Thinking of taking a punt

[Audicab]

I am looking around for an MGB GT. Initially I had a budget of 2-3k but at this price there seems to be some dodgy ones. I am looking for a chrome bumper one.

However the car below is on ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1971-chrome-bumper-MG-BG...

My reckoning being I could buy this if it stays around £1k and then spend another couple on it once I know what needs doing. The worst case I can break it for spares and will get some money back.

It has 12 months MOT and when I asked the seller about advisory notes he said
"Advisories were some wear is both kingpins, a slight exhaust blow, and rust in one jacking point"

But obviously none of this was bad enough to fail the MOT.

I used to enjoy tinkering with cars as a kid and this is one reason for wanting another classic, but I am far from being a mechanic.

The other problem is I am in Nottingham and the car is in Cornwall and I can't get down this weekend to view it. It would be an interesting drive back from Cornwall as well?

Am I being a fool?

Cheers

[v8250]

Audicab said:

Am I being a fool? Cheers

Yes, you're being slightly foolish. Why go all the way to Cornwall for a BGT when there are always plenty for sale closer to you? Save your money and put this into the purchase of another car. Really, for £3000 you will be able to find a good BGT that needs little doing to it.

BGT's are plentiful at the price and always available. Personally, I'd stay away from ebay when buying at this price as many are over priced. Look at what's for sale by club members within MGCC and MGOC, plus all the other online classic car sites; particularly here http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/32/mgb+gt/

Also, don't be put off with a 1976 onwards RB car. They drive brilliantly and like all B's if the suspension's good they'll buzz along comfortably all day long.

For £3000...buy a RB car as you'll get so much mmore...so what about these?

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C298105

this one's on your doorstep and only needs the wheels sorting out !! http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C309552

and here's a Roadster within price band and looks perfectly respectable
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C371695

[chormy]

Use you money to buy the best body you can find, thats where the money will go, take someone who know the B body well, coz it will cost more than you can run too if its crap and full of filler.

The mechanics are simple and plenty of cheap spares.

If theres any eveidence of rust on top or bottom of front wings walk away.

Squeeze the bottom front of the rear wings , there is a triangle of flat metal your fingers wlll feel if it flexs walk away.

New sill sections 450 a side
Bottom rear wings 100 per side
front wings 400 each 115 for GRP plus fitting two days!!
inner wing front section (hand in and uptop the mud sits on it a rots from top 100 per side
Paint etc
my early shell cost 11k to repair without new wings.

Second hand engine 100
gearbox 250
suspension 200-600 depending on how far you want to go.
Brakes 120 -250 front full overhaul rear 130

So you see where your hard earned money is better spent

PM if you need more.