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TR5/TR250 Ebay TR-250

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Time will tell, but I would be surprised if $20K is topped.

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Holy smokes!!! Over $27K? It's a nice car, but that's crazy!
 
How much are you willing to bet that the high bidder doesn't pull the trigger and we see this car up again in a couple of weeks! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
 
Sold for $27,611!!
Looks like it jumped about $4K in the last 5 minutes.
Somebody wanted it in a big way!
 
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How much are you willing to bet that the high bidder doesn't pull the trigger and we see this car up again in a couple of weeks! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

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It certainly wouldn't surprise me. I haven't figured eBay out yet. The bidding on this car was crazy. I originally thought it was due to the fact that the seller stated midway through the auction that his reserve was over $20K, but that theory pretty much got blown out of the water when the bidding topped $20K. I don't think I've ever seen a TR go that high before on eBay, and this car lacked a lot in originality (that I would have thought would reduce interest).

Personally, I hope it's a fluke. Despite the fact that I own a TR (though admittedly not as nice as that one), I'd hate to see these cars skyrocket in value. I didn't buy my car as an investment, I bought to drive, and I'll probably want to buy another one in the near future (as I often tell my wife, I'm a buyer, not a seller <grin>).
 
Wow. That price blows my mind. Though I was glad to see a good price for a clean 250, I have to agree that perhaps that's *too* high. I'm also going to be in the market again soon (probably a GT6+), so while I like to see them go up, I don't want to see them *that* high.
 
Of course if it hadn't been on here it probably would have gone for $14-17k...
 
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Of course if it hadn't been on here it probably would have gone for $14-17k...

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You're probably right.

The one that went a few months ago was about two miles from me. I saw photos of the car, and it was ok, but not great. I corresponded with the owner and he indicated that it went to Europe. I wonder if this one is bound for export as well -- from flipping through the latest Sports and Classic Cars, the prices seem to be climbing even more in the UK. Who knows.
 
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I wonder if this one is bound for export as well -- from flipping through the latest Sports and Classic Cars, the prices seem to be climbing even more in the UK. Who knows.

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Even for the UK $27K would be a lot.

https://www.practicalclassics.co.uk/vehicle/by-id/375/finance.ehtml

covers TR5s which are a little different, but there aren't enough of the TR250s sold here to allow much reliable data. ÂŁ13K for one in excellent condition is roughly $20K, so the $14-17K does seem broadly comparable.

If it did come this way the buyer would have to add roughly $1000 for transport, then another 17.5% of the price for VAT and another 10% import duty on top of that (and note the VAT taxes would be taxed too). So a $27K car would end up costing roughly $36K (about ÂŁ24k). It might happen, but that's nearly twice what a really good car already here would cost. And as I recall the UK versions had FI while the US had carbs, and the steering's on the wrong side. If anything these features would make the UK version the more desirable... just seems a little crazy....
 
I have a TR250 sitting in my garage. If the values are over $20,000 K. Can I take a loan out on the value of the vehicle to have it refurbished? I owe nothing on the car, but I am having trouble with money for the project, that seems to be. I even have an OD tranmission that requires a complete rebuild.
 
You might be able to talk a banker into it if you have a long established relationship or the credit to do a signature loan. However, they might stipulate a "professional" restoration vs. "amatuer" if the car itself is going to be the collateral. $20K won't cover a "professional" frame off restoration. Especially if unit work (engine and trans) is required. Besides, the bank would then own the car until you paid off the loan.

Just my $.02 though.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
I corresponded with the seller through eBay, and he was nice enough to answer my questions. He confirmed that he received a downpayment, was confident tha that the sale would go through, and he understood that the car was staying in the United States. I'll be watching prices to see where they go. Might be interesting to map it out on a graph on my website.
 
Interestingly, the folks at Wilson Motorcar Co. in Missouri have a Valencia Blue TR-250. Although I have no first-hand experience, I've heard that their work (especially mechanical) is pretty good. Price is advertised on their site as just under $15k. So, who knows. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
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I'll be watching prices to see where they go. Might be interesting to map it out on a graph on my website.

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Yes, indeed. Rising prices good for people with 'em... not so good for aspiring owners.

I'd think the current exchange rates tend to make Triumphs a little less attractive for re-patriation to the UK; but if they go back to $1.90 = ÂŁ1 they'll be relatively cheaper again.

So I'll hope Triumph prices rise for you... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angel.gif and the dollar falls for me.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
 
I think you are seeing the Barrett-Jackson blow back. A-H 3000's going for over $100k. People want to get on the bandwagon. You could see from the questions people were asking about the car, Is it a 6 cylinder? Does it have IRS? Is the engine modified from stock. They don't know anything about 250's. Going to be like buying real estate in Las Vegas 3 years ago. Big money!!! Buy British.

Wire wheels were on my 250 when I got it, 12-09-1969. Had Michelin red-lines, 205-15. Opposite lock forever.
 
Excellent point about the auction, though in truth it doesn't seem to have had a lasting effect on Healey BJ8 prices. Concours cars could go as high as $70k to $75k before the auction, and I've called several restorers and all confirm that they're still going in that price range. Though I own a concours BJ8, that $130k rubbed me the wrong way.

In any event, I think the 250 has the double advantage over some of its kin (no offense meant, guys) of relative rarity and a six-cylinder engine. Perhaps I ought to invest in that MGC I've fancied for so long... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
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