 | Budget Collector Sports Cars Buying Guide
| Super-rich sports car collectors can afford multi-million dollar "Pebble Beach" restorations, race cars with Mille Miglia provenance, and ex-Reggie Jackson muscle cars. Luckily, with terrific collector cars available in every price bracket, regular guys can also find a collector sports car to put in the garage. Some budget collector cars have a reasonable chance of appreciating, a few are even rare, and plenty can be more fun to own and drive than sports cars costing 10 times as much. |
Choose Budget Collector Sports Cars
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Choose Budget Collector Sports CarsBefore buying a collector sports car at any price, decide how you plan to use it. The sports car should fit your needs and you should be able to afford the costs of ownership (if you stretch your budget to buy a car with high maintenance costs, you may have trouble affording to own it). Also keep in mind that someone will need to service the vehicle, so get acquainted with local mechanics and make sure somebody in your area can work on the collector sports car you plan to buy. Four popular collector sports cars offer a fun driving experience, present few challenges in acquiring parts or service, and are relatively easy to sell when you want to "move up" in the collector car chain. 1966 – 1969 Alfa Duetto
Famous open Italian sports car, a true classic for a very low price.
Immortalized in “The Graduate,” many people imagine the Alfa Duetto when you say “Italian sports car.” With a sharp-edged, dramatic design, convertible top, responsive, free-revving engine, and slick transmission, the reality lives up to the hype. Alfa Duetto, one of Alfa Romeo and Pininfarina’s greatest accomplishments, debuted in the U.S. in 1967 with a radical "round tail" rear end. In 1970 the Spider (as it had been rechristened) got a more conventional squared-off "Kamm tail" in response to criticism of the original design. The change of heart means that 1966 - 1969 Alfa Duetto models were forever set apart from the many Spiders that followed through the end of production in 1993, making the round-tail Alfa Duetto a true classic. Alfa Duetto is great fun to drive, with a free-revving 1,600-cc DOHC four and a slick, five-speed transmission. The 1969 model (there was no 1968 U.S. model) received a bigger, 1,779-cc engine with a troublesome fuel injection system, making the 1967 model year the more desirable.
Alfa Duetto has great club support and you can easily find parts. The biggest challenge to buying an old Alfa Duetto is a period of deferred maintenance that many went through when they were just inexpensive used cars. A weak second-gear synchro and head gasket are the chief areas of concern. Even though Alfa Duettos tend to have robust mechanicals and the cost of rebuilding an engine is low compared to other Italian exotics, keep an eye out for Alfa Duettos with a service history. Also pay close attention to the body. If not carefully maintained, old Alfas rust with a vengeance. Also, the pointed ends that make the Alfa Duetto look so great tend to lose out in encounters with the "park by touch" crowd, meaning they're vulnerable to parking dings and dents. You'll inevitably find repaired hoods and trunk lids and when you do, look carefully for a little raised ridge above the center of the grille, indicating an original or that the car was properly repaired.
1965 – 1967 MG MGB-GT
A real GT car with a pedigree, wire wheels, leather, and protection from the weather.
Following the successful introduction of the MGB roadster in 1962, MG planned a coupe version. The Pininfarina design would share the roadster’s front fenders and hood, but have a slightly taller windshield to allow more room inside. Thus the well-proportioned MG MGB-GT was born in 1965 with a folding rear seat and a practical hatchback rear door. The added weight of the roof somewhat compromised acceleration, but this was mitigated by enhanced aerodynamics and improved handling thanks to shifting more of the weight over the rear wheels. With genuine leather seats, wire wheels, and good build quality, the MGB-GT was sort of a poor man’s Aston Martin. Its top does not go down.
Look for MG MGB-GTs in good condition — they're more expensive to restore than roadsters, but worth less. Not surprisingly, when looking for a MG MGB-GT, rust is an important consideration. Due to the high quality of the original paint, MGBs usually rust from the inside out, caused by leaks and corrosion on the floors. Check to see that the seam between the front fenders and the footwells is solid, that the doors don’t sag when opened, and check the condition of the rear spring hangers. A rust hole in the rocker panels is generally a terminal sign. Dented fenders, doors, and hatches, however, can be replaced with new items quite easily. The engine, like that of most English cars, will likely show some signs of oil leakage. The B’s 1,789-cc inline four is inexpensive to rebuild and parts support for these cars is amazing. The optional overdrive is a real plus. Avoid cars from 1968 on, as the interior suffered from DOT “safety-itis,” and the engine began to be smog-strangled.
For a true British grand touring experience at a fraction of the cost of a Jaguar, the MGB-GT makes a great choice. It's fun to drive with an elegant style, practical coupe body, great parts availability, and club support.
1965 – 1966 Ford Mustang coupe
A legend, practically as easy to own and drive as a new car.
The first-generation Ford Mustang, an iconic American collector car, was enormously successful, with more than 400,000 sold its first year. Not only did the Ford Mustang go on to become one of the most beloved nameplates, but it spawned an entire segment, the "pony car.” With a classic design, superb parts availability, ease of service, great club support, and a tremendous following, the Ford Mustang now makes a perfect first-time collector car.
In today’s terms, Mustangs look sportier than they feel, but in period, the Ford Falcon-based sports car was certainly among the most fun-to-drive American cars on the road. Mustangs had vast options lists, allowing for everything from a quasi-economy car with a 120-hp six-cylinder to a high-performance muscle car with a 271-hp, 289-ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and front disc brakes. If you just want to cruise down to the local ice cream parlor on a Sunday afternoon, a six-cylinder Mustang may suffice, but the V8 is far more desirable, even with the three-speed automatic transmission.
The most valuable Mustangs are original factory-built GT models, but as most of the package was available as dealer-installed pieces, it takes original build records to confirm a “real” GT. Cars that have such documentation and convertible V8s sell for far more than coupes (and some fastbacks), even with V8s. When you shop, question the quality of amateur restorations.
Early Mustangs have great style, practically any gas station can service them, and the hands-down largest network of parts suppliers in the country supports them. Mustangs are easy to find, inexpensive to own and restore, and not likely to depreciate.
1972 – 1974 BMW 2002 tii
Testament to BMW's reputation for performance, with a down-to-Earth image.
A properly set up BMW 2002 tii provides a very modern, great driving experience with just enough vintage spirit, outstanding original build quality, and good parts availability.
Although the Isetta bubblecar saved BMW from almost certain extinction in the 1950s, it was the BMW 2002 tii that put the automaker back on the map. Fitted with a 100-hp, 2-liter engine (from the 2000 sedan) and independent rear suspension, the two-door 2002 was the antithesis of the American idiom of big, brute power. It was an instant hit in the U.S. market, causing David E. Davis to write in Car and Driver, “To my way of thinking, the 2002 is one of modern civilization’s all-time best ways to get somewhere sitting down.”
The ultimate BMW 2002 variant was the Turbo of 1974, which was never officially imported to the U.S. But second in the pecking order is the BMW 2002 tii (standing for Touring International Injection), introduced in 1972. The BMW 2002 tii boasted higher compression, larger intake valves and brakes, wider wheels, and, of course, a Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system. It had 25 more horsepower than the standard model, along with a much wider power band.
Mechanically, BMW 2002s are very sturdy, but like most cars of the era, the real concern is in the body, which can — and does — rust. The key spots to check are the rear shock towers in the trunk, the spare tire well, the frame supporting the fuel tank, and the rocker panels (which are structural). Parts are readily available through an active network of suppliers and a large club. Be aware that the BMW 2002 tii needs high-octane fuel and that 1974 and later models carry big federalized bumpers.
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Find Collector Sports Cars on eBay Motors
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Find Collector Sports Cars on eBay MotorsOnce you know what collector car make and model you want, go to eBay Motors, click Passenger Vehicles, and start shopping on eBay! Categories: Use the Categories list on the left side of the page to narrow listings by car make or model.
Passenger Vehicles Finder: The Passenger Vehicles Finder on the left navigation bar allows you to narrow listings by make, model, year, and transmission type.
Search: Search eBay listing titles for specific words by entering keyword terms into eBay's Search box. You can also search using the Advanced Search feature on eBay Motors or search within categories by using the Search by eBay Motors Category option, which allows you to specify make, model, and year range as well as other options specific to vehicles, motorcycles, and parts. If location is important, try searching by distance in miles or ZIP code.
Compare: Mark the checkbox next to each car item listing that interests you and click the Compare button to view and compare auction and product details side-by-side.
If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available. |
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Buy Collector Sports Cars With Confidence
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Buy Collector Sports Cars With ConfidenceHundreds of collector sports cars on eBay Motors will likely interest you. When trying to select the right one, get to know exactly what you're buying, research the seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal can help protect you. As with all major decisions, in buying a car, you will want to conduct your own due diligence to make sure you get full information and the best advice possible. Know your purchaseMany sellers put a lot of time into creating their listings, making an effort to ensure they include all the information buyers need. Carefully read the details in listings for the car(s) you consider buying and carefully review available photos. Before placing a bid or buying an item, be sure to: Have all your questions answered. If you still have questions after reading the listing and reviewing the photos, contact the seller using the Ask seller a question link in the “Seller information” box in the top right corner of every car listing. Also request additional photos if you want to see the car from a particular angle that isn’t shown in the photos included in the listing. If you have more questions than you can address in email, ask for the seller’s phone number and call him or her. Some sellers even include their phone number so you can call them directly. Just remember that you need to actually bid and buy on eBay to be covered by eBay protection programs and pay with PayPal in order to be covered by PayPal protection programs (see "Buyer protection" below for more details).
Run a vehicle history report: By running a vehicle history report on a used vehicle you intend to purchase, you can learn about the history of the vehicle, including accident reports or title brands such as "flooded" or "salvage."
Get the vehicle inspected: An independent third-party inspection can validate a seller's claims about a vehicle's condition. eBay Motors recommends arranging a 150-point vehicle inspection through SGS Automotive.
Consider additional costs: Remember to consider other potential costs such as title, registration, and state taxes. Once you purchase the vehicle, be sure to complete all of the title paperwork and pay any required taxes on the vehicle. Please note that this information varies by state and vehicle type. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office for more information on taxes, title transfer, and registration.
Get delivery details. Calculate and include delivery costs into your final price. This may simply be the cost of driving across the city or state if the car is close-by or it may mean working with a shipping company that can transport the car from anywhere in the country. To learn more about shipping costs, ask the seller or contact DAS, an eBay Motors-approved vehicle shipping service.
Track items with eBay Toolbar. Use the free eBay Toolbar to track items you bid on and watch. It includes Account Guard, a feature that indicates when you're visiting a verified eBay or PayPal website and warns you when you enter your eBay password into an unverified site, even if it looks like eBay or PayPal.
Know your payment optionsAlways complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay and PayPal protection programs (see "Buyer protection" below for more details). Never pay for an item using instant cash wire transfer services such as Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know. Instead, pay with PayPal for amounts less than $2,000 (including deposits), a money order, or direct bank-to-bank fund transfer. Provide eBay with your credit card information: You are required to have a credit card on file with eBay if you bid more than $15,000 for an item. You will be notified that you need to provide this information when you bid. Allow yourself some extra time if you are bidding during the last minutes of an auction. Your credit card will not be charged; instead, eBay uses it to confirm your identity—a safety measure to help protect both you and the seller.
Apply for financing: eBay, together with several top lenders, can help you get the financing that you need. Visit the eBay Financing Center to arrange financing before you bid or after you buy or to calculate monthly payments.
Know your sellerJust as important as researching your car purchase is getting to know the seller. Take time to research the seller so that you can feel positive and secure about every transaction. Key things to look for when evaluating a seller are: Positive Feedback. What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have? What do buyers and sellers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?
Sales history. Find out how long the seller has been a registered eBay user and look at the types of items a seller typically sells. It’s okay to buy a car from a seller who hasn’t sold one before — many of the car listings on eBay are from individuals selling their own car. If the seller’s feedback seems low, take the time to look at the Feedback details; sometimes a seller's Feedback looks low until you realize that they’re a car dealer and their Feedback count comes entirely from car sales.
Terms and conditions. What are the terms and conditions of the sale? Are the terms agreeable to you? Sellers typically set terms and conditions, but you should make sure you agree with them. If not, find another seller/car or contact the seller to find out if he/she is open to your suggestions.
Good communication. Once you’ve initiated communications with the seller, how is he/she communicating with you? Is the seller courteous and professional? Is the seller responsive? Once you bid on a big-ticket item such as a car, communicate with the seller through My Messages in My eBay. All legitimate Second Chance Offer messages will come through My Messages and not to your email address alone. Always contact the seller before accepting a Second Chance Offer, and never respond to any request to send money via Western Union or other instant cash transfer service.
Buyer protectionIn the unlikely event a problem arises during your transaction, you can typically work it out with the seller. However, if you can’t, eBay and PayPal are there for you. eBay Motors Vehicle Purchase Protection up to $20,000: Most cars purchased through eBay are automatically covered against fraud and material misrepresentation up to the cost of the car or $20,000 (whichever is lower) with eBay Motors Vehicle Purchase Protection. To qualify for this safety program, complete your transaction on eBay with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer and see additional terms of the eBay Motors Vehicle Purchase Protection.
Put down a deposit with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay up to $2,000 without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. Also, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. While $2,000 may not be a high enough limit for the full purchase price of most cars, it's great for deposits (many sellers require a deposit on a car within several days of the close of a listing).
eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the eBay Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.
Introduction and "Choose Budget Collector Sports Cars" were provided by
Sports Car Market Magazine
. © 2006 Sports Car Market Magazine. All rights reserved. |
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