Another MGBGTV8 at risk

Another MGBGTV8 spotted on eBay! Damask 0625 is advertised for sale on eBay with photos showing it is out in the Winter elements! Bidding ends on the 7th February 2009. The bids so far are low, but there is an undisclosed reserve. The car is being sold by a chap called "Terry" who says he is acting for the owner's daughter who had intended doing a restoration. (1.2.09) George Wilder has noted "according to the DVLA the car has not been taxed since 1984 - so that is 25 years in store". (3.1.09) The text of the eBay advert is below. Hi looking for a project? I am selling this MG for an owner's daughter. Her Dad gave it to her to restore but she has decided to sell. It's a great car but will need some body work and the engine does not run. Has been stored inside for sometime but it is now outside! So we need to sell as it will rust away. It has even got the instruction and service book with the spare set of keys in the original envelope! The tyres look like new and so does the exhaust system. The seats are all fine. We even have the V8 badges. Someone has started to take the rocker boxes off! We also have the air cleaners. In fact it's a complete car in original condition with no modifications. You know when restored worth up to £10,000. We can deliver to Europe or export to the USA. My name is Terry - call me on 07973 371179 or evenings on 01394 610484 after 8pm. Also this car might be eligible for tax exempt! You need to check the month of manufacture? Chassis number: GD2D1 625G. Engine No. 484. Damask 0625 was despatched from the Factory in September 1973 so would not qualify for Historic Tax Exempt class. (V8 Registrar) Sad economic realities with Factory MGBGTV8s in need of major restoration When a Factory MGBGTV8 reaches a stage where a serious restoration is necessary, the high cost of restoration and the current modest prices for Condition 1 and 2 cars means the residual value of the car for restoration is quite low. However the aggregate value of the key components when a car is broken for spares - gearbox, back axle, engine and other parts - is possibly double or more than the residual value for restoration. Sadly we are seeing a small but nonetheless sad flow of Factory MGBGTV8s being broken for spares even where a restoration is feasible. The increasing interest amongst V8 enthusiasts for V8 Roadster conversions is creating a demand for Factory MGBGTV8 running gear and other parts as Clive Wagerfield's report shows. Sadly the trend seems likely to continue unless the prices of Condition 1 and 2 MGBGTV8s rise substantially but in the present economic conditions in the UK that seems unlikely for a year or so at the earliest. Other MGBGTV8s at risk recently Flamenco Red 2763 - you can Clive Wagerfield's report of this V8. More Bracken 1707 - you can see Clive Wagerfield's earlier report on this Factory MGBGTV8 which now seems likely to be broken for spares as well. More Damask 0450 rebuild reports, More Price guide for Factory MGBGTV8s. More V8 Register - MG Car Club - the leading group for MG V8 enthusiasts at www.v8register.net