Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[nibortaweh]

A couple of days ago I expressed some surprise at the Roadster that was listed on a classified ad on ebay with an asking price of £27,500. I just have seen another Roadster, 241 CRH coloured maroon, is up for auction on ebay. This is a very short auction- only two days to go, but when I last looked there were only 4 bids which had reached something over £6000.

[The_Boy_Richie]

I've seen this sort of thing before where two people will get into a bidding war because they are both determined to win the auction. The winning bid is way above what the item is worth.
Next time a similar item appears, there is no one to bid against and the item fetches a far lower, (and more realistic price). The loser in the first auction ends up getting a bargain.

[nibortaweh]

When the maroon Roadster reappeared on ebay relisted more accurately bidding was pretty brisk but, without explanation, it was suddenly withdrawn (or rather it simply disappeared). This always strikes as peculiar, but obviously a deal was done. The black Roadster priced £27500 rmains on sale as I type this. Gee wally whisikers, But isn't the price of classic cars screaming upwards at the moment- or is it my imagination. Went to see my financial adviser yesterday and he had so little to offer that one might as well sink one's saving into old motors!

[The_Boy_Richie]

The prices do appear to be increasing. However, there's not many people around who can afford £27K for an old car whether its an investment or not.

I'm looking around for a pre '73 Mini at the moment and cannot believe how much money some people are asking. Mind you we saw this in the late 80's and it all came crashing down not long after. These things tend to go in cycles.

[nibortaweh]

Just had a look at the Mini market and was somewhat surprised. The little things really are expensive these days! What do you think is a reasonable price for a reasonable Mini? What do you think of #120523981749 on ebay, a re-import from Japan. Does getting a pre 1973 model matter much with Minis?

[The_Boy_Richie]

To be honest, I think its difficult to tell what a cars worth until I see it but I have got a figure in my head for what I'm prepared to spend if I find the right one.

The problem with Minis is that they RUST. Having spent months chopping out and replacing with good metal, replacing inner, outer sills and door steps, valences, wings, A panels, front panel etc on my last Mini, I know how much work a rusty Mini can be. Mechanically they're a doddle.

The pre '73 option just means not having to shell out more money for road tax every year as I'm already paying for two cars as it is. However, I like the 60's style so that would tend to be my preference.

The Ebay one you referenced is a bit too recent for me, (but thanks for looking). I think the Mini lost a lot of its charm when they moved up from 10 inch diameter wheels.