have never heard such EL-TORO-CRAPOLA as that from the so called MG expert with the MGA for sale. If such an expert is willing to pay for such an ad on EBAY lets all have a laugh on and with him.I feel certain that EBAY appreciates such as he.
Sandy Sanders
Sandy Sanders

I think it's interesting that the car was restored by a company in CT, is being sold by a party in CT and has 0 miles, yet it has a PA antique tag.

Also I did notice that he states the VIN is for listing submission only. So I may have been wrong in challenging the production date.

Bill
Bill Boorse

Man,
You folks are missing the point......
"Perfectly Clean inside and out. Perfectly clean engin."
Just perfect cleanliness is worth the asking price.
I too am a serious collector, not a hobbist. Also, due to the fact that I was just offered $1.2 million by a foreign goverment who needs me to open a US bank account I now have more than enough cash to make this purchase. I just hope I'm not too late.......

GTF
G T Foster

One wonders, if the car is in the condition stated and can be properly documented, why it is being listed on E-bay rather than auctioned at one of the high end classic car auctions?

Perhaps because than knowlegable people would be able to examine the car in depth and ask pointed questions?

Les
Les Bengtson

To paraphrase then if I may, what Mr Highpockets is saying is that he has no interest in discussing this vehicle with anybody who might know enough about MGs to know that he's full of <whatever>. However, if you can prove to him that you have a sizable wallet and an inverse-proportionally sized brain, has he got a deal for you!
Andy Bounsall

I have sent this email to Sports & Classics and await their reply:

Gentlemen, I am not sure if you are aware of this issue but a recent advertisement (selling and MGA apprarantly restore by your company) is being auctioned on Ebay for the pricely sum of $114,00.00 . This has caused quite a bit of discussion on the www.mgcars.org.uk/ bulletin board.
I am sure most members would be delighted in hearing from you in regards to this extra special automobile.

Would you care to commment?
Gordon

If my calculations are correct , the seller will have to pay Ebay a total of....$1722.74 no matter if he sells the MGA or not. This seems like alot of "greenbacks" to loose over a practical joke and I am sure Ebay is going to take it very seriously if the seller does not meet his obligation to them.
Gordon

Come on, secretly, somewhere in our hearts dont we wish he would get multiple bids and sell it.Then we could all start looking at waterfront vacation property.
W C Wolcott

Check out his feedback. He must have seen J Lenos Bike and is realy raising money for charity. Someone may bid on it and part it out
C Tarr

Well, my MGA is for sale. See, this guy I know rode in it once and his cousin had a friend who knew someone who went to England once. Well, as most people are probably aware, England is actually the birthplace of the MGA, and there are quite a few famous people that have come from England also so that puts this classic in a category all to itself!! I also have the documentation to prove that my 1960 1600 is actually the first MGA to roll out of Abbington, no really. It is of course in way better than concours condition and I got the pictures to prove it yessiree. Of course only you serious bidders will get to see the docs and pics after a 25% down payment on the low and entirely reasonable asking price of , oh let's say $726,000.00. (don't panic friends, those are in Canadian dollars).
I don't want any of you other losers that are in fact wrecking this hobby for for all the rest of us non losers to write or ask any questions or anything like that. I mean really, just who do you all think you are, saving your money up and working late nights and weekends for years at a time preserving these cars? I for one just don't appreciate you doing this then selling them for 10,000 to 20,000 dollars cause it makes it a bit harder for me to rip off, er, I mean sell my classic to the truly discerning enthusiast.
So there.
R England

Isn't there at least one member of this board that lives in the vicinity ("The city is Rowayton Ct [sic], Between Darien and Norwalk") of this auction, that could make a Saturday drive to look the car over?

Personally, I think the guy is severely deluded. I wonder how he can rationalize thousands of people looking at his ad, and no one bidding? But, maybe it actually IS that one-in-a-million car. Who knows?

Curiouser, and curiouser - - Alec
Alec Darnall

We have friends on another (non-car related) board. I've asked them if they're close enough to wander over to look at it.

TheMiz

Personally, since we all own MGAs that qualfies each and every one of us as being a "serious collector" (with various hobbies on the side), I think we should all barrage him with various emails on questions about the car..... Just my 2 cents (and it would be dastardly fun!)

Mike
60 Roadster
Mike

He's probably reading this board.

LOL!
TheMiz

HA! Mine's nicer and I'll give it up for just $100,000.
Baz

I looked at the sellers Ebay feedback and his one transaction was for a 2004 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG and it sold at a price of $70,100.00 . Apparantly he has the high dollar cars and the large "cahoneeies" to ask the top dollar prices. Granted there is not one among us that would not be 'pleased' if this MGA sold for the price he is asking...as we would then expect our MGA'S to rise in value also. If my memory serves me correctly, SID ENEAVER'S Mga Coupe sold for app. $34,000 british pounds but that was a fully documented historical MGA. It is unfortunate that this seller is so mysterious about the historical details of this car. If it is truly what he says it is ...why hide the facts?
Gordon

I have also e-mailed Sports and Classic asking for information on this car. I'll post any reply I get.
I tend to agree to some extent with those who would welcome selling an MGA at such a price. (I'd love to be able to finance my retirement with my MGs. But I'd also love to enjoy my MGs well into retirement.) As an MG hobbiest I want to be able to buy cars and parts when the opportunity arises. Such specualtion as our 114K friend practices serves only to force prices to an unnaturally high level and put the hobby out of reach of the average person. And I guess thats the opposite of the point Mr. 114K is making: 'we mere average folks are ruining it for the high rollers'. Still it's a shame that such people can't see that there is money to be made in the collector car market without resorting to deceptive promotions in persuit of some get rich quick scheme.

Bill
Bill Boorse

I notice the seller revised the description on Friday morning. Did anybody take note of what changed? I don't remember seeing the comment about the VIN number when I first read the ad.
Bill Boorse

Bill. Yet another curious thing about this ad. Not only is the car not being auctioned by one of the major car auction companies, but the car being sold is not the car being listed on the E-Bay ad. So much for E-bay being a "binding contract between seller and buyer"--the seller has stated that what he has listed, for the VIN, is not valid. But, he did this only after being challenged by some of you on this. If this is the case, are the pictures "representational" as well? Are they photos of the car being sold and, if so, what is the VIN of said car?

When I first looked at this car I thought it most likely that someone had purchased a cosmetically restored car, found out that it needed some serious work, had the work done and was not trying to dump the car to regain his investment. I am sure we all know how expensive it can be to have a car professionally restored, especially if it really is restored to "as new" condition.

As this saga continues, the excessive initial asking price, the information that the VIN listed may not be the VIN for the car, the failure to post photos of the engine compartment (which were promised early in the auction) and the lack of willingness of the seller to document or explain any of his rather broad claims leads me to believe that there is a somewhat darker motive than just basic ignorance of the market here. If anyone has some method of following up the future of this car, it should prove to be interesting, perhaps amusing.

Les
Les Bengtson

I'm all shook up, I thought I'd never see my MGA again, if only I could borrow some money from Lisa I'd buy you all one. I once lent it to Steve McQueen, he reckoned it was good for 198, but then the hood blew off. This seller had better learn the words to Jailhouse Rock
Elvis Presley

You know - maybe he's just trying to establish a fair market value for his car for insurance purposes?

It would be a shame to see this one burned down to the wheel rims on the side of some rural road next month - - Alec
Alec Darnall

So which one of you wiseguys asked if he would take a check? Ha!
MLS Somers

If someone wants to believe that the car is worth 100k, god bless them. The fact remains that it is an MGA, not a Bugatti, or a porsche 917K. 100 thousand MGA's were made. Who cares who drove it. Even if Mike Hawthorne got laid in it, it's still an MGA. An MG is an MG. Not exotic or rare. If you smoke enough Crystal Meth, anything looks good.
ASH Andrew

Hey ASH how did you know I got laid in it? Damn near broke my back.
Mike Hawthorne

Just been surfing ebay loking for a few Xmas bargains, this gives me an idea for next season. Any takers for the MGA Grand Prix series, email me if you think you can take part

Love

Ernie

P.S No red Italian cars need apply
Ernie Becclestone

Me and Ken Tyroll tested this car for the 1967 British GP, I put in 150 laps of the Silverstone GP circuit, by the time I finshed it was August 23rd, we missed the event by a month. Got to go, me old mate Hamon Dill is getting a round in.

Stewart. E. Jack

This is cheap for a GP car, we've spent millions this year, I'm just going to bid
Don Rennis

We sent the seller a message yesterday:

"Hi, if the VIN you have is just for listing purposes what is the actual VIN, please? Is the title clear? Also, I have an agent in the area who is willing to stop by and look over the car for me. Would that be possible? Should I decide to add this car to my collection, is it driveable as far as St. Louis, Missouri, or should I assume I should contact my transport company? Thanks so much. It's a beautiful machine, and the best A I've seen in a long time."



He responded this morning saying he had reported us to ebay for misuse of their messaging system! :-)
The Wiz

Wiz - He probably had a stroke when you suggested actually DRIVING the car! What sacrilege! - - - and what an blooming idiot.

Glad he's selling the car, though - he doesn't sound as if he deserves it! - - Alec


.
Alec Darnall

Has anyone actually reported this guy to eBay?

Have you noticed the Grand Prix reference has been edited out of his description?

TheMiz

In a world full of cosmic BS, what is a little more about another old MGA?
Robert Muenchausen

>He responded this morning saying he had reported us to ebay for misuse of their messaging system! :-)

Not winning any congeniality awards, is he? ;-) What a "maroon".....
Rob Edwards

Has anyone noticed that the car is now a 1956? All mention of 1955 has been edited out of the auction. However, it is still one of only 500 made!
The Wiz

You guys sure know how to upset folk, wait until I put my Caddy Eldorado on ebay, once driven by Stevie Wonder and Buzz Aldrin, or was that Buzz Lightyear?
Hey, you in the white coat let me go, I'm not going back , I'm a good doggy
xstorage

Sports & Classics is in Darien Conn......Rowayton Conn is 2.6 miles or 6 minutes drive from there. Is it possible there is a relationship here. Notice S&P never contacted anyone back. Possible trying to "jack up " the price of a recent resto that cost to much money....or an MGA that is clean and neat and trying to push the limit. (if you sell one at this price then there is no end to the price all MGA's would become)And imagine at $114,000.00 you have not even met HIS RESERVE PRICE. I wonder what that is?
Gordon Harrison

Best reading on MGAs in years! HA!
SkippyMGA

Well, well, well...

"The seller ended this listing early because the item is no longer available for sale."
TheMiz

It is about five thirty in the morning, and a have not laughed so hard in a long time! I can honestly say the MG guys are really very funny! You guys across the pond are very funny. We should do this again soon!
ASH Andrew

There have been a lot of overpriced MGs exposed on this BBS but this one really stirred us up. For a bunch of people who are allegedly "holding back the potential of its superior design" and supposedly have a "lack of real interest by the leaders in this car category" it obvious the folks on this BBS feel strongly about MGs. I wonder what was the final factor that caused the seller to withdraw. I never got a response from Sports and Classics to my requests for more information. The whole thing smelled a little fishy to me. I'm glad the seller withdrew.

Bill
Bill Boorse

What fun ! I think we should have a humorous thread once a week, I thought we were meant to be grown up serious MG types, obviously there are a few jokers amongst us, who wrote what? I may own up to a few

Regards

Ernie or was it Don

Incidently, I have met Stirling Moss, he never mentioned driving an MGA
Terry Drinkwater

Terry- I don't know for sure, but I think the reason he did not mention it is because Hawthorn uses them as houses of ill repute
gary starr

Just thought you might enjoy this comment from the seller in response to my question about whether or not the modifications that had been made to race the car were still installed. I didn't post this earlier because I was going to send a few more emails and didn't want him to see his replies on the BBS if he was monitoring it.



We actually took all the racing modifications out of the car 30 years ago when we first purchased it. At the time, our interest was to restore it back to its original factory condition. Recently, Sports and Classics completed a full restoration (every inch)-- all new -- and they can provide all documentation.

I will get back to you on the VIN number.

The photos are the actual car being auctioned. I have been attending MGA meets for over 30 years and feel that the quality of restoration over the years has slipped. The real artists in the car category have left for other more valuable car categories. This car brings back a new standard. The old timers in this car category would be proud. It's hard to find good talent these days but there is one young person in Darien who is putting fire back into this car as well as others. Many old timers know this car from years ago as it has won several major awards 25 years ago after its first restoration with the help of one of the most renowned restoration experts. It should also be noted that the car was driven only once in a while and was garaged the entire time.


Gene Gillam

"Driven only once in a while and garaged the entire time"
Gives "Monster Garage" a whole new meaning! Just the thing to go with a $114,000 MGA. I'll use the rest of my $1.2 million to build one.
Speaking of which, this could be the "Monster Thread" of all time!
I love it!!!!

GTF
G T Foster

"...the quality of restoration over the years has slipped"

"The old timers in this car category would be proud"

From speaking to many NAMGAR members older than myself, I got the distinct impression that the quality of restorations, and of course the number of restored cars, has greatly increased. 30 years ago, these cars were just old cars. There wern't many people bothering to restore them, and I'm guessing there were even fewer people who took the time to do the research to bring the car back to 100% original. Sure everyone knew these cars were special, I know for a fact that when NAMGAR started- 30 years ago- it was a bunch of guys with "driver" MGs and coolers of beer- no trailer queens, no 100 point concours restorations. The price of the MGA has been climbing throughout the years. I absolutely refuse to believe that the quality of restorations is actually slipping. I don't car how many MGA meets he's been to, he's a snob of a car collector.
Mark

*IF* he's for real. The whole thing seems almost a bit too dumb to be true....

Mark
Mark

I had just assumed for $114,000 for restoration and labor he must have used all Moss parts.....
Mike

His grammar and syntax are both disturbing. Sounds like a kid, trying to make himself sound "important" and well-educated.

TheMiz

The most important lesson he taught us, through his many profound responses, is that VINs do not matter to serious collectors of important historic vehicles. If you have an old Mustang, whether it's a Boss 429 or Hertz car or a '78 Mustang II, they all have the same valve and will cater to only those that can afford and appreciate such an investment in detail. Who cares about minor things like the VIN when your 100% correct ex-racecar turned show-winner includes zero documentation, an Ammco boot rack, and a rearview mirror from an Austin Healey Sprite.

I'm hoping he tries the auction again after we've all forgotten about it.
Kemper

Forgotten about what?
Josey Wales

Ending listing early, you still have to pay ebay fees.
Anybody to start colection?
martin

Maybe not, if eBay failed to protect his messaging system from a bunch of impertinent hecklers.

So many people fail to take the blame for their own mistakes, and I'll bet our hero here is no exception. Cheers - - Alec
Alec Darnall

You reference to "inpertinent hacklers" is misplaced. Most direct qustions, asked for validity and prove of his listing were unanswered. As I undestand it, he can not supply proof of any of it. I will be happy to sell you my twin cam for the price. No history.
martin

Sorry, Martin - I'm on your side 100%, and that remark was meant to be humorous. I should have put it in quotes, or added a smiley face or a <grin>. As, I assume, was your offer to sell your own car, though at these prices, maybe you're not kidding, after all?

As Redd Foxx once said, "If I had something on me that cost that much, I'd cut it off and barbecue it!"

It's so hard to do proper comedy when the audience can't hear your tone of voice. - - Alec
Alec Darnall

The fee for eBay Motors is only a $40.00 Insertion fee plus a $40.00 Transaction fee, not the percentage fee that other listings have.
John DeWolf

Gee Guys give the fellow a break. Things here in Connecticut are awfully pricey; surely as bad as California. I got a letter from a dealer in Fresno who has a ’55 mgtf for sale. He describes it as a ground up restoration with no expense spared—he claims to have over $92,000 in receipts. The truth is if you can’t do most of the work yourself, you had best be very, very wealthy.
David Werblow

I have always wondered what no expense spared really means. If I were bill gates could I hire paul mc cartney to restore my mga? Also if no expense spared means what it sounds like, then why not give it away.
WC Wolcott

David,
There's no disputing that some poor slob could get nicked $100,000 for a restoration. Unfortunately, that has relatively little to do with what the car is worth and whether or not this gentleman is honestly portraying this car.

GTF
G T Foster

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1962-MGA-MKII-Parts-car-Rusty-but-good-for-parts_W0QQitemZ4589326928QQcategoryZ39405QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

as an alternative example of "truth-in-advertising" ... found myself wiping away a tear after looking at this one ...

-Chuck
Chuck Mosher

Actually Chuck, that doesn't look too bad, considering that I am replacing a frame, and doing a lot of metal replacement too. Somebody might like it.
mike parker

I asked Sports and Classics for information on this car and received this reply:

"Bill,
When we originally received the car it had been restored years earlier by the owner and his Dad. We were involved primarily in the body restoration and interior of the vehicle. We used new old stock parts whenever possible. In addition we fully detailed the engine and transmission.The body was stripped to bare metal and restored to its original Old English White. We also made and installed a full leather interior. Additional parts include a new exhaust, Dayton wire wheels, Dunlop tires, new fuel tank, full stainless steel brake line kit. In addition we installed a Stayfast canvas top. We are extremely surprised that the owner would even consider selling this car since it was a gift from his dad.
Virginia T.
Sports & Classics Inc."

Bill Boorse

Now we finally know why he wants $114,000. Sentimental value!
OK, I admit it, I just wanted to be response #101.

GTF
G T Foster

There is an MGA with a real connection to a famous European Grand Prix driver for sale with photos to prove it.
http://www.mgcc.com.au/wanted/sell.shtml
And it is only AU$24,000.
Wal

Bill

OEW ???????

I thought the car in the listing was Chariot Red.

Now we start to undertand the VIN issues in the listing - it was for a different car!

$114k is then obviously "sentimental" value. Now I propose the obvious follow on for this (mammoth) thread - leaving aside "market" value, what is the sentimental value of YOUR MGA - and is it also 114k USD?
dominic clancy

I see someone stole my idea from my post of November 3, should I ask a percentage of the sale?
gary starr

He was at the crease for quite a few days but in the end it seems he got bowled for a duck! Don't know what the equivalent is in baseball terms but I guess our American friends will understand what I mean.
Peter Daley

MGA 1960 V12 XJS Power
www.homepage.mac.com/saint007
saint

Peter,
I love it!
In American terms he wiffed, fanned.....struck out!

GTF
G T Foster

Saint, wow! Mind if I use the last photo of the V12 car on my web site? I'll give credit / link if you like.
Steve Simmons

This thread was discussed between 03/11/2005 and 29/11/2005

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