• Hi Guest!
    You can help ensure that British Car Forum (BCF) continues to provide a great place to engage in the British car hobby! If you find BCF a beneficial community, please consider supporting our efforts with a subscription.
    There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Subscribers don't see this gawd-aweful banner
Tips
Tips

What to buy, second try

Share this page

N

noKYtour

Member
Offline
Hi all,

I posted this in the welcome forum and Mickey suggested i try in the specific brand forums. That being said I wanted to take a minute to say hello. I joined up because I'm thinking about getting a convertible to drive and tinker on and am trying to sort out what is best for me. As of now I think I am most interested in the MGB, Triumph Spitfire, and have also looked at a Fiat Spider 124 (obviously not British). I'm not exactly sure how to make go about making the decision so I thought I'd poke around here and see what I can find. Also, I want to make sure whatever I buy isn't a big pile of junk that gets me in way over my head. Regardless, I wanted to say hello and look forward to learning a lot more in the near future. Thank you for whatever thoughts and advice you might have.
 
The best advice I can give is to try out one of each of the cars that catch your interest. The MGB and the Spitfire are very different cars; the B is more of a touring car - a bit heavier. The 124 is pretty close to the B, but doesn't have the support or popularity the B enjoys. Very good looking car, though, in my view.

But get your hands on each and drive 'em. One of them will speak to you!
 
If you want a *MGB* vintage British sportscar *MGB* to give you *MGB* reliability, fun, and *MGB* an easy to work on *MGB* example, you could do *MGB* worse than to pick *MGB* one like an MG.


...but don't let ME influence ya.

:devilgrin:
 
Or you could just get an MGB.... :wink:
 
When I started my car quest a few years ago, I made a list of everything I might be interested in as a starting point. Then I researched like crazy, bought books, joined forums (this one, for instance). Then I drove everything on the list that came up for sale within a reasonable drive from my house.

I still bought the wrong car.
grin.gif


I got impatient, and didn't hold out for the car I knew I wanted. I wrote up my experiences with the car quest for an article on my website here: Car Quest Lessons.

You'll be spending a bunch of time and money on/with this car, so find one that excites you and enjoy it. Think about what you want to do and how much time and money you realistically have to invest, then start test driving and get something. Cars can be sold, after all, and your first probably won't be your last.

In the end I've pretty well settled on my MGB -- it's fast enough for modern traffic, has an overdrive to make cruising at 75 comfortable, handles the twisty bits nicely, and mine just feels like the car I was looking for (it's right hand drive too, a fascination of mine and a good part of the reason why I sold my Bugeye to buy the MGB, but I'm weird that way).

There is something particularly fun about the mix of low cost and fun that a British car represents. They're great value in a fun car, with excellent parts support and very active online communities.
 
Thanks for the thoughts gents. I'm leaning toward the MGB solely on looks right now but I would like to drive them all. I had my eye on this car up in Columbus but don't know anything about it. Are there any Columbus MG guys that have seen it first hand.

https://columbus.craigslist.org/ctd/2964817853.html

I called up there and found the car is at a used car dealership so I started asking question. I asked about rust and he said there isn't any rust on the outside of the car but there's a spot inside the trunk about the size of your fist. He knew the engine ran but he had never driven the car. I asked about brakes and he didn't know, I asked about electrical stuff and he didnt' know. He told me he couldn't get the car into gear but he talked to a local guy that is an MG expert and he suggested filling it with fluid. I asked if it went into gear after fluid and he said he couldn't remember since it was a while ago. He said the interior is in good shape but it needs carpet.

Basically what I found out was the guy sells cars that are way newer than this one and he wants to get rid of it (as evidenced by it dropping from $2500 to $1800, it was $1950 yesterday) but he didn't really want to answer questions about it. I'm sure they're not making much if any money on it. So, no answers to my questions means I won't be driving to Columbus to look at a mystery car.
 
Pro'lly your best bet. Let it sit.

..and stick around here if you really would like to have an English car to play with. :wink:
 
Glad to be of service.

Another car to consider would be the Austin Healey Sprite/MG Midget twins. Similar performance to the Spitfire and incredibly light and nimble (and very robust). Small, though, so make sure you fit. :smile:

If you do decide to pursue a MGB, keep in mind two things -- they made 500,000 of them and the nicest one on the planet would cost maybe $15,000. Good clean drivers needing nothing are still easy to find under $10,000, and there are plenty of good deals even cheaper. The later "rubber bumper" cars are cheaper still and can be just as much fun. So you'll have plenty to choose from, and now that you're on the forum you'll have people all over the country who can look cars over for you.

For instance, last year I wanted to find a right hand drive MGB with chrome bumpers, non-wire wheels, overdrive equipped. Very specific. Posted here on the forum on a Friday afternoon, and within a few hours I not only had a lead on a car, but someone to inspect it the next day. Bought it on Sunday, made calls to arrange shipping (it was in Canada) on Monday.

We're a helpful bunch, and love getting folks into the right car.
 
Drew said:
We're a helpful bunch, and love getting folks into the right car.
Click to expand...

Dunno whether to laugh or cry, Drew. :devilgrin:
 
noKYtour said:
Drew, that was some fantastic information! Thanks for pointing me to that info, it definitely is helpful!
Click to expand...

Depending on what you want to do (ie restore or just drive) once you have decided on what you want (or even before) it is worth looking up local clubs - someone will probably be glad to give you a drive (at least) and, in my experience, buying from someone who belongs to a club greatly increases the chance of finding a loved, accurately described, properly taken care of car at a fair price.
 
Just a note, IF you don't get that 72 MGB,
then I may have to kick it up a notch and see what
I can do about aquiring it. (Well I would, but, I was just
notified of 2 MGBGT's that are sitting out in the desert)

Looks like a good core to start with.

I have built all kinds of hot rods, cruisers, street rods
sports cars out here in So. California, and just to let you know.

I have a dozen MGBs lying around here, they come, they go,
even have a 71 MGB and a 57 MGZ making a trip to Viet Nam
in the next week or so.

BUT the best MGB that I bought was the one I have had for 25 years,
Dated my bride in it and it is not going anywhere. Painted it Hooker Red.

I'm not trying to influence you here, but that's my 2 cents.
 
DrEntropy said:
Drew said:
We're a helpful bunch, and love getting folks into the right car.
Click to expand...
Dunno whether to laugh or cry, Drew. :devilgrin:
Click to expand...
Both are appropriate, Doc.
grin.gif
 
Join your local british car club. Here's a link to the Cincinnati area club.

https://www.bccgc.com/

Here's a link to our club in Louisville.

https://www.britishsportscarclub.com/

There are a couple of good shows coming up in the area. Check those out and talk to owners of the marques you are interested in. We are always glad to talk about our cars with interested people.

Saturday May 12th, Kentucky Scottish Weekend – sponsored by the BCCGC at General Butler State Park, Carrolton, KY, is a good one.

Saturday, June 2, My club sponsors The British Bash, in Louisville KY. It averages about 200 british cars of all types. https://www.britishbash.com/
 
Thanks for all the thoughts guys. In response to JPSmit's question, I'm really interested in getting a car that I can drive now. I don't mind the idea of getting something that I can repaint in a year or two or three but I don't really want to have to replace floors, or do an entire brake replacement, or have to pull and tear down an engine. I view the car as something I can teach my girls about general car maintenance and just tinker on as time permits. I also want to be able to go out and cruise around on nice days, be a part of a club, and do events and things like rustbucket mentioned. If I'm fortunate enough to find one that's nice enough I'd also like to drive the car to work on nice days (work is within 10 miles of home).

Thanks for the suggestions rustbucket. I've already signed up for the BCCGC newsletter and am planning on going to their next gathering. I'm also looking at the two shows you mentioned and hope to make it to at least one of those.

I emailed a guy about a Spitfire today and hope to go take a test drive if he gets back to me. I'd like to start checking out Spitfires and MGBs sometime soon so I can learn more about what I want to buy. Thanks again for all the suggestions everyone.
 
I don't mean to stir the pot (especially recognizing the inevitable flames I'll get), but I will. Depending on what you really have in mind, there may be other options that precisely fit what you've described. I own an MGB. It's fairly simple, reasonably comfortable, and except for the lack of A/C is a great car. If I was in a much cooler climate I wouldn't mind a Spitfire.

Then there's Jeremy Clarkson's "best British Sportscar". Maintenance-wise it's more simple than - and in many ways easier to work on - than the MGB. Owner pride and camaraderie now ranks up there with the MG crowd too, more often than not a fellow owner will enthusiastically wave when they pass and come to talk at the gas pumps. I was never into cars as a kid. When I got the itch I got a kit car then an MGB, then...the "best British Sportscar"...which has been flawless, simple, easy to maintain, fun to work on, etc. Still, I don't want to get rid of my MGB - but this is another option:

Click here

PS: It's a second-generation "NB" '99-'05 MX5 :laugh:
 
TR3driver said:
Just my $.02; see if you can beg or borrow a ride in a TR3 first. I have had both an MG and a 124 owner that got disgusted and sold their cars, after learning what a real sports car is like.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2H2NJt34OffYmJiYmRlOTMtMzc1Yy00NTVlLWI1ZjgtYWVjYmE0YzQxODQ4
Click to expand...
A TR3 is a great car too, though a bit more expensive for a good driver. I found them a bit cramped (I'm 6'1" with size 13EEEE feet) but that may just be me. As for the "real sports car" quip, well everyone's entitled to their opinions, even if they are wrong. :devilgrin:

<span style="font-style: italic">(I kid, I kid -- I'm no basher of Triumphs or any other marque for that matter. I'd own one of each for their own unique qualities if I had the space and money).</span>

And you certainly can't rule out a Miata, depending on what you're aiming for. Great cars too (also too small for me, even the new ones). Made a zillion of them, lots of support and inexpensive.
 
I have had 3 MGB's , 3 Austin Healeys, 3 Spitfires, and a TR3. Plus misc others, too. At various times in my life each one has been "THE CAR" and all for different reasons Never done the Midget/Sprite thing but they are still under consideration for a future buy. Currently drive a M like aerog. When you drive the right car you will know it. Keep an open mind and don't leap on the first (or second) thing that pops up. Remember rust is not your friend, much more difficult and expensive to repair than mechanical problems. Good luck on the hunt, Bob
 
aerog said:
Then there's Jeremy Clarkson's "best British Sportscar". Maintenance-wise it's more simple than - and in many ways easier to work on - than the MGB.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion. I considered the Mazda as you can find them relatively cheap and they are newer. That being said, I'm just not turned on by them. One of our family members has one and I've driven it around with the top down on my favorite country road. The experience was fun but it didn't leave me wanting more. In fact, I recently watched the "3 wise men" Top Gear special and Clarkson basically said the same thing. Something along the lines of him waking up and not really being excited about the car. I think I'd feel the same way in the long run.

Maybe some info about my background would be helpful for you (and me) in figuring all this out. I grew up in a garage with 70s Detroit iron, shoebox Chevys, and Corvettes. I've refinished an older 80s truck and 90s car although they were professionally painted. I've worked on planes, participating in complete restorations, and am not afraid to get my hands dirty. That being said, the projects have had other people around that had more experience than me and I'd be on my own more with this car. That's one reason I don't want a major project right now.

Another piece to the puzzle is that I want something that I can enjoy, either driving or tinkering when things need to be fixed. I had a new GTO and it was all wrong for me. I loved the car but felt guilty driving it because I was putting miles on it. At the same time I felt guilty for not driving the car because I was making payments on something to sit in the garage. I also wanted to keep it all original and didn't even want to get the windows tinted. All of these things are things I don't want with my next fun car, which is part of the appeal with the LBCs.

So, there's that. I'm not sure if it matters much but it gives some background on me and what I'm thinking that you didn't know before. Thanks for all the info so far. If nothing else it's fun to read and think about!
 
Back
Top