• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

What Would You Buy

Share this page

D

DougF

Guest
Guest
Offline
I've been kicking around the thought of buying a nice runner that I could do minor fix up, enjoy, and eventually sell...hopefully making a couple bucks.
I've been looking at just about anything British, Bugeyes, MGA's, TVR's, TR8's, etc. Price ceiling would be 10-12k, so exotics, Tigers and big Healeys are pretty much out of the picture.
Any thoughts?
 
Buyers preference,
But I went with a TR6 for the classic looks, power & overall ride...

You can find something real nice with minimal resto. for 12k
 
I've thought about that quite a bit Doug. I would get me a pre-74, smog control-less TR-6. Classic looks, power to build on, lots of upgrades on the market, fun to drive AND as they say "last of the hairy chested sports cars"!

No matter what you choose, Good luck and enjoy!

Tinkerman
 
10-12K will get you into a VERY nice Mini....
 
that is quite a range, bugeye to a tr8. what do you want to drive? in the end, after you pay off the ups man, if you do make a couple of bucks enjoy the malt from DQ.
there are a bunch of tr6's out there in your $ range.
 
Doug, it all depends on what you mean by "minor" repairs! If you don't want to perform welding (rust repair) and painting (big $$$), etc., then with your budget I'd suggest a Spridget, or a Spitfire or GT6, maybe a few others.

You can purchase a PERFECT Spridget (not a Bugeye) for $8-$11,000. In fact, a near-concours example! No muss, no fuss, get in and drive to the Brit car show and get a trophy. And, probably as much fun to drive as any LBC.

Spits/GT6s, same deal. Spitfires are a bit less and certainly no less fun to drive, a real deal for the dough, I think. GT6s in good condition are increasingly harder to find, especially MKIs and MKIIs. Great driving fun, if you don't need a drop top.

Also in your price range are a few others like Heralds (not so sporty, but fun!), maybe an MGBGT (only IF you're careful and lucky). Also, Sunbeam Alpines are in your price range as well. IMHO, a very lovely and often overlooked LBC. The body styling is really attractive and a real head-turner. There's a nice Alpine GT on eBay right now . . . :yesnod:

Some TVRs are in your ballpark, too. 2500Ms are going for around $8-12K for decent examples. A few nice looks 280s models in that range have been on eBay, too. Very cool cars.

And don't forget Minis: you can get a nice example at the top range of your $11K budget, but it may take a bit of shopping. Prices have risen on Minis recently, and continue to rise.

Most, if not all of the TR-6s I see in the under $11K range need work, and many have rust. TR-6s are no longer an entry-level LBC, but there are plenty out there and you might get lucky.

Again, it all depends on your personal definition of "minor". Very subjective.

It's definitely a buyer's market, and I think this trend will continue for the near future. Watch the key sales markets, grab someone who knows LBCs to give you a good second opinion on your pre-purchase inspection, and GET ONE!!!

Let us know . . .
 
Well, if you don't want to *lose* money, you need to stay away from bodywork. Everything else is cheap in comparison. I'd say look for a southern car, something $2-3K under your limit, and budget the extra for value-added modifications.

At that price point, you should have lots of choice. As far as cars that will appreciate... round-body Spitfires, early Spridgets inc. bugeyes, GT6, TR3-6, 8... Or quirkier stuff, Volvo P1800S, Hillman Minx convertible, MGC, Jensen Healey (not my taste, but...) I would avoid later, rubber-bumper / smogged cars entirely, your budget should allow you to aim for earlier models.
 
You can get a nice TR8 for that.
I'd buy a nice one of them before a ratty TR6 any day.

If you can get a good GT6 for 8k or less, I'd seriously think about one of those too.

Personally I'd avoid Spridgets (but wouldn't mind a Bugeye), and the only Mini I'd want is a ~real~ Cooper - but that'd likely be well over 12k for a nice one.
 
I should have prefaced this thread stating that I already have an Arizona TR6 that I restored several years ago that is in very good condition. My TR3 is in a tear down mode and is a straight low mile car. My Healey 100 is the last car in line to be restored as I want to do the best job possible on it. It is also a low mile straight car.
I'm not counting out the 3 or 6 as their values are both on the rise and they would be easier for me to work on and part with. It would be interesting to try something I haven't driven before.
I'm in no hurry, and don't need a car. But if bought smart, there is potential to make a couple bucks...maybe two malts. But I'd prefer hops.
I've always been intrigued with the Minis, especially the S, but I don't think I want to spend that much. Bugeyes, who doesn't like them?
It's the kid in the candy store syndrome. I know what I DON'T want.
A friend of mine is leaning me toward an 8. And I have my eye on a Bugeye and, and , and.
 
Get the 8. You won't be disappointed.
Especially if you get one that someone else put a bigger engine in...
 
I'm not going to wade into the investment value conversation, but as a usable car a TR8 is one heck of a machine. Worth tracking one down for a drive if you can. You'll either flip for it or it will leave you cold.

Bugeye is the other end of the spectrum, and for me it would come down to what you want to do with the thing. Bugeye's are a total hoot, but are really limiting (come guys - let's be honest here) as to what you can do with them. If I was only going to drive 5 miles at a pop I'd take a Bugeye over the TR8, if I actually had to go somewhere or wanted to go touring the TR8 is very hard to beat. Especially if you are bringing a friend/wife/______ who isn't completely nuts like we are.
 
These car were built to drive not necessarly as an investment.

Buy a car yer gunna love to work on and drive!!!!
 
I love my TR6, but if I were starting from scratch, it would be a TR8 convertible.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]If I do manage to sell the 6, that's going to be the next project.[/QUOTE]

Well, I don't like TR8's that much. I'm keeping my 6 for a long time.

Actually, after all that I've done, I don't like any car enough to do it over again.

Maybe except for an early XKE roadster or a 1962 Corvette.
 
I have an awful itch to do a Franken6.
What can I say...

That said, a TR7 v8 conversion (coupe with a full cage and a built 4.6) has a certain appeal too.
 
Back
Top