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MG TD TF 1500 - off subject but need advice

I'm normally pretty dedicated and don't stray. I've had this relationship with my TF that's been solid and rewarding. But........there is a possible 2nd sleek number that's cought my eye. I think many of us look but don't touch.
A 1973 E type Jag convertible may be available for about $9K. Been in storage for a while (several years) no real rot or rust. Doesn't run. My question is "is it worth the gamble" at $9K.
I'm feeling weak.

Peter 54 TF
Peter Dahlquist

If it's reasonably complete and not rusty, I don't think that you can get hurt. I would think that you should be able to get your money out if you get cold feet. If you intend to restore it, however, it will cost a king's ransom! It will make a T-type restoration pale by comparison. Personally, if I was in the market for a Jag project, I would hold out for an earlier 6 cylinder car, which I think is much more desirable and re-saleable.
Steven Tobias

One thing to take into consideration on a Jag, especially a V12 is cost of engines grows big time. Valve setting by a shop can run 2 grand or more. Jags are nice but be prepared to spend big if something is wrong.
Tom Maine (TD8105)

Get on Jag-Lovers.org and download Kirby Palm's book on the V12. It can get very expensive very fast if it has or had overheating issues, and the distributor clean and lube thing MUST be addressed posthaste. No discussion, they all need it. That one can burn the car down besides totaling the engine.
Also, you had better be really comfortable doing electrical diagnosis and repair, though this one will not be as bad as later EFI cars.

FRM
FR Millmore

Peter, I've been there - and in the words of Monty Python: "Run away, run away fast!"

Series 1, 1.5, and 2 are much simpler cars and by Series 2, were really well sorted out. Our Series III was a disaster with problems starting from Strombergs that never stayed synched to electrical to a sunroof track that never stayed put - the list went on from there.

Steven's right - wait for an earlier six. The initial cost will be more expensive [but a good driver can still be had for mid-20's or so] but in the long run will be MUCH cheaper.

Dave
Dave Jorgensen

You don't say what you plan to do with it. If you want to restore it, consider the $9k about a 8% to 10% down payment. Depending on the quality of restoration, you'll probably lose $20k to $30k when it comes time to sell. The Series 1 cars will sometimes recoup their restoration expenses, but not the Series 3 cars.

If you just want a driver, you'd be ahead of the game buying a shabby, but running car and pay $7k to $10k more.

I've got a Series 1 myself and I have owned a v12 XJS, so I can confirm what others have said above.
David Littlefield

BTW, I noticed you are in Virginia. Is this the '73 that is subject of the IRS auction?
David Littlefield

I owned a series 1 coupe for 10 years....If you shop, you can still find these , under $25K, which would be a better restoration investment in the long run, and MUCH simpler , and MUCH cheaper to restore, IMHO...
Stay clear of the 12's, unless you are a mechanical genius, and have a bottomless wallet.....As far as resale, there is virtually no market.
Edward
E.B. Wesson

Thanks everyone. I'm not going to go further. It was cheap lust any way.
It is an IRS auction in my home town.
http://www.treasury.gov/auctions/irs/wava_auto_5305.htm#contactPosition
I might attend but bring my wife to control me.
Men do stupid things and I've already hit my quota a few years ago.

Peter 54TF (and loyal)
Peter Dahlquist

That car has an interesting owner. If you have some time Google P. Jay Fetner. I wonder if his polo ponies are going to be auctioned off, as well? :)
David Littlefield

He was/is part of the Middleburg/Upperville/ThePlaines horse farm bunch. Could be he tried to compete in the Fleishmans/Stroh/Busch/Melon croud. Pretty heavy money there.
Peter Dahlquist

End of story.
30 people showed up and the car sold for $25K. It had not run for a few years and was quite dirty. Few pretty deep scratches on the bonnet. Top was ripped. Body work and paint reasonable. Done by a standard every day body shop.
Peter Dahlquist

Hahaha....good luck to the new owner....
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

Funny, I stopped by the local carwash yestday and they had a S.3 V12 Etype for sale.

It looked great (even though white is not my favorite car color [understatement]). They said the ask was just reduced to $40k. I am sure you can have it for $35k, just 10k more than the subject above!

Tempting, but I know the six cylinder cars are the keepers.

Mark Sherman
Mark A. Sherman

This thread was discussed between 22/06/2011 and 30/06/2011

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