How Not to Downsize
We have all heard of the term “downsize”. More recently than in the past. For me it means the number of MGAs that I own.
I did my first frame on restoration back in the 1980’s. I had a lot of fun and met a bunch of great people in the world of MGs.
I thought I would like to work on MGAs when I retire. If so I better start buying them now because if I wait till I retire I won’t be able to find them. It is kind of a long story but over time I was able to collect eighteen cars that I thought could be rebuilt and eight parts cars. I am now sixty seven and retired for five years. During that time I did two frame up restorations and one frame on restoration with the help of a good friend and body man and have kept the three MGAs that I drive in running order. I also go to work every day because my children took over my business and I now work for them.
The first thing people ask is where do you keep them all. Well I was in the trucking business and each time I would get three I would buy an old trailer and store the cars in these old trailers. I also bought two sea land containers for storage of the ones that ran. During the past five years I sold six cars. Three were restored and three were sold unrestored. I also scrapped six of the parts cars. EBAY is a great way to sell cars. You never have to deal with the people you sell the cars to. I have sold two to NAMGAR members. One that is known as the Chicken car and if we are lucky we might see it at GT-40. The other NAMGAR member keeps coming back for some kind of warranty on the car I sold him six years ago. I guess I did not explain the warranty when I sold him the car.
The last car I sold was a right hand drive 1960 MGA that we did a frame up restoration on. I think it turned out very nice. The problem is that when I sold it I took two basket case MGAs on trade. That is not the way to downsize. For some reason I just can’t pass the cars up. So after selling one car I now have thirteen. I am not actively looking for MGAs but when I run across one it sure is hard to pass it up. I have been told it is a disease called MG-bola. It is not deadly but it can be costly.
Comment by: Robert A Pilat Jr
Great story,,,,,,, I think you posted this story in the namgar mag, , a few years ago , the pictures you had were great ,keep saving them ,,,,thanks again Rap
Comment by: Jerry J Hudrlik
It sure is great to have projects to keep us young. Now if spring would just show up I could get back on my back under the car’
Jerry
Comment by: George M. Kress
Well I guess I still have the sickness. Saw an A on Craig’s list about 125 miles from home. Took a ride and brought it home. This one had more value in the new parts that were bought about 5 years ago to restore the car. The only thing done was to tear it apart. I sometimes wonder how many of these things are sitting around in someone’s garage. I bet there are a lot of them. The main reason I went to look at the car was that it was sitting outside for about two months and someone had to do something for the car.
Comment by: Michael Vestal
Hi Frank. I owned a 47 MGTC and never should have sold it…great little car that sure could have used a few more horses….the thing was a hoot to drive, but the A’s stole my heart…great car with barely enough juice to stay out of trouble. I owned several “B’s” and although stronger, stiffer and synchromesh in 1st…, the “A’s” have it. I also got into BMWs in the early 80s starting with a 5 speed 733i. I expected to keep it for a few months and trade it…but no….I finally sold it for $1,500 after storing it for about 5 or 6 years with the idea of a complete rebuild and repaint …it had almost 300,000 miles on it…now I have an 850 six speed with just 84,000 miles sitting there…and a nice 94 325 ic…sitting there too…going back to the earth…
Merry Christmas all….
Comment by: Frank Bice
Omigosh! I thought I would be able to stop at three MGs, but now I’m beginning to wonder. I’m currently building a new garage for our most recent acquisition, a ’54 MGTF. All three cars are drivers, which is a good thing because even tho I’m retired, with 8 grandkids, I haven’t had time to “play” with any of my cars for several weeks!
Frank
Comment by: Colin Tyrell
George,
It is a sickness for sure. Whatever it may be called… I think I share the same illness.
Rest assured it can be cured… but be prepared to not have any more fun!
Thanks for the article… made my day!
Comment by: George M. Kress
Michael, I do not know what to tell you. I wonder what will happen to all the valuable things I have collected along the way. I can tell you that unless I think I will need the part I almost give it to another NAMGAR member.
Comment by: Michael Vestal
George, I bought the old Bighouse MGA racer back in the 1980s along with a parts car, a complete in-process restoration and tubs full
Of parts. The cars still sit in our barn having zero time because of other priorities.
Now I’m also 70 and haven’t lost interest in the marque just know I’m running out of time. Do you have a suggestion how to clear out the cats and parts without giving them away ?
Comment by: Peter & Anne Tilbury
Great story George. We know you are not the only one out there with the “disease”. We would like to hear from others.