42 replies to this topic

[Burgerdale]

Hi everyone,
I'm interested to know everyone's thought about the market for minis, if they feel the market is improving or they believe it will improve as the economy seems to be moving in the right direction.
I'd particularly like to know people's thoughts around 1275gt's. It seems to be a bit of a buzz word that gets attached to everything on ebay and everyone says they're going to go up in value, they're getting rare etc etc.
I did post a similar question in the valuations area but as it didn't have pictures I've reposted here for a general chat about it all.

[Tamworthbay]

1275s seem to be very popular at the moment. I think its because even late cooper (not the rover ones) prices are very high so they are seen as next best. Minis generally seem to be pretty flat price wise but this time of year is always funny for selling minis.

[surfblue63]

The best prices are being achieved by early 10" wheel GTs. The best ones are getting closer and closer to the £10,000 mark, but even cars requiring a full restoration are getting close to £3000.

 

Good later 12" cars are now going for around £6-7,000, with useable cars being at the £3-4000 mark, and cars needing a full restoration starting at about £1500 to £2000. 

 

Even decent Clubmans are doing well, with the best going for £4-5000.

[Burgerdale]

Yea it seems a funny time, just after Christmas so all the money has been spent.
wondering if over the last couple of years or so they've generally been rising or flat. Just looking to understand the market a little more. It's a Shame to break them but at the moment it's not worth keeping some of them whole.
maybe it's worth the time and money investing to make them nicer or just to break.

[surfblue63]

The values have been rising, but not at the same rate as Mk1 and Mk2 values.

Also cars which have been modified and are not original are worth a lot less than one in the original colour and with the original interior.

[Burgerdale]

Thanks,
interesting to know that the 71gt I'm restoring will be worthwhile in the long run, I can justify the money I'm spending with the Mrs now.
I thought the later 12" were worth around that mark but it's nice to know I'm not just pulling figures from the sky.
I wouldn't break a GT though, that would be a keeper.
I've got a 76 clubby too that someone ruined with a hash job steel round front. It may be worthwhile getting that back into decent condition with a square nose instead of breaking it.

[Burgerdale]

How do you find out what the original colour was? I can see of the v5 it was logged as having a colour change, is it just a matter of calling the dvla?
I had got my heart set on an original be grey but I'm all for originality.
The 77 GT I've got has a customer interior to match the body colour, although I have got the original door cards.

[DannyTip]

The original paint code should be on the VIN plate.

[surfblue63]

If a car has been repainted sometimes you can find some of the original colour under the dash rails of the rear seat. It depends how well the new paint job was done. If you do find any original paint post a picture up and I should be able to identify it as I have all the paint charts and codes from the 1970's

[Artful Dodger]

shouldnt have ever modified my 72 1 owner GT.....  hahaha another chav bucket now ......  kinda... ;)

[Cooperman]

Prices for all classic cars seem to be rising consistently where they are as original or fitted with 'period modifications'.

A good investment if chosen carefully.

[Burgerdale]

Thanks everyone,
I thought with choosing carefully and trying to be as authentic as possible then they're worthwhile investments financially as well as emotionally. Far better spent on restoring motoring heritage and having some enjoyment from it than sat in the bank earring half to five percent.
I don't think my 71 GT will ever be 100% genuine as it was bastardised too much in the past but I will do my damnest to get it a true and close as possible.
I've done some research in the chassis number and there's no hint of a paint code on it. As it appears to have had only one paint change ill try the dvla. Given the mods, fibreglass front etc I'm not convinced the paint under the current top coat is original either.
If not, I'm going to go for the original be grey that I had my heart set on and some tasteful period modifications if I can't get the original parts.
I think the block may need a re bore so I don't think I'll be able to keep the engine fully standard but again, I'll keep it period and as close as possible. As soon as I get a unit sorted ill start a project thread.
any help, thoughts and opinions are always appreciated.

Wish I'd had the money and inclanion when I was a kid, instead of drinking it all. I'd have a lovely collection by now.

[Artful Dodger]

sounds like you will build a very nice GT!!

 

black tulip is an original GT colour and is probably the lest common, with the gold stripe and cream interior i think it looks the best!

 

 

 

 

 

why oh why did i change it 8)

[Burgerdale]

Oh yea that looks lovely. What have you done to it?
I'll be spending some time on it to get it right. It'll end up being a full nut and bolt restoration in the end. It'll nag at me if something isn't right.
I'll be after some perforated seats for it, got some rear seats that look 99% right but they're not perforated. Unless I can get them modified by an upholsterer.

[Jase]

sounds like you will build a very nice GT!!

 

black tulip is an original GT colour and is probably the lest common, with the gold stripe and cream interior i think it looks the best!

 

 

 

 

 

why oh why did i change it 8)

That's a beautiful car, side stripes are on wrong though (sorry my OCD kicking in), where is it now? 71 GT has to be worth £5K ish?