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New with L.E. purchase pending

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robroy

robroy

Freshman Member
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Hi,

I am new to the forum and owned a 74 1/2 before the kids came along. I am in the process of purchasing a 1980 L.E. with 75,500 miles, never been wrecked and the L.E. kit is complete on the car. She was asking 4500.00 for it but has dropped the price to 4000.00 due to the condition of the top.

I am curious to know if the price is in keeping with what others are selling for(I haven't seen many L.E.'s over the years). Also, I am looking at the Colonial Vinyl from Convertible Guys as a replacement top. Has anyone purchased a top from them and if so, are you satisfied with the quality?

Thanks,
Rob
 
Sounds like a decent price, but really depends on the condition of the car, especially if it has any rust. I would go over the sills with a magnet and make sure they are in good shape. The mechanicals are an easy fix compared to replacing rusty panels. (Don't ask me how I know)

I"ve never heard of the Convertable guys. I bought a Robbins tops from Moss during one of their sales for about $250. Very pleased.
 
If it's absoultly rust free and in running/driving condition then that seems a fair price. Hard to say without looking at it
 
There is one small patch of surface rust under the driver's side fender. The car needs a battery but otherwise is in running/driving condition.

I promise not to ask how you know John; I don't think I want to know. I will check on the Robbins tops from Moss.

I have been trying to supress my glee at the idea of owning another MGB until I had some input from people who know these cars but I am starting to get rather giddy at the prospect of tooling down the road once again in an MGB.
 
Ditto what John said - check the sills for rust carefully, they rust from the inside out and any indication of rust could mean a serious stuctural problem.

Prices in this area seem to be around $3000 for one that needs work, $5000ish for a nice rust free one, $10k-$15k for a like-new (or better) show car.
 
$4000 sounds like a good price...it's hard to get a good regular rubber bumper B for that price nevermind an LE, and if you are going to own an MGB, in my opinion the LE would be the one to have. We just got ours 2 years ago and I love it! Since we've had it, it's gone to many LBC car shows and almost always gets more attention than the regular B's!plus it just looks so nice in black....Also LE's will definatly have a higher value in the long run than regular B's.
 
If there is rust on the fender, then go underneath the car and poke with a screwdriver. If the current owner gets upset at this idea, run don't walk away!

And yes you don't want to know, or maybe you do! The sills, the part under the door, holds the structure of the car together and they rust from the inside out.
 
Just remember LEs really aren't that rare or special. There were lots of them built compared to other colors and years. And also, they will put you in tough classes at some shows where there will be no chance for a daily driver to win, if that matters to you.
 
Is this the one in the NW Arkansas Democrat-Gazette? I saw it just after we bought a regular B here in Ft. Smith.
 
I WILL check the door sills. I remembered last night that many years ago there was a B for sale at a rock bottom price and I looked at it and immediately noticed the sills. It was less than ten years old at the time and already beyond(in my opinion) repair. Sad.

I don't know that I will ever show the car but I love the idea of taking off for a show or meet on the weekend to talk to other owners and see their babies.

Matt, yes I believe she ran it in the Gazette. Did you purchase the '77 that was for sale at the same time? Congratulations on your new baby.

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I am sure I will have many more questions in the future.
 
Yep the '77 with the new top and seats is now my baby. I need to work on the clutch, and these beautiful days lately have been killing me.

I can do short rides in it, but after about 2 laps around the neighborhood, I can start feeling my shifts, but that and the tune up are about all the immediate issues, and I got out for 3,200. The paint is about 2 years out from needing attention, though.

Good luck. Get in contact with me and we will do something.
 
I can't remeber the exact total production for the LE but I think it was 4-5 thousand, I do know only 250 were ever shipped to Canada(were I live) so there is very few around here....except for a few replica LE's with V8's that somebody is producing.

If you choose not to purchase the car I'd appreciate It if you'd pass the information on to me as I might be interested....that is if you decide not to buy it of corse

Thanks
Zack
 
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