What classic should I upgrade to from an MGB?

[KingRichard]

I want to run my little MG for a while, but wouldn't mind getting another project on the go for next summer.

I'd prefer to buy another one that needs work, rather than a restored example. The reason being that I can have things done to my liking, rather than somebody elses idea of what a car should be.

I have a pet mechanic, bodyshop and welder so I'm quite happy to take on something challenging, as long as the purchase/restoration costs end up around the same as the finished value.

ie; the MGB cost me £1800 to buy, and £1000 to get on the road, it still needs a few bits and pieces but I would imagine it'll stand me at around £3500 - a fair price I think if I chose to sell at that point.

I'm not after making money here, just enjoying some variety and focussing a portion of my income on saving nice cars and gradually getting towards that dream classic - XK150 or whatever

So what makes a nice logical step forward from an MGB? Was thinking about a TR6, or maybe a Sunbeam Alpine...

It's got to be some kind of sports car, or be EXTREMELY cool - think Citroen DS Decapitable, or Peugeot 604 Cabriolet.

What would you go for? It can't be anything too rare or specialised - I don't want to be waiting 6 months to track down a widget from a 1901 bleriot aircraft that was used in the throttle linkage for example. Reasonably simple, and cool as fap

[RichB]

KingRichard said:

I'm not after making money here, just enjoying some variety and focussing a portion of my income on saving nice cars and gradually getting towards that dream classic - XK150 or whatever

I'm assuming you don't want to spend big sums of money? I was going to suggest a TR6 or perhaps an MGC but perhaps too similar to your MGB? What about a big Healey or is that getting a bit too expensive? Wouldn't go for an Alpine, after your B you will find it too old/slow/heavy on th eother hand what about a Tiger?

[tog]

Back when they were new, my parents went from MGBs to Stags, before I came along and they got a hatchback instead

[lowdrag]

If we are talking the same budget then a Tiger or Healey is way out of reach.For the moment I can't think of a single car that has such a superb (and cheap) spares supply and which can be bought at that price and only put £1,500 into it to make it a good car. A tough one.

[Pooh]

Old TVR of some sort, maybe a 3000M?

[Nick_F]

I'm inclined to agree with Lowdrag - anything that is a measurable 'step up' from a nice MGB is going to be at least twice what you'll get for the 'B.

How about Fiat/Alfa Spider, Stag, 914, or Scimitar GTC?

[vixen1700]

MGBGTV8.

Or have a look at TVRs from 3000Ms through to Wedges and even up to Chimearas & Griffiths.

[KingRichard]

Nick_F said:

I'm inclined to agree with Lowdrag - anything that is a measurable 'step up' from a nice MGB is going to be at least twice what you'll get for the 'B.

How about Fiat/Alfa Spider, Stag, 914, or Scimitar GTC?

I don't want to start getting silly pushing the budget. I might just do a 'B roadster, or go for a tired TR6.

I do love the idea of something Italian though :dribble:

[velocemitch]

Alfa Giulia GTV, Junior or Sprint GT. a definate step up over the MG but not too far out of reach like say a Healey.

Nice example here, but there are others.

http://www.alfaholics.com/cars_for_sale_menu/road_...

I won't go on about them, there's been enough said in the classic's press recently, they are definatly on the rise at the moment... which is nice... cos I have two

[cazzer]

GT6?

[RichB]

velocemitch said:

Alfa Giulia GTV, Junior or Sprint GT. a definate step up over the MG but not too far out of reach like say a Healey.

Nice example here, but there are others.

http://www.alfaholics.com/cars_for_sale_menu/road_...

I won't go on about them, there's been enough said in the classic's press recently, they are definatly on the rise at the moment... which is nice... cos I have two

lovely...

[SB - Nigel]

Spridget

as long as you're slim and agile like me

[woodytype S]

MGA

[minimoog]

Frogeye Sprite with performance mods. Cool, sporty, etc.

Alfa Spider. Just beautiful.

[RichB]

woodytype S said:

MGA

As has been said though, you won't get stuff like roadworthy MGAs for a grand then spend another grand or so to get it ship-shape.

[KingRichard]

RichB said:

velocemitch said:

Alfa Giulia GTV, Junior or Sprint GT. a definate step up over the MG but not too far out of reach like say a Healey.

Nice example here, but there are others.

http://www.alfaholics.com/cars_for_sale_menu/road_...

I won't go on about them, there's been enough said in the classic's press recently, they are definatly on the rise at the moment... which is nice... cos I have two

lovely...

Yeah that kind of thing is nice...

Where did I say the budget was £2k?

[Rum Runner]

TVR S series car .
Quick cheap to run and maintain, very reliable as all sierra bits, sound good and only have to worry about rot in the Chassis not panels or box sections.
Best of all you don't loose money on them.
Very undervalued.

[RichB]

KingRichard said:

Where did I say the budget was £2k?

Dunno, I think we were assuming you wanted to spend similar money to your first project £1,800+£1,000

What is your budget?

[velocemitch]

Well a TR6 was in the running in the first post, so that certainly puts the budget a bit more than 2K

[KingRichard]

velocemitch said:

Well a TR6 was in the running in the first post, so that certainly puts the budget a bit more than 2K

Yeah, more like up to £5-6k with a few grand in the pot for renovation

All those suggesting TVR's, An S or a Wedge is likely as a replacement for one of my modern cars anyway - I don't really see them as classics... just sports cars really