Man, this is getting so frustrating...

I just had my THIRD classic deal fall through. I'm not even going to ask why someone lists a classic car for sale and then goes on vacation - you gotta do what you gotta do - but then to have someone ELSE take a deposit on your behalf... Grrrrr.

I know I'm supposed to ask a lot of questions and see a lot pf photos before pulling the trigger on a car located in another state, but it keeps hosing me...

How many times did you guys have to get to the point where you actually made an offer before you ended up with your car? I know it would be easier if money were no object and I had $15 grand to blow on a second car, but I don't.

Sorry to vent... I'll go put my Big Boy pants back on now... (( wry grin )).

 

I have to tell you Matt my friend. You didn't get it, because it wasn't meant to be. Keep looking your Mini IS out there. Given enough time you'll find it. Hang in there.

 

just have one custom built.....

 

I would in a HEARTBEAT if I could afford you, Norm, honest. I've seen your work and if I had the means I'd much prefer someone like you that knows what you're doing work on a classic.

Alas, I've been looking for months and months and at my price range, I'll need to stick with a car that's a bit rough around the edges and do the work myself. But hey, if you let me, I'll certainly pester you for tips!

I was pretty heartbroken when I missed that FLA blue one... I hope the lucky bastard that got it is having a great time driving it ((( he says through clenched teeth, his expression more grimace than proper smile )))

 

Man, I'm rootin' for ya'.

(can't wait to see what kind of laser blasters and photo torpedo launcher you put on your classic...)

 

he hasn't picked it up yet..........next weekend i think.........

 

Must... keep... smiling...

 

Hey,
I just saw a classic Mini for sale just up the street from work yesterday. Looked nice from what I saw. It was red in color and located in Hayward, CA. (Northern California).
If you are interested, I can go by and see what I can find for you.
olcorral.

 

Sure, although I'd need to ship the car from that far away. Appreciate it! My email is imagox@yahoo.com if you just want to drop it on the seller.

EDIT: Hope it's not this one... not because I don't LOVE it (because this could be classified as my dream car, it really could), but it's way too dear for my wallet, I'm afraid. This just went up on MiniMania today:

http://www.minimania.com/web/id/7233...ale_Detail.cfm

 

dude im selling mine..ive been selling it for like 3 months..its now on ebay...no reserve

 

You're in Texas man... that's a bit far for me to go which was my initial hesitation and, honestly, I'd probably want to yank out a lot of the cabin work you did. I was really tempted to make an offer on yours (as you know - I asked you about a zillion questions), but I want the more "classic" look - no offense. But good luck on the sale - I see it's up over $6k now!

Let me know if something falls thorugh, though... With multiple bidders, though, hopefully you'll be OK.

 

Quit beating yourself up, call Alistair at westpaminis.com and have him get Pete tp ship over something that meets your needs.

OR, contact 2phun on www.sunshineminis.org who's having 2 minis shipped soon. One's for sale. If not right, have his UK contact (Phil) search for you.

 

I applied to be able to post on Sunshine Minis' site back when I was vying for the FLA blue one I missed, but the admin never sent me my activation mail... Sounds like they have a guy in GB that can eyeball them before they're shipped, which IS nice... Too bad I can't post there.

I checked WestPAMinis site but everything they had was out of my price range - it looks like they only carried restored cars with the full price tag. You're saying that they will look for something in a specific engine size/price range?

EDIT - found their Contact page and sent him my specs... You never know! thanks for the tip - I never would have thought to contact them about that.

 

Well, I heard from 2phun over at Sunshine and he has some ideas... Sounds like I'm not completely crazy with my budget ammount, anyway, seeing as how overseas cars can be restored cheaper than over here... Maybe somethign will come out of it. Thanks again, Minimad for the name - even though I can't post on Sunshine's site, I could (and did) get his email address. Seems like a really nice guy.

 

be very careful with overseas cars, their definition of restored is very different than ours.

 

Contact these folks: http://classicminiautos.com/
They have a friend in GB that is their "spotter". I bet they can find (or may already have) the Mini in your price range... assuming your price range is reasonable. When I was at their place in Hilton Head last year, they had more than just what's posted on their web site. They might be able to find the right "project car" for you. They did for me.

 

You should come to Mini Meet East in Knoxville www.mme2007.com Jun28th-Jul1st there is bound to be a couple classic minis there for sale. I know one guy that will have at least 2. Plus it's alot of fun.

 

Just keep taking your time... your approach (from what we have seen around here) has been pretty methodical which is what you have to be when looking for a classic without throwing a ton of money at it.
I would talk with Alistair and Pete from WestPA (that is who I bought mine from.) They seem to be able track down good quality "driving" cars at pretty good prices. They provide great service around the process as well.
Just stay patient and you will find your baby.

 

Once I got serious, it took me about 8 months to find my Mini. I went through 2 or 3 other Minis before I found mine. I hope you have some money set aside, because these little cars are addictive!! Good luck

 

You should have come to AMVIV. There were about 4 or 5 Minis here with "for sale" signs on them.
The Mini I have was the 1st one I seriously made an offer on. Bought it from a NAM user, Sarcux, through an eBay auction. I knew it would need work from the $4600 price tag, but I'm still under $1000 more into it I think. That will change soon though, rust removal and paint is my next big step. I'm also gonna pick up a bunch of parts when I visit Australia in September.

Buying a car in Texas and driving it home isn't that bad. I bought mine in Cleveland and drove it home to Vegas.

 

I'm right behind you Matt. I had a good lead on a pretty nice MK1 that someone snagged before I had a chance to locate a local expert to look it over to make sure I wasn't getting in over my head. I was a little bit bummed about it but I'm moving on and should hopefully be in a better position the next time one comes up for sale.

I'm trying real hard to stay within my self set budget but there are times when I just want to write a check for "whatever it takes" just so I can get one of those little buggers in my garage.

 

I have a line on a nice '79 Leyland... Waiting for a few last pics, but it's looking promising. Cross your fingers for me - it's a 1275cc!

 

79 Leyland...is it an Australian car? If so, it's likely to be a Clubman (square nose). I think 79 was the last year they were built in Aus. I learned to drive on a 77 Aussie Clubman. Great car.

 

Nope... a traditional nosed model. The Clubman's just don't do it for me, I'm afraid...

 

Can you say.....CLUBMANECTOMY? Muhahahaha! (See my gallery)