It's a shame , but the GT's are worth FAR less than the convertibles . They're really a better "feeling" car , due to the stiffness added by the (non-removable) roof . A fully restored GT might be worth 7 or 8 grand (like Brian said) , where as a similarly restored convertible could bring 10 to 12 grand . Now , in order to get a $12,000 convertible , expect to spend almost 20 grand
, if it needs to be restored . We've had customers spend MORE that the big 2-0 already , restoring their cars . You've gotta be planning on KEEPING the thing if you go with the "ground-up" approach , because there's no room for resale mark-up . The job we do on a full restoration puts the car in an "as new" condition , with a FULLY restored shell (done on our special "jig" , in your choice color (int/ext) , fresh motor/trans (build to spec - more $$ for hot setup) , fully restored suspension ... you get the idea . It's a MAJOR deal . Even with the big $$ pricetag on that service , we've got people knocking down the door to get their cars restored . We've restored other cars too , like Minis , MG-TDs , different Triumphs , Sprites/Midgets , and even a concours Datsun Z-car . MGBs are still our "specialty" ... if you can call it that
.
These cars can be made to go
fast , but that's all relative . I mean , it'll never be a Ferrari , but it could be quicker than you average MGB . My boss vintage races an MGB , and that sucker is pretty fast , but you'd never want to drive it on the street . It would be a pain to drive , not to mention (expensive) motor rebuilds every 10-15 hrs
. Things like a mildly worked head , quality headers and
side-draft Weber carbs help with HP numbers , but will drain your wallet during the process .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Allen
