Spitfire Restore or sell my '80 Spit?

[jdubois]

Now that I've got my '80 Spit running again, I'm wondering what to do with it. It's mechanically sound, but the body is a bit dodgy. It's got rust in all the usual spots (rockers, headlight/bonnet joint, floorboards, engine bay shelf) and has at least two bad paint jobs on top of the original paint. It's also got a Midget engine in it which irks me somewhat, even if the only difference is the number stamped on it. And all the emissions plumbing has long since been removed, which also irks me a bit just because I like originality.

I still very much want to own a Spitfire, but I'm not sure it's a good idea to sink a lot of money I wouldn't ever get back into getting the body sorted out. So what do you all think? Is it worth restoring the body and hunting around for replacement emissions stuff, or should I sell it off to somebody less picky and go looking for a spit in really nice shape?

If I was going to sell it, what's a fair price for an '80 spit the runs good and looks good from 20 feet, but has lots of minor (for the moment) rust issues?

 

[Paul Johnson]

Well, since you ask for opinions, here's one.

"want to own a - - -" and "money I wouldn't ever get back" are not mutually compatible in an old car hobby.

Money aside though, it sounds like you'll never like this particular car, so I'd suggest shedding it and begin looking for one that will have no emotional baggage for you.

 

[BOXoROCKS]

sell it, and buy my 80 spit. hows that for an easy solution

 

[jdubois]

sell it, and buy my 80 spit. hows that for an easy solution

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif I think if I'm going to buy another one, I'm going to probably look for an early one.

 

[TR4nut]

If I were you I'd drive it as much as I could, especially with summer coming, and keep away from the temptation of putting restoration money into it. If after a bunch of driving the desire for a Spitfire was still there I would probably sell off what you have and get something in better shape.

You could always hang a for sale sign on the car while you are driving and try to get top dollar for it in the meantime.

I think guesses on value will be all over the place, but my take on what you have says the car is ballpark a $1000 type of vehicle, and potentially a lot less if you were in a hurry to sell.

Randy

 

[Scott_Hower]

Photos?

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

And I have first dibs on any good parts you want to sell.

 

[jdubois]

And I have first dibs on any good parts you want to sell.

Just your luck, I happen to have a brand new hot air intake hose /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

 

[Scott_Hower]

And I have first dibs on any good parts you want to sell.

Just your luck, I happen to have a brand new hot air intake hose /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

I'll bet it looks just like the other 3 I've got on the shelf from Fred Beaver. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif

 

[YankeeTR]

DRIVE IT AS IS....screw the cosmetics!

 

[swift6]

DRIVE IT AS IS....screw the cosmetics!

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif I did just that with my TR6 for 13 years. Then there was an accident which forced some bodywork and some new paint etc... I really miss the days of not worrying about the paint. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif But I also really like the new paint job. What a quandry to be in.

 

[tosoutherncars]

If you're detail-oriented enough that the origins of your 1500 engine bother you... and you'd rather not deal with rust... and you'd actually prefer an earlier car...

Definitely don't start in on a resto. It will never get done, and if it does, it still won't be what you really want. Sell it (I agree with the $1k - $1500 posted above) and put the money toward something more to your liking.

My two cents...

Duncan
'78 Midget 1500 (Cali import)
'77 Rabbit (rotisserie resto)