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All,
Well, yesterday at 4:15 EST lil’ red rolled on to a car transport headed for Oklahoma City. The truck driver immediately fell in love with the car and said he wanted to put it up right behind the tractor so it would be protected. Nice. I have to admit there was a definite heart tug.
On the positive side, this was a smooth EBay transaction (Yes, Mark, they do happen every once in a while!
). Nice guy, good communication, checks cleared, and I think he’ll be happy with his purchase. I always loved the car.The S2000 is just a whole different car with smooth power, creature comforts, actual side windows, power roof, etc. but there’s something to that “pioneer” feel of driving that MG, knowing you might get wet at any moment, the ability to reach back and actually touch the rear tire, or hold on to the running board while driving! Man, I had a blast with that car.
To paraphrase Paul Simon, ‘Preserve your memories, there all that’s left you’ and to paraphrase the other Paul, Hope to see all of you down the road!!
Rich
All,
Thanks for the feedback guys. This should give you an idea about the resale value of your vehicles, should you ever decide to part with them. Mine is a nice mid-class replica that went for over $6k. I know that it doesn’t hold a candle to many of the cars I have seen on this site. I think the V6 got a lot of attention, but I also think the straight forward, honest approach helps as well. Lots of pictures, a little (real) background and history seems to play well with the bidders. There is a market out there for sure. I had 22 bids, including TD Replica club members. These cars are 25+ year old replicas or 60ish year old designs that looked dated the day they rolled off the assembly line. There is nothing else like them. The originals (apologies to the purists) are under powered, over priced, and electrically and mechanically inferior to most replicas. These cars, replicas or not, NEVER fail to draw attention. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the S2000. There is really no comparison to the MG replica. But, the Replica has a feel to it that cannot compare to any modern vehicle. I am truly going to miss this car.
Also, (Mark, I know you have a different opinion) my EBay experience has been very positive. I guess there are ways to manipulate any system and EBay is no exception, so I will not attempt to defend it. All I can say is that I have had very positive buying experiences and a few have been challenges, but all have worked out. I have not found a better and faster way to reach bidders.
All the best guys. I will still check in from time to time.
Thanks,
Rich
All,
Hope Johann isn’t reading this ’cause I told him I parked it for him, but I had to take it for one more short nostalgic back road ride. That car is still Sweeeet! Hope he enjoys it as much as I did! If you’re reading this Johann, I was VERRRY gentle!
Still hate to see it go
, but I’m happy with the sale price
,Thanks to you all!
Rich
Prologue,
My car sold for just over $6K. A very fair price for a nice car. It will be travelling from Mass. to Oklahoma City. Hope Johann decides to join you guys!
I did put in a sincere pitch for TDReplica.com in my ad. You guys have been great!
Thanks,
Rich
Hi,
This is one really beautiful car!! I tried to research to see if it ever sold. No info. Anyone know the story? Just curious to see what a top of the line replica could get. These Allisons in some ways look better than the originals!
Rich
To Edsnova
Definitely a selling point! I added the photo to the EBay ad with a little explanation and a ‘plug’ for this site.
Thanks!
Rich
Wow,
My little Red is Miss January!!!! I have been away for a while but this is the car now for sale on EBay. That was a nice early photo after the initial clean up and detailing. Glad I got to see it and Nice Job!!!!!
Rich
Yeah, I looked at the photos in your gallery and I see what you mean about the extreme angle. I don’t know much about the London Roadster kit. The FiberFab kit is sort of your “everyman’s” basic replica. I always liked it, but when I compare it to something like “Ringo’s” Classic Roadster Duchess, I am humbled. It won’t command the money that his car would (if he was ever willing to part with it), but it is a LOT of fun and has been VERY reliable.
The 2.8 liter V-6 is perfect for the size of this car. The 4 speed is actually geared right and with the extra power that “feeling like you need to downshift” just goes away. It has been a GREAT ride. I’ll be sad to see it go
Rich
RichBelfay40696.8013078704
Paul,
I had just put my Dad’s old Antique plate on it while I was still working on it and before I registered it in 2009. It is now registered as a regular passenger car. Mass. has it a Make of “COMP” short for Composite Vehicle.
Rich
All,
Yeah, the V6 is a very nice engine for this light car.
Mark, not sure I could do anything now that I have a bonafide EBay bid on the car.
BTW, the S2000 is Gran Prix White! I still have my Acura 3.5 RL too. Something just has to go, and the MG was the most obvious choice. MGLondonRoadster, I agree both are very fun and different rides. I worked on the MG all day last Saturday, and when I wasn’t detailing it I was driving it. It is a different ride and as much as I love the S2000, the MG just has that “road” feel that is fun and different. The ride position (pretty much everything above your waistline is up in the air) makes a big difference to visibility and feel. The Mustang II drive train (particularly the Rack/Pinion steering and Coil/Over Shocks) really make this a very nice handling car. Certainly not as tight as the S2000, but great on the back road curves. If I could come up with any rational reason to keep both, I would have.
Thanks for the feedback.
Rich
Hi Guys,
My car is now listed on EBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem& ;item=150612786622
I’ve started in at $3500. If you know of anyone that is looking, this is a very nice car (not as nice as some other members’ cars, but not bad!)
I’d like to see it go to a nice home and I know it has many hours of fun left in it!
All the Best!
Rich
Paul,
Actually, you can do a compression test on #4, but the result will be ZERO lbs.
. Sorry, couldn’t resist.Rich
Hi Paul,
Probably an obvious one, but have you pulled the plugs? My experience with VWs is dated but extensive. The most common engine failure I encountered was “swallowing a Valve head” This is clearly a worst case scenario in which the top of the valve breaks off destroying the spark plug and compression chamber and eventually driving a hole through the top of the piston. Let’s hope that’s not it, but simply removing and examing the plugs is proof positive.
Good Luck!!
Rich
Welcome aboard Rick!
Good luck with your shopping. The advice from Larry and James is right on the button. My research shows the same results.
I was lucky enough to buy my replica locally from the original builder for $1500.!!!! Now, it had had been garaged and had not been started for 6 years and had a busted Clutch cable (new one was included!). Had to be towed to my friends garage where I could nurse it back to health. So far I’ve put over 7000 miles on it and it has cost me a lot of fun work time, an oil change, $60 for a new battery, $35 for an alternator and $54 for a starter (but I get $12 refunded when I send the old one back!)
Let’s hope you can find THAT kind of deal!
Rich
Geoff,
Sounds like a bargain! I’m hoping to hear positive reports soon. We had a short warm spell the first week of April and I had mine out of mothballs for the first major rides. A few sputters and skips, but now she’s running fine. Great fun!!
Rich
All,
I guess this could’ve been in added to the “first ride of the season” forum as well. We had a little late winter thaw this weekend and I took the opportunity to get the little red machine out of hibernation. Replace the cranky starter, finally and took her for a few short rides. She’s running like crap, but I think that’s pretty typical of winter doldrums and storage conditions. Sputtering sure felt “electrical” as it seems to go from 4 to 5 to 6 to 5 cylinders firing. I’m sure it’s not big deal. Sure was nice to get back behind the wheel. Still a little brisk, and I definitely saw my shadow, so at least 6 more weeks. Like to hear about any other first rides of the new season, especially from us “northerners”
All the best for the 2010 season!!
Rich
Hey James,
Winter has taken over here in New England. Snow and wind are the order of the day.
We’ve decided to just give in to the bad weather up here, and have resorted to playing Hockey in our Baseball Park!! Pretty cool stuff seeing the Bruins play AND WIN!! at Fenway on New Years Day!
All the best to you, your family and all of the loyal contributors to the TD Replica forum.
Rich
Geoff,
Wow, didn’t even get a chance to respond, but I got replacements at the local AutoZone for about what Paul said. They’re cheap and mine started to ‘craze’ so I replaced them last spring. Can’t wait ’til this spring.
Happy New Year to all!
Rich
Geoff,
She looks Great!! Love the license plate too.
Must be enjoying the weather now. Probably perfect for evening rides. Mine is safely tucked away for a cold winter’s nap!
Enjoy!
Rich
Richard and All,
Very nice car AND Garage!!!
I’ve been off the air for a while, focused on combatting the wicked “recession” and putting food on the table.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!! Can’t wait to get the little red machine back on the road this spring.
Rich
Hi,
Looks like some nice work and progress!
Looking at the photos, that gas tank cover sure looks like the one on my “ford” kit. It has a round disk with a raised area in the center to mount the spare. That disk bolts to through holes around the large openingn shown in your photo. Just wondering if you might have a Ford or Chevy based cover. I think the VW based ones would have been deeper to accommodate the tall engine.
Rich
