Warning.... (something on eBay)

Post by **pfgiz** » Sat May 16, 2009 8:56 am

Is anyone here blind bidding on this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0410898110

I've seen it. It's got a nice engine and has potential, but will require a full restoration.
I would like to think that no one here would bid on it without going to see it but just incase there is, be aware this is not a 'patch it and get it MOT'ed' purchase.

I was tempted when it sat at £100 but at this price, in the words of Duncan Bannatyne, "I'm out"

Post by **superchargedfool** » Sat May 16, 2009 9:14 am

Does look awfully expensive at anything over £200 and I am being generous.

Post by **Cam** » Sat May 16, 2009 11:57 am

Over £300 now and no pictures of the underside.

Looks like one to steer clear of unless you are one of our resident restoration nutcases - YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!

Post by **PSL184** » Sat May 16, 2009 12:13 pm

Not a leather interior either as stated in the description....

Post by **pfgiz** » Sat May 16, 2009 1:22 pm

PSL184 wrote:Not a leather interior either as stated in the description....

As one who has seen it I can vouch for a very vinyl look so no leather there I’m afraid.

The engine does sound nice though, when it’s warmed up. No blue smoke, but did need fuel throwing down the air intake of the carb to get it to fire initially. Never seen that needed before even on an 18 year barn find with a gravity fed ‘fuel system’ (basically a plastic tank directly feeding the float chamber via a bit of fuel tube).

I think the biggest no-no for me was the rear bumper which, although secured to the bumper irons, was not part of the body. Mainly due to a hole on the passenger side rear wheel arch / boot floor that my son could climb through.

If you’re looking for a restoration this could be great, but I wouldn’t pay this for it. Scary that the reserve isn’t met, what are these things worth these days, not having bought one for a while?

Post by **aupickup** » Sat May 16, 2009 1:25 pm

but may be better than some restos i have seen on the board

Post by **pfgiz** » Sat May 16, 2009 1:31 pm

Yes indeed. It's not the worst I've ever seen.... It's all there, gears engage without crunching and pulls away in as it should. Mechanically it's a good buy.

Post by **jonathon** » Sat May 16, 2009 1:35 pm

Blimey your'e a tight lot

If indeed the only major fault is the hole as described by Peter then at its reserve price its a good buy.
Compare it to the wrecks that some folk resurect and the cost of major welding and this little chap is very worth while bidding on.

Post by **aupickup** » Sat May 16, 2009 1:46 pm

Post by **PSL184** » Sat May 16, 2009 1:51 pm

At least that hole as described is an easy area to repair - I'd rather do that than spring hangers, chassis legs, crossmember

Post by **pfgiz** » Sat May 16, 2009 2:34 pm

Incidentally, the cross member looked sound. It had been replaced at some point as had the floor. Inside under the carpet was heavily Hammer-righted but the sills and trailing areas of the front wings looked like they needed some work, the passenger side more than the drivers. It had all been undersealed but felt spongy.

I'm not dissing the car. Like I said at £100 I was tempted, I just think there's a lot of work and unknowns for this sort of money. Am I right in thinking such things as £50 Minors are a thing of the past..?? If I think back down my list I must have been given two. Does this still happen?
I was thinking of using it to make a convertible, something I've always toyed with but never yet done in the hope that a good tourer would eventually come my way. So I checked and the A posts seem solid, the driver door looks like it's dropped, but it's the bottom hinge that's worn and not movement in the structure.

Am I stuck in the 90's and need to see the world a-new and understand that a £50 Minor is now £500..??

My point still is they should picture it accurately. If I was to pay over £300+ for it thinking it was ‘sound with a leather interior’ and came to collect it I would be disappointed. Does that make me wrong?

Post by **aupickup** » Sat May 16, 2009 2:54 pm

stuck in the 90`s

i am stuck in 1971 could buy a 5 year old moggie for £200.00

Post by **jonathon** » Sat May 16, 2009 3:45 pm

Pete, I think the £50 Minors are still about, even free ones , but this is at the discretion of the owner. If selling, then yes, I'd say £500 will buy you a project car.
Personally if I were buying any car I'd go and see it before bidding a penny on it, unless you are willing to take the risk.
Sometimes too some folk just do not know how to present their cars in an advert, this could be seen as devious to some as has been indicated here , but occasionally folk should be given some slack especially as they have included several photos which clearly indicate the cars condition and seat type, or at least give enough information on which to decide that you are going to make a bit.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat May 16, 2009 8:46 pm

The only 'mistake' in the advert is the 'leather seat' claim - otherwise it's quite honestly pictured and described! I'm sure folks from Oswestry are all very honest - my TR7 came from there - bought blind on ebay - and it's been fine ! However - I do agree that the 'reserve' at £400 is definitely on the high side!