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TR6 TR6 or MGB?

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Back in the day I sold my '69 B to buy a '71 TR6. The difference was night and day! Plenty of power, loads of torque and a much better looking car IMO. As someone mentioned earlier the TR guys tended to drive their cars harder. I drove the MG fairy hard, but it was limited in handling and power. I could throw the TR onto an exit ramp and power it through the turn with the steering wheel locked in the opposite direction. Don't worry, I don't drive like that anymore. Without any hesitation my choice is the TR. In fact, if everything goes as planned I'll be driving my "new" one from Seattle to Alabama the week after next.
As for the sound, my brothers AH 3000 had the best sound of any car I've been around. Any straight 6 sounds great with the right exhaust system. With few exceptions it's a sound you'll only hear in a vintage car.
Keep the MG while you search for the TR. In the mean time try to take a good TR for a test drive. You'll be inspired to persevere in your search for a TR.
When you get the TR on the road, you can donate the MG to charity.
 
I like the Peter Egan quote, a good way to know if you have the right car.
BUT, as we are all on a budget, would you not be better off with a really good MGB than a questionable or semi-rusty TR6?
Just a thought...
Simon.
 
I have a little different LBC collection than the one you are describing--an MGA and a TR8. They have entirely different functions. The MGA is a show car that has one of the most beautiful body lines, in my humble opinion, short of an E-Type roadster. It is a fun car to drive short distances, but I would never subject my wife to a long trip in it. The TR8 is a modern, power-everything, air conditioned convertible with a very strong V-8 that I would not hesitate to take on vacation with my wife. If I had your choice to make, I would pick the one that would not only make me happiest, but the one that my wife would be most likely to enjoy (and want me to keep) as well.
 
bobh-I am pretty close to Seattle here. How about I run down there and get your car and start heading for Huntsville. We could meet somewhere in the middle-Kansas maybe, that way I could get that test drive you mentioned and you could still have a nice drive home yourself. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Simon-the resto is a big part of the deal for me-I already have a couple newer cars that I don't have to (and can't ) work on.

Steve- totally agree MGA beautiful car-some of the nicest lines of any car-prefer something between the 2 ends of your collection

Don
 
My wife looks at all Triumphs, MGs, Healeys... as old cars. Nothing more. We bought her a Miata in 2001. That is her dream car.
As for trying to satisfy both your taste and that of your spouse, in most cases I personally don't think it can be done.
I believe you need to buy the car that you want. Preferably one that gives you butterflies when you step back and stare at it. Admire the lines, love the sound, get comfortable in the seats... and thoroughly enjoy the driving experience.
If you set out to find a car that makes everyone happy you are establishing restrictions. That may lead to a compromise and your purchase of someone elses idea of a sports car.
As for a rusty TR vs a clean MG. What about a clean TR? They are out there. If you want to avoid almost all rust you should consider a TVR. I say almost all rust because there can be problems with some frame members. Although they are not difficult to repair. I've seen several 2500M's go for less than $10K on EBay.
The bottom line is to get the car you like, and buy the best one you can afford.
If your wife doesn't like riding in it, that's just less weight to carry when you're accelerating or taking a turn.
 
I'd love to have a TVR 2500M to go with my TR6 and MGB! I need a fixed roof LBC for rainy days! I bet those cars leak worse than a convertible, though. Panel fittment is not one of their strong points, as I recall. They are beautiful cars, though. I've noticed a few for sale in Grassroots Motorsports through various advertisers. They seem to be a little more expensive than the TR6, though.
 
I very much enjoyed looking at your TVR pictures Hayfever, very enlightening view of these cars, so I went looking on ebaymotors for TVRs and found an amazing collection of unusual stuff in "Other Makes".

There were somes TVRs, but also there were a 1963 Elva Courier MkIII, a couple of Borgward Isabellas, a couple of Bricklins, a 1965 Sunbeam Tiger, a 1952 Allard K2 roadster, a 1967 Glas 1700 GT, a Berkeley for $500 and the one I am really thinking about jumping on, a 2004 Saleen S7, bid at $330,000(reserve not met). Or maybe I could pass on the Saleen and buy one of every other sports car I ever liked.
I am still very keen on the ROADSTR6 car ownership plan, have one of each!
Don
 
FMJ355,

Sorry, I missed your post earlier.
Although your offer is most generous I must decline. If for no other reason than having already purchased my plane tickets.
Isn't this a wonderful forum? Where else would a stranger make such a selfless offer? I was moved to tears.
 
Hayfever,

It seems like I read that the doors, hood, windows, molding, etc. were ill fit on lots of TVRs. I may be wrong. If so, I apologize. Don't get me wrong. I'd love to have one (as I stated earlier)!
 
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