- Appraisals
Many years of experience as a licensed dealer allows us to provide accurate information on replacement value for insurance and estate puroposes.
The rarest and most desirable of post war T Series MGs with only 3,400 built (compared to 29,000 MG TDs). Its 1466cc XPEG engine offering lively performance coupled to the car's superb road manners.
This car, a rust free older restoration, is in great condition. Old English White (looks great but a closer examination shows some 'age' cracks in the paint....a 'ten footer?') with green leather and tan canvas top and tonneau, wire wheels, excellent drive train (160-`170 psi compression in every cylinder, 70 psi oil pressur,e no smoke, PERFECT running, and seems to be unusually quick), folding windshield, a great classic sports car for show, country roads, and appreciation.
We were going to repaint the car but every time I walked by it, I thought 'will it really make it a better car?' An estimate from our painter is $3,500 in any color....a prospective buyer's choice?
Painted or not painted, it is a genuinely good TF 1500. Not 'gutless' as in earlier T Series MGs...this car really goes. And with its beautiful chrome, wire wheels, lovely patina, and high degree of originality, a grear 'driver' and wonderful collector's piece.
Tho' I am a 'Morgan guy' and generally look down on their MG cousins, the TF1500 is a worthy competitor. While slower, it still has what I would characterize as 'lively performance.' And FAR better steering, ride, handling, and comfort. Fairly similar in looks but the MG wins (by a long shot) in the detail category. Really impressive for a car that was rather inexpensive when new. Those cute octagonal gauges, individually adjustable seats, starting crank, adjustable steering column, finned light alloy oil sump, precise rack and pinion steering...the TF1500 has a lot of virtues.
Add a pair of Brooklands racing screens and it is hard to imagine a better all around classic sports car for winding New England roads.
Inventory Number: NE-1955-2
Quite an interesting history.............
Sometime in early 1970s, this Lotus 51 Formula Ford received a transplant with the removal of its original 1600cc Ford engine and Renault gearbox, replaced with a Lotus twin cam engine and Hewland Mk 8 transaxle.
No documented history until the late 1980s when the last owner rebuilt the engine with a Cosworth steel crankshaft and Cosworth steel con rods. The head, off a 1972 Lotus Europa Twin Cam Special, was race prepared by Quicksilver engine services, fitted with race cams, gas flowed, fitted with a beautiful set of stainless steel exhaust pipes, wide Revolution alloy wheels and run as a Formula Atlantic!
Yeah, its true. Even have the SCCA log book showing it as a Formula Atlantic. And was the 1988 MARRS Formula Atlantic champion.
Run in 1987 and 1988, retired and kept nicely stored in a workshop (with occasional runs down country roads in rural Maryland), came into our possession in excellent running order. 80 psi oil pressur,e no smoke, starts instantly and runs perfectly.
All the right stuff is there....alloy fuel tank, oil cooler, dry sump equipment fitted, extra wheels, and all in the most beautiful of Formula Fords. Or, alternatively, one of the slowest Formula Atlantics!
Whatever it is, it IS a real Lotus Formula Car, doesn't look like it was ever damaged, could use some detailing and updating BUT seems ready to go (as far as testing if not competitive racing). I guess the choice is to run it the way it is, sell the all steel twin cam to fnance a decent original 1600cc crossflow, or?
Or...........fit new tires and drive it the way it is. Always an option. But would be a very exciting historic race car with (as a rough guess) maybe 150, 160 or 170 hp. In a VERY light (and beautiful) formila car.
AM number is 109 and Chasiss number L51A FF 111
AND...............what a deal.............buy it now and can include, in the price, a nearly new set of proper treaded vintage race Avon race tires, a variery of spare parts, and a complete 1600 Cortina engine with Weber and manifold, suitable for reconversion of this car back to Formula Ford.
Inventory Number: NE-1969-7
We have been fortunate to have raced at Le Circuit at Tremblant, Quebec,
in the Laurentian mountains. Ran at Bobby Rahal’s Legencs event in the
Mallock, just managed to squeeze into 2nd place on the last corner of
the last lap when ‘punted’ off the track by a 600hp Shelby
GT350…finished 4th overall and won the B/Sports-racing class. And
recently, did the Fall Classic at the same venue….against smaller, more
genteel driven sports and racing cars, finished 1st in all three
races…and in the last, came within a few seconds of lapping the entire
field.
A beautiful 'period' sports/racer in excellent condition having undergone an essentially concours quality restoration.
Perfectly documented history and provenance, EVERY bill of sale through this car's history from the importer in Ithaca NY to the original dealer in Buffalo NY, each owner (six in total), through the last owner. who purchased the car in 1968 and owned it 'till now.
Last race at Elkhart Lake in 1966, owner since 1968 did a thorough disassembly, restoration including powered coated chassis, new internal aluminum panels, rebuilt suspension and brake, beautifully restored body. Original Climax FWA engine (yes, numbers match from new) was disassembled and examined, reassembled with new gaskets. Runs great. And yes, we drove it around our neighborhood....everything worked fine. Even the headlights work!
DeDion rear suspension with inboard drum brakes, huge front finned drum, wire wheels, 'LeMans' style headrest, front brake air ducting, original chassis plate, an easy to drive and race vintage race suitable for ANY race group in the US or Canada (or anywhere else for that matter).
Of course, needs updating to be used for competition, all work we are amply familiar in doing. A quick list might include: new racing belts, battery cut off switch, new Dunlop vintage race tires, plexi windshiled, mirrors. For a higher degree of safety, adding a better roll bar, converting the original alloy fuel tank to a foam filled fuel cell, maybe an Accusump oiling system, on and on. All relatively small things to bring it up to 2012 tech and use standards.
But the rest of the work has all been done. And the photos show this better than I could ever describe.
Considering the current going price of Lotus XIs of similar specification, Climax engine, DeDion suspension, etc, this car will sell for half the price. Or less.
Call for details
Inventory Number: NE-1959-22
$38500
1959 Lotus 7 Series 1
...super competitive, race prepared 7.
READY TO RACE COMPETITIVELY............VARA/SVRA/VSCCA/HSR/CASC/VARAC eligible car....currently with VSCCA and CASC log books. Former Canadian (CASC) champion, winner of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, well placed at Lime Rock Vintage Festival events, two second place finishes at the Meadowbrook Historic races.
Restored in 1987, continuously updated and improved, never bent. Excellent tubular space frame chassis, polished alloy body with cycle fenders and polished alloy tonneau.
Two races on virtual state of the art 948 BMC engine, bored to 1027cc, forged high compression pistons, 1300 rods, steel billet crank, aluminum flywheel, full race cam, expensively ported and polished big valve 1275 head, race prepared (bored and polished) H1 SUs, headers, balanced, baffled sump, rim flow valves, 1275 competition clutch, 100 REAL horsepower with a very wide torque band. NOT a peaky race engine.
Straight cut, close ratio trans, 4.22 and 4.55 diffs (for long or short courses), special racing hardened axle shafts, updated roll bar, fuel cell, dual master brake cylinders, new racing harnesses, etc. etc.....
Wire wheels (60 spoke) with Dunlop vintage race tires
Optical ignition system, oil cooler, quick disconnect battery plug, elec cooling fan, Spax adjustable shocks at all four corners, straight pipe and muffler (for Lime Rock muffled events)..........the list of specifications goes on and on.
WHAT A CAR! Believe me, I know. Having owned a sister car for thirty years.
Add a windshield, charging system, and some road tires and have either another road sports car in your collection OR use the public highways for some 'free race testing.' Hey, at the cost of a test day at Lime Rock, saving two track days pays for all of the road equipment!
Years ago, I actually drove my 7 to Lime Rock (a 80 mile trip), took of the windshield, ran and event (and won!) and drove home. Something you simply cannot do with a pure race car ("no, officer, I must have left the fenders, lights, and windshield for my Caldwell D9 Formula Ford...at home")...and a modest prepared road car that has some race equipment isn't gonna go as fast as this well prepared 7.
ONE OF ONLY 242 built...a real piece of history. Yet one easily serviced and maintained (hard to believe...a rusted out early Sprite would be able to provide, for this car, a rebuildable engine, trans, back axle, carbs, starter, generator, gauges, electrics, hydraulics, etc....AND you could sell the hood, trunk, seats, windshield, etc. to recoupe your investment...I know, I once did exactly that for my own 7). Amazing, isn't it?
This is a rare opportunity for someone in racing...to go faster. Or for someone to start being involved in this wonderful hobby. Safe, fast, road capable (this car even has current road registration), and simply beautiful.
Inventory Number: NE-1959-2
1954 Hudson Metropolitan
$8500
What an odd car BUT what an adorable car. Odd and adorable.
Conceived by The Nash Motor Company in 1950 as a small 'round town "woman's" car for errands, back and forth to school or work, and an attempt to offer American drivers an economical alternative to the huge cars of its era.
Finding it less expensive to contract the construction to an outside supplier, BMC in England was given the task. An early example of an American auto manufacturer having a 'captive import.' With the overall design to be aimed for (radical at the time) a family's "second car."
(I think I would have prefered one of its contemporaries like an MG TF, a TR2, a Healey 100-4 or...kind of obvious if you look at the rest of our inventory. However, none of them seat four.)
But this car DOES seat four, it is rather cute, it runs and drives quite nicely, and it certainly draws a crowd. While most of the Metropolitans were sold under the 'Nash' nameplate, some were sold as 'Hudsons' and others under their exclusive and generic 'Metropolitan' name.
Our car: body passed the 'kitchen magnet' test for plastic filler, paint is either VERY old or original, has a few chips that could easily be touched up with a brush and looks quite good.......its original 1200cc Austin A40 engine doesn't miss a beat. Oil pressure light goes out immediately and doesn't come back on, even on a hot day at low idle. No smoke when starting or running, and performance? Lets just say all 42 of its English horses are running nicely.
Tranmission, three on the column, works well, clutch does not slip, brakes work well, can see new front and rear shocks, exhaust is quiet, top is okay, tonneau is home made and could use replacement, interior is also okay and certainly usable, all original trim, chrome, details are very well preserved.
Wha to do? I think if I was going to retain this car in my collection, I would install a new matching set of white walls, have a new tonneau made, touch up the paint, add seat belts, and not much else. For the money, what else can one buy that is SO unusual, SO adorable and SO weird?
An odd bird in an odd world of collector's cars and just about ideal for a rare classic that seats four, the top goes down, is in pretty good overall condition, DOESN'T need paint or any mechanical work, and is the perfect car to drive to the beach. And suitable for low key shows....you decide...a foreign or domestic car? Sort of a bit of both.
Conceived by The Nash Motor Company in 1950 as a small 'round town "woman's" car for errands, back and forth to school or work, and an attempt to offer American drivers an economical alternative to the huge cars of its era.
Finding it less expensive to contract the construction to an outside supplier, BMC in England was given the task. An early example of an American auto manufacturer having a 'captive import.' With the overall design to be aimed for (radical at the time) a family's "second car."
(I think I would have prefered one of its contemporaries like an MG TF, a TR2, a Healey 100-4 or...kind of obvious if you look at the rest of our inventory. However, none of them seat four.)
But this car DOES seat four, it is rather cute, it runs and drives quite nicely, and it certainly draws a crowd. While most of the Metropolitans were sold under the 'Nash' nameplate, some were sold as 'Hudsons' and others under their exclusive and generic 'Metropolitan' name.
Our car: body passed the 'kitchen magnet' test for plastic filler, paint is either VERY old or original, has a few chips that could easily be touched up with a brush and looks quite good.......its original 1200cc Austin A40 engine doesn't miss a beat. Oil pressure light goes out immediately and doesn't come back on, even on a hot day at low idle. No smoke when starting or running, and performance? Lets just say all 42 of its English horses are running nicely.
Tranmission, three on the column, works well, clutch does not slip, brakes work well, can see new front and rear shocks, exhaust is quiet, top is okay, tonneau is home made and could use replacement, interior is also okay and certainly usable, all original trim, chrome, details are very well preserved.
Wha to do? I think if I was going to retain this car in my collection, I would install a new matching set of white walls, have a new tonneau made, touch up the paint, add seat belts, and not much else. For the money, what else can one buy that is SO unusual, SO adorable and SO weird?
An odd bird in an odd world of collector's cars and just about ideal for a rare classic that seats four, the top goes down, is in pretty good overall condition, DOESN'T need paint or any mechanical work, and is the perfect car to drive to the beach. And suitable for low key shows....you decide...a foreign or domestic car? Sort of a bit of both.
Inventory Number: NE-1954-11
Restoring a classic car is quite laborious and it can take a few months.
You have to scour car part dealers and other car shops for the perfect
restoration solution. Restoring your classic car is definitely more
painstaking than modifying a classic car with new mechanical parts. Once
you’ve successfully restored your classic car, the satisfaction and joy
can be indescribable.
Elan +2
1953 MG TD $19500
Okay, not original but a wonderful car for those who put 'better' before 'original.'
An otherwise excellent TD, very nice black and gray (a few hardly noticeable blemishes) paint, all new interior, rare 15" wire wheels (the conversion to wire wheels costs around $4,000+), excellent chrome, very good top, new tonneau, new cloth covered wiring harness, brakes done, new exhaust....a long list of recent work done.
BUT........fitted with a rebuilt 1500cc MGA B Series engine and 'box. Well, at least it is an MG engine if not the correct engine for this application. But with 75 ore more hp and tons of torque, gives this TD a lot more performance, FAR more flexibility, and is far less expensive to maintain and rebuild (should the engine and trans ever need work).
In fact,, due to the installation (which involved very little chassis modification), one who wants even more power can simply drop in a 1.8 liter MGB engine with, say, 100hp and really zoooooooooom.
We have, over the years, sold a lot of TD conversion cars. Those who long for originality generally turn up their noses over a car such as this. But there are always a good number of potential buyers who say 'wow, that is EXACTLY what I would have done.' And lets face it, this car is way up on the collector's 'food chain' compared to a fiberglass TD replica with a VW engine ticking away in the trunk.
In fact, unless you know T series MGs, one would never be aware of the conversion. After all, it IS a proper MG engine and, in fact, the appearance of this engine was a mere two years after the last MG TD was built. And the mere installation of a nice alloy rocker cover with MG emblazoned on the top would satsify most.
The gearbox is far more robust than the original, same with the engine. ANd if the bonnet is left closed, who would know?
On the road...accelerates like a VERY well tuned MG TF 1500 or MGA. Gearbox is fantastic with excellent synchromesh action, quiet operation, and a precise 'feel.' Exellent ride, handling, and steering.
If you like the style of the classic 'TD' you will love how this car goes.
Elan Knockoff Wheels
 | Like new pin drive knock off wheels for an Elan. Superfluous to my needs. |
Rodents party hearty in your classic car
Rats and mice find a million ways to celebrate your generosity.
They'll find their way in under the car hood or through the air duct. Then they'll leave a urine trail so that they can find their way home when they leave. If they're in the ducts, you'll need to replace the entire duct system.
Rodents will shred your vehicle or car headliner or seat cushions to make their nests soft for those romantic evenings and the resultant litters. A mouse couple can create 15,000 babies, grandbabies, and great-grandbabies in one year — in your car's back seat.
Rodents have to constantly gnaw on hard things. If they don't, their teeth grow so uneven that the rodent can't chew and dies malnourished. Mice and rats manicuring their teeth can destroy a vehicle or cars entire wiring harness or computer system overnight.
3 proven ways to drive off mice & rats this winter from your stored classic car
Here are 3 safe, easy ways to persuade those rascally rodents to spend their winter elsewhere.
Rats and mice find a million ways to celebrate your generosity.
They'll find their way in under the car hood or through the air duct. Then they'll leave a urine trail so that they can find their way home when they leave. If they're in the ducts, you'll need to replace the entire duct system.
Rodents will shred your vehicle or car headliner or seat cushions to make their nests soft for those romantic evenings and the resultant litters. A mouse couple can create 15,000 babies, grandbabies, and great-grandbabies in one year — in your car's back seat.
Rodents have to constantly gnaw on hard things. If they don't, their teeth grow so uneven that the rodent can't chew and dies malnourished. Mice and rats manicuring their teeth can destroy a vehicle or cars entire wiring harness or computer system overnight.
3 proven ways to drive off mice & rats this winter from your stored classic car
Here are 3 safe, easy ways to persuade those rascally rodents to spend their winter elsewhere.
- Clean out the vehicle or car, and the storage building. Remove all food that might attract rodents, which usually feed within 20 feet of their nest. Get every one of those sunflower seeds that wound up under the car seat.
- Remove any nearby source of water. Without a supply of food and water near your car, your battle's almost won. See 'resources' for more expert tips at www.keepmiceout.com
- Finally, place a proven rodent repellent in the vehicle's cab and trunk and under the car hood to drive away freeloading mice and rats. Fresh Cab™ botanical rodent repellent is the only proven, EPA-registered rodent repellent created specifically for enclosed spaces like a car, tractor, or RV. Fresh Cab™ is Good Sam Club Member-Tested & Approved for campers, and USA farmers have bought more than 4 million Fresh Cab™ rodent repellent pouches to store their expensive equipment over the winter.
Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1bERI)
2012 racing season
Had a good time at Summit Point in May.......was trying out a new exhaust system but otherwise unchanged from last season. Went well in practice 'till forced off the circuit by a driver who was unable to see out the back window of his GT40....just as we were about to fly by him. A bit of nose damage but otherwise okay.
And in qualifying, knew it was time to come when when a black cat ran 'cross the road in front of the car, had the plexi windshield shattered by a high velocity stone, and as the first race was gridding up, the starter failed.
Not good omens.
Nevertheless, in a busy field of mostly 914-6s and 911 along with five Lotus Super 7s, started fourth on the grid. Had a good start, got to turn one leading the pack, opened up a lot of time, slowed down a bit when the #2 car was invisible in my mirrors, and won by nearly 15 seconds. Was a fantastic run, even on three year old tires, and at 1:22, knocked a second off my fastest previous lap record at this circuit. Faster than a Chevron B16 and all of the Formula Fords.
With faint memories of the black cat, decided to quit while I was ahead and went home.
The broken racing screen was replaced with Lexan, an errant wire was off the starter, a bit of body repair and paint got the car's nose sorted out, and ready for our next outing...the Legends event at Circuit Tremblant in Quebec.
Had a few good runs there over the past couple of years. In 2010, came in 3rd overall a second behind a Lola T70 Spyder and on the same lap as the winning McLaren Mk IB. Two mid engined, V8 powered Sports/racers against the 1600cc Fm Ford powered front engined Mallock. AND WELL ahead of every racing Porsche including some RSRs and a LeMans style 910.
Last year, for some ungodly reason, wound up with a pack of decidedly illegal Trans Am cars...all on slicks, horsepower ranging from 450 to 800 and driven by the wildest, but best and fastest drivers I have ever seen. Also, nice guys.
Qualified in 3rd, passed by a few, passed a few more, was in 2nd place when bumped by the 3rd place GT350 and......off and back on the track, DAMN, a Porsche got by, and finished 4th. BUT the results showed first in the B/Sports racer class.
And at the end of the season, against admittedly slower competition, won each race and on the last, lapped all but two cars in the field. A nice close to the 2011 season and I guess it is 'see what happens in 2012.'
Of course, I guess there is more to the story as 'girlfriend' and 'son/heir' are slated to try out a dandy MGB race car we have in the stable. My son, Josh, went through the Jim Russell Karting school at Tremblant last Summer and got his Canadian national racing license. And Virginia is gonna see if her penchent for 'driving fast' equates to GOING fast at a driver's school at Pocono. Soon.
I guess 'we shall see.'
The car windows need to be checked for cracks. If you need to replace
the windows, it’s best to get new windows from authorized auto glass
shops. Polishing the classic car with chrome polishing products would
ensure that it looks as good as new. All the rubber which lines the
doors and windows should be sprayed with silicon spray so the doors and
windows can operate smoother. The interiors are another important
segment of the car which should be considered. Try to install brand new
upholstery for the interiors and change the floor panels. Finally, you
should try to restore the original paint color of the car to add more
value to the car.
When restoring a classic car, a major part is the engine. The engine is
the heart of the car so it’s advisable that a certified mechanic is
given the responsibility of repairing it. Once the engine starts
smoothly, you can steam wash the compartment of the engine and also
repaint it. The gearbox and the transmission is the second part which
needs to be checked. Changing the oil in the transmission and gearbox is
suggested. Next in line are the body panels. Rusty or damaged body
panels should be replaced.
Restoring your classic car not only draws second looks from onlookers
but it can also fetch a good price when you are ready to part with it.
Restoring a classic car requires time, dedication, patience, and most
importantly, money. If you are doing the job, you will need special
tools. During the restoration process, it’s essential to tag the parts
of the classic car which needs to be restored so as to simulate a more
systematic approach.
Some classic cars have been around for more than 50 years. Classic car
restoration is the process by which the car is returned to its former
glory and splendor. By following some of the basic guidelines, restoring
classic cars can be a memorable and enjoyable experience. One of the
inherent qualities of classic cars is that they always stand out among
all other cars on the road. A few of the classic cars belonging to the
60’s and 70’s era include the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet 210(1954),
Chevrolet Impala, Mercury Park Lane , Porsche 944, Plymouth Duster, Ford
Station Wagon (1959), and L88 Corvette.
Restoration Services
Including engine and transmission rebuilding, welding and
fabrication, body prep and painting, interior and trim, wiring and
electrics, wood refinishing, and all of the other areas of transforming
something rough into a showable, road-usable collector’s sports car.
Check out the variety we currently have in stock. Several unrestored
project cars, a number of completely rebuilt/restored cars, mostly early
but a few later model cars, two competition cars, some rubber bumper
cars converted to chrome bumpers (and lowered), and even a few GTs. All
perfect examples of that old Air Force term….KISS….KEEP it
simple…stupid.
We have been selling a LOT of MGs, Morgans, and Triumphs…our ‘best
sellers’ Meanwhile, in our sales department, we suggest that a potential
buyer consider this: while the world of investments is going through
gyrations, the classic car market is thriving…maybe ‘cause what we sell
has both collector’s value (rare, appreciating) and also real use. ‘USE
value.
Oh!! Almost forgot…November 1st, 2012 will be our 38th
anniversary…..we opened our doors on November 1st, 1974 and on that
first day, sold a red 1962 Mini Cooper 997 and a 1964 red Morgan +4 four
seater. Which was my first Morgan.
And now, over 37 years later (now as we are into the ‘fun driving’ season, here in the Northeastern part of the USA) we are still at it…Morgans, Mini Coopers, MGs, Triumphs, Healey, Jaguar, Lotus…all the wonderful, fun sports cars from the 40s through 70s. Still capable of offering a lot of motoring enjoyment.
And now, over 37 years later (now as we are into the ‘fun driving’ season, here in the Northeastern part of the USA) we are still at it…Morgans, Mini Coopers, MGs, Triumphs, Healey, Jaguar, Lotus…all the wonderful, fun sports cars from the 40s through 70s. Still capable of offering a lot of motoring enjoyment.
We have and will continue to sell a variety of classic sports
cars, we generally concentrate on five marques…Triumph, MG, Lotus,
Austin Healey, and Morgan. All cars we happen to enjoy and the cars we
feel offer the best value in today’s classic market.
So from under $10,000 Sprites and MGBs through TR6s, TR4s, MG TDs, TR3s and MGAs (as prices move through the teens, 20s, and 30s), Lotus Elans, MG TFs, Healey 100s and 3,000s, MG TCs, Morgans, Lotus 7s and others (winding their way towards $40,000 and beyond), we have a wide variety of great cars at reasonable and realistic prices.
So from under $10,000 Sprites and MGBs through TR6s, TR4s, MG TDs, TR3s and MGAs (as prices move through the teens, 20s, and 30s), Lotus Elans, MG TFs, Healey 100s and 3,000s, MG TCs, Morgans, Lotus 7s and others (winding their way towards $40,000 and beyond), we have a wide variety of great cars at reasonable and realistic prices.
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