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BMW guy diving into Brit cars

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BMWZ3MAN

BMWZ3MAN

Freshman Member
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Hi All, thanks for the add. Long time Z3 owner ( have 2 presently), but when I was a young man, my brother had a Spitfire we thrashed about New York City. I am interested in again having the Brit sports car experience.

General opinions please:

What makes a more reliable car: MGA, TR3(a or b), MG TD - TC -TF, or a Spitfire? Use would be local drives with occasional 400+ mile highway use.
Keep in mind I'm 73 and not really into spinning wrenches any more - fixed bikes in my spare time for decades.

Thanks and I will be aware of responses!
 
Welcome!
A lot would depend on condition,plus what work's been done.
I would consider an MGB,then an MGA,then a nice TR3,in that order.
Anyway,that's my personal opinion,for whatever it's worth
 
First of all welcome.

I would say generally the newer and the bigger the better

They are all simple engines and Anglia GT is correct condition matters.

That said MGBs are generally more waterproof than their predecesors. (and before anyone jumps in I know wind up windows are just a fad but still...)

I wouldn't consider a Spitfire - it is simply too small for 400+ highway miles. I have a Midget and it is a 50 mile car - I am also 65 and I swear every time I wash the car it shrinks a little more.

I would also consider some 'bigger' cars - Stag, Jag, TR6

Or of course keep theZ3 for road trips and a smaller one for poodling around town and ice cream runs.
 
Of course I will keep the Z3 coupe - that one will be buried with me. MGB's just dont appeal to me, even the hatchbacks. I remember one problem we had with the Spitfire from back then - Doo Doo would just fall off all the time. We had to go over it with a set of wrenches periodically to tighten up everything. THis was before the advent of Locktite and similar compounds - would use of these alleviate the problem? Is this endemic to Brit cars?

SO no 400 milers with any these. I get that. ANd I;d get one in the best condition possible.
 
Step it up a bit to a “late model” (1994-96) Jaguar XJS or an XK8….

Stylish cruisers.

The V12s would likely bring more mechanical complications.

Buy the best one you can find.

I’ve taken mine all around the Western USA…
 
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