It's a funny old world.

[Adder57]

I had just finished my apprenticeship the year 1979, I was not flush with money but always wanted a sports car so managed to purchase a racing green mgb. I really enjoyed driving this but cold winter weather wasn't much fun. So one day was looking through the car mags and there it was a full spread picture of a sprint, I was smitten and has luck would have it my local BL dealer had a white one in for the princely sum of £2395 . Needless to say the deal was done, what a car with only 10,000 miles on the clock it ran like a dream. I kept the car for as long as I could 18 or so years, then the inevitable happen marriage, house etc. I let it go so I could fit a new central heating system (we have all done stupid things. ) Anyway fast forward some 30years I have a beautiful mgb sitting in the garage and yet I still want a sprint, the B is going up for sale and I will be keeping my eyes open for a sprint. I guess the moral is once you've had one there Always in your blood no matter how long it's been. I sure many other members have similar stories.
Regards adder. Gma 8..N

[Matt Cotton]

Great story Adder!

Welcome (back?) to the club and good luck with finding another Sprint. I am sure something suitable will come up for you and it is worth keeping an eye on this forum along with the usual other sites (Car and Classic, e-Bay etc)

It is funny how one particular car can make such an impact. My Grandfather had a Dolly when I was about 4, and that sowed the seed for me and was always the car I wanted. 30+ years later, there are 2 in the garage.. I know many who own far more!

An MGB is a nice car though and they are always a popular choice, so I'm sure you will be able to sell quickly.

Best wishes

Matt.

[Bumpa]

Not a good time of year to sell an MGB. Much better if you wait till some warmer weather comes back. I sold my roadster last summer and got a good price for it.

[Adder57]

Thanks for the comments, I think about March will be the time I put the B up for sale. I've seen sprint on c and c , seems a bit on the dear side but I'll make some inquiries. There seems to be quite a few Lhd models in France.

[Matt Cotton]

A Sprint in the next Mathewsons auction https://www.mathewsons.co.uk/auction/lo ... 8&pn=1&g=1]

[Adder57]

Matt,
You seem a pretty knowledgeable person can you explain the price difference from one car to another. I know condition is a big part and the tin worm but 10,000 difference seems a lot and is it justified. What would you say is the number one thing the car should have.
Regards Ivor aka Adder

[Matt Cotton]

Hello Ivor - that is kind of you to say, I wouldn't say I am an expert at all, but I do take a keen interest in some of the cars for sale and there can be quite a variation in prices.
https://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/vie ... hp?t=37875

The link above will take you to a similar discussion recently had regarding prices.

However, as you say, condition is everything. Bodywork repairs in particular being very expensive to carry out, especially if entrusting a garage to undertake the work. Mechanical repairs are potentially easier to put right if you are handy with the spanners, however if engine work etc is required by a specialist the costs can add up too.

When you look at cars such as the one you mention on Car & Classic, it clearly is a good example and one would hope would not require too much in the way of mechanical or body repair. To purchase a project and restore to that condition would cost more than the price it is for sale for, so in many respects it represents better value. I would expect it to be A1 for that price.

Original cars that either haven't been restored or ones which have to an excellent standard with sensible upgrades perhaps attract the most attention. A heavily modified car may limit the audience a little.

Dolomites (especially Sprints) have often been undervalued, so it is encouraging to see prices pick up. They are all lovely cars - practical, good looking, great club! and with a good bunch of fellow owners to support.

Depending upon your location Ivor, I am sure a local club member would be happy to look at any potential purchases for a second opinion for you.

Kind Regards

Matt.

[ClassicFan]

Hello Ivor - that is kind of you to say, I wouldn't say I am an expert at all, but I do take a keen interest in some of the cars for sale and there can be quite a variation in prices.
https://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/vie ... hp?t=37875

When you look at cars such as the one you mention on Car & Classic, it clearly is a good example and one would hope would not require too much in the way of mechanical or body repair. To purchase a project and restore to that condition would cost more than the price it is for sale for, so in many respects it represents better value. I would expect it to be A1 for that price.

Kind Regards

Matt.

Having 'been there and done that' as Matt says my advice is look for a car that has had the bodywork, paint etc. sorted as to get it done properly these days would cost more than the cars resale value.

The Dolomite I purchased back in June for £5,750 is structurally sound and needs no welding but could do with some paintwork if you wanted it 'showroom' (which I don't as the car has had a life) Mechanically as it has had little use for the past few years and there wasn't a lot of maintenance history with it, I have chosen to change tyres, hoses, ignition, and some brake components etc. so I know it's reliable (basically a re commission). I have done all the work myself (I did a mechanical apprenticeship when I left school [many years ago!]) so apart from changing the tyres and an interior valet there were no labour costs, just like Wheeler Dealers.....

Hopefully that gives you some basic idea of where to be if looking to purchase a car Ivor

[Adder57]

Thanks very much for the input much the same as I was thinking, slight problem!!! Cars like that seem harder to find and it seems even in the last 12months prices have gone up a bit. I had similar problem when I bought my Mgb starter looking for something reasonably priced, only found basket cases so in the end upped my budget and got the best one I could. I live in N Wales and apart from Mathewson not much doing near me , have all the lads from down south got the sprints? Oh I've put the B on the market already to hopefully have a space in the garage for my dream car. Thank you for the advice. Ivor.

[new to this]

Ive had my Sprint a few years now, i bought my one as a project but it turned out rougher than i first looked, should have taken my rose tinted glass off before i bought it
but I'm doing the repairs myself all welding

Dave

[Adder57]

For many years I've laid on my back outside in all weather, at the time it never bothered me I even had the wife holding a brolly on one occasion (not now I hasten to add ) . A few years older and I'm not as keen to have a go at anything. I still like to get the spanners out and have a cheap stick welder but I don't think I'd tackle a major bodywork issue. Even though I'm not outside on the drive anymore.
Ivor.

[ClassicFan]

For many years I've laid on my back outside in all weather, at the time it never bothered me...

Getting down takes a bit longer as one gets older, as does holding the spanners but the hard part is getting back up

[sprintpmc]

Adder sure is a funny old world
Have you purchased a Sprint I wonder ?
Mine is73L a beauty indeed.
I owned it in 1978 sold it in 80 found it in 2013
Rebuilt it and May sell this spring or early summer 24 as May move abroad.
So yes it’s funny old world .. I’m very choosy whom I sell it too as this car is special to me.
Regards Charles 07785 772876