An informal guide through 'what's new?'

Thu 13 Dec 2018

Oh!! Almost forgot...November 1st, 2019 was our 45th anniversary.....we opened our doors on November 1st, 1974 and on that first day, sold a red 1962 Mini Cooper 997 and a 1959 red Morgan +4 four seater. Which was my first Morgan.

And now, 45 years later, we are still at it...Morgans, Mini Coopers, MGs, Triumphs, Healey, Jaguar, Lotus...all the wonderful, fun sports cars from the 40s through 70s. Still capable of offering a lot of motoring enjoyment. And, curiously, they seem to get better.

August of 2020 was our best month in 45 years of business activity. And June was the second best. It has been an amazing year, even with the pandemic, frequently a nice MG or Triumph comes in and is sold within a day. Actually, to be a bit more precise, our sales have been up by over 400 percent!

We have been selling a LOT of MGs, Morgans, and Triumphs...our 'best sellers' Cars that combine a real classic look and feel yet offer contemporary performance and use.

And, personally, having the best of times with my own classics. Having recently acquired a racing MG TC, a Morris Minor, and a big Healey.....all from our inventory. A classic case of being the 'founder, owner, and....best customer.'

Meanwhile, in our sales department, we suggest that a potential buyer consider this: while the world of investments is going through gyrations, the classic car market is thriving...maybe 'cause what we sell has both collector's value (rare, appreciating) and also real use. 'USE value.

Like having fun. Going somewhere. Playing. Isn't that what life is all about?

And anyway, HOW MUCH FUN is owning stock certificates?

THIS is our philosophy. Enjoy life to the fullest. And remembering a common saying in pop psychology which referred to 'the journey' being as important as 'the destination.' Or as Cunard, the great English shipping line used to advertise...showing a loving couple on the rail of some fine trans Atlantic steam ship with the quote 'getting there is half the fun.'

Look through our inventory....or better yet, visit our showroom. MGs, Morgans, Lotus, Healeys, and Triumphs. Great classics, easy to service, fun to use, and wonderful to own.

And speaking of MGBs, check out the variety we currently have in stock. Several unrestored project cars, a number of completely rebuilt/restored cars, mostly early but a few later model cars, two competition cars, some rubber bumper cars converted to chrome bumpers (and lowered), and even a few GTs. All perfect examples of that old Air Force term....KISS....KEEP it simple...stupid.

And I shudder at the thought of repairs to 911s, Astons, Jaguars, and other similar exotics. When one can make a hell of a quick MG or Triumph that will NEVER be expensive to service or repair.

My own 1965 MGB features a 2 liter engine, aluminum crossflow cylinder head, roller rockers, twin 40 DCOE Webers, 5 speed, four wheel power disc brakes, upper and lower front control arms, and the result is a fast, superb handling, excellent braking classic sports car that goes like a modern sports car. And we finished, last Summer, a 1974 MGB GT for my collection.....2.8 liter Chevy V6, 160hp, BW T5 five speed, 3.07 MGC differential, four wheel power disc brakes, full sunroof, Minilites, thicker front sway bar, and even added a powerful supplemental heater. Drove it to work most of last Winter, glides along at 3,000 rpm at 90 mph, and offers what I was seeking.....a realistic alternative to a contemporary small GT car. And, so far, over 5,000 miles without the slightest issue.

And to quote a former professional racer friend of mine....'you can't make a pig into a race horse. But you can make an awfully fast pig.' And if you have never driven a really well prepared MGB, TR6, or even an MGB powered MGA or V6 powered MGB........you can make an awfully fast old British sports car.

Right now, we have sixteen MGBs in stock....from early to mid 1960s (the purest form of MGB), through the late sixties and early seventies (still chrome bumper but with added refinements) and a number of inexpensive rust free later 'rubber bumper' MGBs. Several have overdrive, one has a 5 speed, all have wire wheels, and all are great fun for the money. With a high degree of practicality.

Of course, a step up the 'food chain' is MG's beautiful 'A' cars. 1500, 1600 Mk I, and 1600 Mk II. Now, several MGAs in stock....most with wire wheels, various colors. Not only one of the prettiest cars ever built but with superb ride, steering, handling, braking.......in some people's mind a bit underpowered compared to TRs and Healeys BUT add an MGB engine (as a few of our cars have) and you get glorious performance. With power up from 72 (1500cc), 81 (1600cc) or 89 (1622cc) horsepower. Early B engines were rated at 98hp and with a cam and other work....substantially more. Go even further with a modern 5 speed transmission and the result is probably the absolute best all around classic English sports car. And this is from personal experience.

And their contemporary competitor....TR3. A bit stiffer ride, a bit cruder construction, but more power, those wonderful cut down doors, and sooooooooo close to being a Morgan without running boards. Sold a good number over the past few months and a few very good examples currently in stock.

And while our preference is for older British sports cars, currently have a fewAlfa Romeos and two Fiat 124s in stock. More sophisticated, more stock equipment and great Italian style.

So, at the moment quite a variety of cars from well under $10,000 to $50,000
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Enjoy looking at our inventory and reading our testimonial page...all unsolicited. We do our best to describe, prepare, and offer the older classics we keep in our inventory.

Come visit and see what we are doing. You might find it interesting, you might find it makes sense, and you may wish to share in the fun we have!





The New England Classic Car Company
1483 Stratford Ave, Stratford, CT 06615

203-377-6746

Email us at: neclassics@aol.com
Monday-Friday: 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM to 12:30PM
Sundays or evenings by appointment
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