http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320316060623

I'm sick of seeing this car for sale !!!

this car keeps getting posted week after week.

gees lol

I wouldn't do it here, but for that price, I can find 15 things wrong with the restoration - or missed - or done incorrectly.

I can spot a few things wrong, and I'm new to all this

missing overriders on the bumpers
no MIDGET lettering on the side
exhaust is not stock, on my car the exhaust is on the right side of the car
no antennae
black paint on side should not run up the front fender.

did I miss anything?

Yep.

come on Tony, do tell !!! I thought I got everything . . .

naaa... he should have at least fixed the boot lid.and the gauges have some corrosion on the chrome. too much money

dash topper.....been hit on right rear & bumpers never refitted properly...

& won't even point out the under hood area or bedliner in trunk....plus....

That car has been up there I want to say at least a year. I remember seeing it as high as $16k I believe. Its had to cost him half that in posting fees by now.

I've yet to see a dashboard without the topper, do they exist?

and dammit, I noticed the rear bumper not fitting properly, forgot to list it !!!!

what did I miss with the boot lid?

this was as high as $16k, WOW

Scott, I bet he has lost hundreds to relisting fee's !!!!!

too funny

Bad fit along edge plus 2 little "thingees" down on the lower lip - look like buttons.

He should've taken the $16K!

Ok, lets pick this car to pieces. I noted It looks like the dash has a dash cap installed. Has a radio but I didn't see an antenna. Loose wiring hanging down from under the dash. Missing cigar lighter. Carpet on xmsn tunnel is worn out. Door caps do not match inside door panels. Engine compartment painted black. and the trunk sprayed (to hide rust?)with that speckled paint and the rest of the stuff you folks have already noted. Is this a correct paint color for aconite purple? Looks to bright in the sunshine.
Rik

Forgot to add that it looks as though it may have had a luggage rack at one time and the holes filled with some thingees as Tony called them.
Rik

Keep 'em coming...they're there....

got a few more!!!

the lense on the map light is missing !!

and the backplate on the radio is missing the black covering, and the radio may not be stock, at least it does not match my 1974 radio.

and they don't know how to fold the top when down

this is fun !!!

Found where the antenna is/was, passenger front fender(wing). Missed that earlier. The biggest problem with the car has to be that it is grossly overpriced, (at least for me).
Ok Tony what did we all miss? Fill us in?
Rik

Well I will keep mine in the garage.....

Somebody make a consolidated list....

NO NO not bid up to 16k. My apologies. He's had a buy it now listed as high as 16k. Sorry for the confusion

Yes!

A few to add...
The Weber DGV, of course.
Is the alternator missing?!? There's an unconnected bracket on the engine.
The underhood air duct is a duct taped wonder.
The engine has apparently been detailed by pouring a can of black paint over it.

(Untopped dashboards DO exist...you can tell them by the cracks!)

Has anybody said anything yet about the boot weatherstripping that's ripped?

Here's the list so far, Tony...
(I've thrown in a couple more I noticed)

Fantasy price
Missing overriders
No MIDGET letters
Grill badge octagon surround painted black
Grill badge faded out
Exhaust muffler & tailpipe incorrect
Radio with no antenna
Black paint above trimline
Boot lid nubbies where luggage rack was
Bad boot fit
Hit on right rear
Misaligned rear bumpers
Idiots can't fold a top
Corroded gauges
Dash topper
Loose wiring under dash
No cigar lighter
Worn carpeting
Door caps mismatch to panels
Map light lens missing
Radio backplate
Nonstock radio
Black engine compartment
Black engine
Weber carb
No alternator?
Bodged air duct
Owld Speckled Trunk
Incorrect Aconite color?
Boot weatherstripping worn

and while I'm pretty sure it is actually a Midget colour - it's one I like the least FWIW

Front license plate holder upside down.
Fasten Seat Belt Buzzer on a 74?
In one picture, the car is idling, the oil pressure and temp are correct, but the idle is about 950-1000, with the choke in.
There should be two extra tenax fastners on the top, one on each side, furthest forward, they are missing.
Fantasy price. Sorry, it just reiterating.

nice catch on the front license plate holder !!

my 1974 has the fasten seatbelt warning light/buzzer, so that may be correct. I take it your 1974 doesn't?

what's the deal with the idle, what should it be at?

I thought the Aconite Purple was dark (all the time) like the pictures of the car in the shade (or indoors). This cars color in sunlight doesn't do it for me.
Now, the big question. How much do you think this car should actually sell for?
I say $6,500-7,000.
Rik

RIK!!!

WOW, you think that much? I paid $5k for mine

I would think that would go for $4k or less, in light of the above list.

am I way off?

Mine doesn't, but that's just mine, there may be those that do; 74, a weird year.


About 750. Some a little less, some a little more. Overall motor condition is a factor. Not 950-1000 though.

I'm with you with the price. $7k max. If your desperate.
If you've got $7k hanging around your cod piece, you're probably not.
A good example of "this is what it cost to 'restore' it, so this is what I'll ask".

Hehe, it's the damb carbs I can never get Miss Agath below 900 and I have done everything I know to do.

I don't think I'd buy it just for the color. Don't like it. So I guess if you can live with the color. 4K.?

Hey, my quote was just a guess.
Rik

That adjuster above the alternator is for the missing Air Pump, which normally mounts to the pivot on the thermostat housing.

Ok since were doing this. Somebody tried to close the trunk and the prop was latched.

JAMBDIT DID IT AGAIN!! There must be a million who have done it. And a stinker to to fix rite

Wow, I've never seen this group get catty. But in this case it's justified.

I am surprised that it has taken this long....

37 posts in less than a day, impressive !!!

I'll put my car up for the 'analysis', I would seriously like to know what is not original and needs fixing. I want to get my car as original as I can, I think I'm close, but there are a few areas that I have questions on.

Go for it Joe, it sounds like fun...

We can do it, yes we can. LOL

"OUCH!"

You guys are a tough crowd!!

(Gotta admit it IS Fun though.....)

(I'm just REALLY HAPPY this isn't my car that is being torn to shreads!!!)

"Cheers!"

-Bear-

It must be the season change.Grouchy old bears...Get your butts back in the shop!

I don't think this is about tearing some guy's car to shreads. It's about poking fun at the representation of the car as being:
"INCREDIBLE CONDITION!!!!!!",
"IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED BROWN INTERIOR",
"THE INTERIOR IS EXCEPTIONALLY STUNNING" and
"ONLY TRAVELED 54K SINCE NEW",
with 62 large pictures that load without thumbnails,
when there are (as always) many many flaws, though it does look very nice from the outside.

Donn, you're right, this is a clear case of putting lipstick on a pig !!!

"Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder!"

(Some guys like pigs...) "SQUEEEEL!"

"Cheers!"

-Bear-

It really is just making fun of the misrepresentation. If it was being auctioned as a "recent respray, worn interior, needs some attention, leaks oil, good driver," with a reserve of about $2500, we wouldn't even have batted an eye. But anyone who calls that interior "impeccably maintained," is askin' for a sound beating.

If anyone here was trying to restore a Spridget to concours, and they posted pics with the hope of someone's sharp eyes finding an error, it would probably start a similar thread. We wouldn't bash someone's driver because the gauge bezels are rusty; but this eBayer was really overstating the quality of his (very very average) Spridget.

Fun exercise, tho'.

I think Nigel's point is exactly right. It's a nice car, just not a concours entrant. Perhaps the description is a bit hyped, but that's advertising. My greatest problem with it is the purple color combined with the beige interior--in my opinion, these colors just don't go together. Not my taste, but I guess some wouldn't have a problem with it. To me, this is a nice, typical, $4-5K spridget. Nothing more. Nothing less.

For the record, I have an original BL radio from 1974. I used a boat antenna, a boat antenna is hidden. My reception is terrible, but I am not ruining the lines of the car with the antenna.

I've seen this thing on ebay for quite a while. I don't know if that purple hurts my eyes worse, or the purple with the tan interior. I see draperies at flea markets that have better color synergy. Had it been black inside- it probably wouldn't be as painful aside from the price.

Perhaps its rarity is because it is so offensive to the eyes. Some seem to confuse rarity with desirability. In many cases it's "rarity" is because nobody wanted the thing to begin with.

Lol!

Thats hysterical.


we venture to Carlisle every year for the Corvette show. (Many of my friends are collectors.) My one friend has an original 87 Convertible in Burnt Orange. (That copper looking metalliac color that was popular with Dodge over the past years.) Its 1 of 35 made this way and it looks great. You wouldnt belive how many Corvette "Proffesionals" argued with us over having the car painted this color last time we were there.

I had a Lime Green AMC Gremlin once....

MAYBE I should have kept it??
Might have been a "rare & collectable" car by now....

The Vette guys argued because they thought you had gone to a non-original color?
And yes, your lime green Gremlin would bring a pretty penny these days.

it's back !!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370154230796

Did it have music last time?

Oh god, the color.

ahhaha, just turned my speakers on, AWESOME !!

Jack, according to the seller
"EXCELLENT COLOR COMBO"

It's "The PURPLE MIDGET that won't die!!" ...or is it, "that won't sell!!"??

I actually think the music is rather appropriate!

Just needs a spokesmodel in Austin Powers vintage clothing and it would be complete!!

"YEAH BABY!!"

I think I'm gonna contact the seller & request pics of the underside, just to see how "original" it really is...

$12975.00??

HA! He'll be VERY Lucky to get that!!

-Bear-

Kevin, this car has been for sale for months, at least 6 months.

his eBay fee's must be in the hundreds already, and he is not understanding that this car is not going to sell for anything over $5k.

I would love to see the pictures if you ever get them, would be very interesting.

I think now that on ebay, you only pay if it sells, right? Last time I sold a car on ebay it was $40 or so to list, then another fee if it sold. I think they changed since then though.

I actually like the aconite cars. I have since my best friend bought a new aconite B in 74. I think the high bid for this car was over 7000 one of the times it was listed in August. Should sold it then. At that time the reserve was over 10,000 as I remember. He also lists a red one (72 I think) from time to time.

Yes, it is much cheaper to list/relist a car on eBay now than it used to be...
You pay a small fee to list/relist, then another higher fee when/IF it sells.
(1st time sellers can even list the 1st 5 or 6 cars for free!!)

OF COURSE this tends to promote more over-priced listings, AND more "back-door" (outside of eBay) deals...
As an eBay buyer this sucks!
BUT as an eBay seller I have to admit, "I LIKE IT!"

Given the current tough economic times, & the limited number of people out there with deep pockets for "toys", I think this was a smart decision for eBay.

-Bear-

ScoutII,

Does this mean that we might see this in your garage once the price drops??

IF SO, I'll chip in to buy you a "Purple Rain" 8-track for cruisin'! <LOL>

(JUST KIDDIN'! The color actually doesn't bother me too much either... Just think of the conversations you'd have at any British Car event...)

"Cheers"
-Bear-

I already have a black one. Park the purple one with it on a show field and they could call it the "bruise" section!!

Actually, I think this would probably be my second choice if the price was right. First choice I have, a black MK1. Second would probably be an aconite or black cherry RWA.

I should consider that as it would match my racing team name...

(that's why all of my Sprites are Blue...)
(however, I did just acquire a Midget that is white...)

Hee Hee, and 100,000 after it got old.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260367136166

I'm starting to feel bad for the car ...

He hasn't budged from the 7,000 and 10,975 marks for several listings now.

Got to have that much in listing fees by now!

I think everyone should pitch in and buy it, then send it to me for safe keeping!!!
I have a peculiar fondness for the aconite cars... and it would certainly go well with my black one....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260374750896

i have a feeling it will sell this time !!!

He needs to advertise here in Seattle on the UW campus. Their colors are purple and gold. This will sell in a heartbeat. Can he put a big gold "W" on the bonnet??

ok, I'm starting to feel bad for this Midget, being rejected as much as it has

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370187335030

At that price i could feel sorry for it for a very long time....




mark

Not particularly a color I personally could live with either!!

It's for sale by a dealer, so they are used to paying ad fees, I assume.

I never met an original LBC I didn't like. One of the coolest things about 'em is the virtual rainbow of colors that were offered. And, they're not metallic colors, either (which I dislike, generally).

But "aconite" may be my least favorite. And unless this car is at least a 4 out of 4, it's not worth $11K or whatever he's asking.

But nonetheless, it looks like it's nicely sorted.

Someone will buy it, but who?????

this car is def not a 4 out of 4

there are many things wrong with this car, just read all of the comments in this post.

not a bad car, but it is a bad car for the price

I give it a 4 out of 5. Snappy beat and easy to dance to.
The car on the other hand......well...it's kinda funky too.
Perfect for rolling up to the Disco in your white leisure suit.
Man, that car is a snap shot of another time if there ever was one.

hysterical

I know, I just know this is the week the little purple car will sell
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260405149321

already has a bid !!!

The perfect buyer.....

That's funny!! Thanks for the laugh!

Nahhhhhh.....

Well, if it does sell, I hope it's to someone far away from my neighborhood....

I found a pic of the current bidder.

Oh my,
1 bid of 6k and he has not met reserve price. Lord this will be reposted again, new link:

Annoying Purple MG

Give us stregnth to accept what we can not change. I hope he comes to his senses and takes the 6k.

Another picture of the bidder

It may be the love child from a mating by this "sprite"
with a "normal" early Midget.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/austin-he...bayphotohosting

Was this thing always listed by a dealer? I thought it was originally an individual, but my memory is fuzzy occassionally. I'm just shocked someone actually put six grand on it. I mean, yeah it's a RWA, but still....

I always remember it being from the same dealer, but this has been going on for almost a year, so who knows !!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260412830474

I think the buy it now price has been reduced !!!

got up to $6,300 last time around

I think I would have taken the $6300, unless someone was just sandbagg'n for him. is that what they call it when a buddy bids it up for you? To generate activity and inflate value?

I bet you are right !!!

and isn't it a shill bid?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shill

but sandbaggin works fine for me !!!

I don't care what you all think, I still like it. I have had a soft spot for aconite and black tulip, er cherry or whatever, since the disco days when this one was new. I would jump on it if I was looking and it was less money.

I'd buy a pink one if the price was right.

A true statement....

You know they made a pink Sprite in 62... In limited numbers thankfully, but it was PINK

I saw one on Youtube. Those have got to be the rarest Sprites.
I think I read somewhere they only sold about 300 or so.
Wasn't the color called rose?

edit: checking out the video it seems they made quite a few less than 300. Lady claims they made 50.
Cool looking...I'd buy one in a flash for my wife.
Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItOQSgdjxuM

I read somewhere that the lady on the youtube video was misinformed when she bought the car. I think the number is somewhere between 100-200. Still a very low number.

And I just saw Anita's pink MkII last Saturday at the Vancouver BC ABFM, strange color but looks original and I think that it is. I think that the color was "Salmon". It even had the only "one-ended" trunk handle that I have ever seen.
Bill

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260425779364

you think they would lower the buy it now price of $7,975

I have one of the '62 pink ones (HAN 6L 726) although by the time I got it, it had been repainted 2 or 3 times... its going down to bare metal before getting a new coat. Its an 'interesting' color

By the way, the Heritage Certificate calls it 'Deep Pink'

It's a damned good thing that SWMBO hasn't seen this...

In purple we'd (aka she'd) buy it in a hertbeat.

I'll hae to send her the link . (*grin*).

Jody

I see that he has altered the description. I bet if you called him and offered him $4500 cash today, he would take it.

I'm tempted, but I don't have any more room in the driveway and have to get rid of some projects before I try.

So broke down and showed it to SWMBO.

She said that we could easily afford it if I sold my Austin Healey 3000.

Laughed (kinda scared) and fled the room.

Jody

I think the $4500 should cover his ebay fees for re-listing this for the last 6 months.....

Yea, there's an even trade

wait, what color is the healey?

and 6 months? its been almost a year I think !!!

I've only been a member for six months!! This is the thread that never ends.

You know, for all the crap you guys gave this car on the first two pages... I have to say, I don't mind the color one bit once I actually saw pictures. I was expecting it to be some lavender, pale, or otherwise off purple. This color is closer to the "plum crazy purple" on the dodge muscle cars of old and I think that's probably their best color.

Granted I wouldn't want it for mine, but I know my fiance would jump at something like that and given the choice would take a purple one over any other color for her spridget. This one is too expensive and too new, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was one of a similar color in my garage in the next couple years.

To each their own I guess... The seller is an idiot though, I'll give you that.

Edit: on 2nd look at the pictures of it in the sunlight, I would take it a couple shades darker if I were doing a purple one. The color of it in the shade comes off about right to me.

You should look up the "quick carb" fix thread.....

we all know the drill . . .

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370229229964

i gotta admit, I like the color now

I can't wait for the day Joe buys this one!

Is the "swoop" part of the sill black from the factory?

Looks real nice if you like purple. Yep the black is correct.

The black should stay below the chrome trim. It should not swoop up.

I noticed his $225 "processing fee".... that should off-set his ebay listing fees. This is what...going on two years on ebay for this poor thing?

let's see, there are about 50 of us active users in the Midget forum.

$8000 selling price / 50 people = $160 per person to buy the car.

I need an oil/temperature gauge so that would be my $160.

Maybe we can put this auction out of its misery and we all buy it, take what we need, and be done with this !!!

thoughts?

I'd go in on it. Dibs on the bumpers!

You can count me in! Seat rails, and soft top.

Heck, I'll take the darn engine! Count me in!

Lights would Fit the B. I'll take the side markers, tail lights, turn signals and headlights.

its been 3 months, have not seen the purple car

Maybe they are working on a new soundtrack.

Oh my gosh is this what it comes to? The hedious are parted out? Sort of like the wild kingdom? Portioned out to feed the herd?
Somebody pass me the Air cleaners..

http://www.britishcarforum.com/bcforum/ubbthreads.php/topics/604299/why#Post604299