Buying an MGA

I have been looking at classic cars and it seems I have inadvertently talked my father into buying an MGA. He grew up in England, and that's the car he grew up with, first car and all.

I have been leading him towards a non-original MGA (as in body panels/engine/interior) because I think he will find a better example for the money and will be less likely to worry about taking it for a drive. I know he will take a lot of pride in the car, but I don't think he should be worrying about it being all original (mainly a budget thing).

What are the price gaps between finding an all-original car and a good running example? Is an original car really worth many times over a runner?

Have any of you bought a runner and wish you had saved for the all-original car? Who has bought a collectors car and wished they could Just Go for a Drive?

I only see depreciation on the car if it's all original miles. If it's a good condition runner, I don't really see it loosing value if it's taken care of the way an old car should be. How true is this?

We've been discussing this topic on here a bit recently. Note also the poll results in the left column. Most of us would rather drive a car than coddle it with a diaper. "Original" means different things to different people. You can have an original 'survivor' car that's never been restored yet has it's share of dings and patina. You needn't be afraid of driving one of those. An over-restored car will depreciate every time you drive it. I think the most fun that can be had is from a sympathetic restoration that freshens the pretty parts and has made it reliable for regular use, but doesn't obsess over correct bolt heads and perfect panel gaps. If you are afraid to drive it, there's really no sense in owning it unless your only mission in life is to collect trophies and stare at it in the garage most days.

In reply to ddavidv: I completely agree with the response. One added point should be that one must relate the cost of the old car project to the goals of the owner. If the goal is to own and drive an MGA, then it would be far cheaper to purchase a good, non-concourse example in reliable, drivable condition than the cost of buying a basket case needing restoration (and expertise). Of course, if the goal is to have the often frustrating, but potentially rewarding experience of personally conducting or doing a restoration, then the significantly higher cost may be justifiable.

Best of luck, Dave Scotton Cape Elizabeth, Maine

I've convinced him to get a driver and that same day he found an all-original car for less than a "refreshed" car. Which probably means it's going to need new bushings and other things, although it seems to be in excellent shape. Although the car is very far away from where he lives. Which brings me to my next question.

Is there anyone in the Bay Area who would be willing to give my father a ride in their MGA? The car he is looking at is very far away, and I think it would be a great idea for him to drive one again before jumping into this. His decision to get one came up rather quickly, so I want to know that he really want's one and is not just attached to the idea of having one. Also would be great for him to meet some local MGA owners.

Also wondering if there's an active MGA forum? Is there a Bay Area Owners Club or something similar?

Thanks, James

James, having him ride it a car is a great idea and even better if he drives one.

At Monterey thsi year I was walking around the auctions with some subscribers and one of them had always wanted a MG TD. I said that I liked them to and recommended that he sit in one that was up for auction. After wedging himself into the car he decided that an early MGB might be a better idea.

A good resource for buying any classic is a car club in the area that deals with the cars in question. I would contact the Northern California MG club at their website: http://www.mgoc.org/ They will likely have a lot of people with cars in the area to assist your dad and after the purchase will offer many fun events to enjoy with the car.

As for original vs. driver that ha had some work. With a survivor MGA there is a likelihood that there is some rust. The MGA can get very expensive to get bodywork done on. A nice driver condition car that has had some work done but is nicely running and presentable is the best bet for a car you are going to use.

Also remind your dad that there is always another example out there, often in better condition and sometimes for less money. Unfortunately you often find it right after you sign a check for the one you decide on.

Current values for nice driver MGA's are at between $9,500-$18,000 depending on the car.

Here are some for sale: Los Angeles http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ctd/1418458347.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/1398479266.html

San Francisco area: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/ctd/1426040144.html

Portland: http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/1424034173.html

I hope that helps.

http://www.mgexperience.net/

http://www.britishcarforum.com/bcforum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/cfrm

http://mgaguru.com/ This guys site has just about everything about mga s available

Something to consider, as mentioned above: I too would suggest driving one before committing. Sometimes the memory is better than the reality. One of my friends who is into MGBs bought and restored a MGA. When it was done, the couple were both very disappointed in the car and sold it. It was like driving an ancient truck compared to the 'B', and they just didn't care for it, though they loved how it looked. No sense in spending tens of thousands on a car you haven't driven only to find out it's not what you thought it would be.

An option to consider that is fairly common is an MGA with an MGB engine; especially a 5 main bearing engine. Parts are easy to get for both, probably a bit easier for MGB.

Another option is to get an MGB. A very, very good chrome bumper MGB can be bought for $9k; a comparable MGA might be double that. I found my '64 MGB on www.hemmings.com from a private seller about an hour away.

I'm another one that loves everything about the A, except how it drives. I know there are many who love how they drive, but for me, the B is much nicer.

My first street-legal car was an MGA. Stll like them 40 years later.

....and, if you like these cars, try not to gag when you view ~This Video~.

Might want to turn the volume down.