Elite or MGB which is more fun to race?

[simon drabble]

I think I would prefer to sell an Elite in a weak market than a B - I think a B's pricing could get slaughtered....

[Peter Mallett]

But that's cash not fun. Or am I missing something?

Another point would be that if they're that cheap anyway, have a B for general events and an Elite for those "special occaisions".

[terence]

Originally Posted by simon drabble

I think I would prefer to sell an Elite in a weak market than a B - I think a B's pricing could get slaughtered....

From my point of view its immaterial as I have no intention of selling.I feel for the people who do have to sell but really do not think B prices [for proper cars] will drop much further.Mid range cars such as the Elite will lose more in the way of an investment purely on supply and demand,not many people looking for them at present.

[simon drabble]

the whole point of the thread was that I have seen an advert for a B at £32k (I think Terry was selling it) and it made me think that was the same price as an Elite and which would I prefer to race.... it also made me think that one of them was mispriced (as a genre rather than individual cars)
the conclusion I have come to us that the Elite is probably the one to have for two reasons - intrinsic value and fun factor... as you say if you want a class winner you dont have either of them you have a Porsche 904-4

[john ruston]

A bent B is much cheaper to mend than a bent Elite.Before the S/A's start I mean bent as damaged.Its all to do with available dosh to go racing and its so much cheaper to race a B.I sure all B owners would jump at a GT 40 if someone else paid.

[terence]

If you have the disposable yes,did you see what the last one made.I do agree with you Simon,the Lotus would be more fun to race,it is what it was built for.The 32k car does have GM history but I have taken it off the market.

[terence]

Originally Posted by john ruston

A bent B is much cheaper to mend than a bent Elite.Before the S/A's start I mean bent as damaged.Its all to do with available dosh to go racing and its so much cheaper to race a B.I sure all B owners would jump at a GT 40 if someone else paid.

Is that an invite for a comment John?

[john ruston]

An Abarth 2 litre would win if driven correctly.Anyone want a 904/4?Problem the latest Elite can beat both!

[simon drabble]

my 904 comment was slightly tongue in cheek - but a TVR is probably a better example (the MGB engined one). Interesting previous owners only carry premium if it was in period.. I speak as someone who has been fortunate enough to have owned both

[terence]

You are more than likely 100% correct,but what money for one?Something else thats got an increasing value because of the rarity. [ For John R]

[zefarelly]

where elites really thoroughbred ? or are they now after 50 years developement ?

unless the definition of thoroughbred is fragility and unreliability

asides BMC/BL engineered poor quality I thought mgbs where at least robust

[rogerwills]

What is a 904/4 worth these days?

[Peter Mallett]

Now I'm confused. No change there then. Are you saying that a 1959 Elite can beat a 904/4 John?

Simon. Then the thread title must surely have the words "for the investment cost" added.

[zefarelly]

depends on the currency Roger !

[terence]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Now I'm confused. No change there then. Are you saying that a 1959 Elite can beat a 904/4 John?

Simon. Then the thread title must surely have the words "for the investment cost" added.

1959/LATEST?

[simon drabble]

no - the thread should have perhaps said - for around 30k would you prefer to own and race an MGB or an Elite.... and I am still undecided as to what the correct answer is - certainly if you are budget conscious a B is the better bet but an Elite is jaw droppingly pretty and I have yet to read a bad thing about their driving experience

[John Turner]

There's no way that an Elite should beat a 904/4, surely, however 'modern' tweaked? If it can the world's gone mad. John, I thought yours was a 904/6, you having said that the 4 cylinder was both fragile and horrendously expensive to repair (4 cam?).

[john ruston]

Sorry boys .Not Elite but an Elan.
904 650 k for 4 without race history to 1 200K for 6 with history.Pounds that is.Two have been sold in recent weeks.The 4 are very difficult and expensive to maintain.220k for Abarth is good value if you can find a proper one but again maintainance is very high

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by zefarelly

where elites really thoroughbred ? or are they now after 50 years developement ?

Running a Climax engine means thoroughbred anyway, but yes they surely were. A car built for racing by racers, kind of qualifies it in most people's minds I would suggest

Originally Posted by zefarelly

unless the definition of thoroughbred is fragility and unreliability asides BMC/BL engineered poor quality I thought mgbs where at least robust

The problem you have with your comments are that the Abingdon plant and the Abingdon comp dept were as respected by the industry and the motorsport fraternity as any, including Boreham. Indeed history tells us the B and other Abingdon comp dept products like the Healey 3000, Mini Cooper etc. punched way above their weight.

Is the B a thoroughbred? Never in a month of Sundays. Is it a competent race car? Yep.

[Brendan Roberts]

Having not driven an MGB other than a road car whilst a student I dont know which is a better race car or more fun to drive. I do know that Elites are lovely to drive but are very expensive to run properly, are midfield at best unless in a cc restricted race and for class wins you need the support of at least 3 others running under 1300cc cars. Also looking at lap times the cars are all being developed year on year and Elite development seems to be slower presumably as fewer cars are out regularly. My best time at Goodwood was enough to win in 2000 but today looks like it almost wouldnt make the grid if they had a 107% rule. A good Elite also costs more to build than its resale value, where an MGB at £32k is probably more than its costs.........so Elites are a labour of love but commercially a non-starter, and you really do not want to crash in one.

[terence]

Very nicely put Peter.
Brendan,I know of one B builder who would not agree on the £32k thing,thats how much he knocks them out for and I know he does not make a profit.

[john ruston]

We found it more sensible to race with 6 as it made economic and financial sense.We use 4 cam in 356 2 litre GT.My cars used both engines in period but our B8 was so much quicker.The Laidlaw 904/6 did 2 58 at Spa this year but some of that was SH as Jim used to do 3 02.

[simon drabble]

Terry and Peter ARE the smashing and nicey of ten tenths...!!!
Brendan an interesting insight but the flipside is that for any over subscribed sub 2 litre race or class you are more likely to get an invite than an MGB for exactly the same reason...

[John Turner]

B8 is a lovely and quick car, but a bit later than the 904 which is utterly gorgeous. B8 for winning; 904 for basking in reflected glory! Hope that you bring it out for Gareth at the Snet 3 hours next year, John. If we can persuade Mr Laidlaw to do likewise with his, it would be truly wonderful! I suppose I have to slap my own wrists for my contribution to taking this off topic ... again!

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by simon drabble

Terry and Peter ARE the smashing and nicey of ten tenths...!!!

Let's rock. But I only do it for Cherideee.

In truth you'll need to translate that one for me. I'm only describing what the history tells us.

Originally Posted by simon drabble

Brendan an interesting insight but the flipside is that for any over subscribed sub 2 litre race or class you are more likely to get an invite than an MGB for exactly the same reason...

True which is why I said have one of each if it's that important.