The Buffalo Octagon Association
It Hobby Night! Come join us at our January Meeting and Hobby Night. Note: This meeting is at a new location. McPartlan’s Corner, 669 Wehrle Drive at Beach and S. Forest Roads in Cheektowaga.
My 1958 MG Magnette - by Dennis Illig
This past July I was sitting at my computer browsing Facebook Marketplace, as I often do. To my delight I came across a 1958 MG Magnette for sale in Delaware. The owner of the car, in his 80's, had it listed with a consignment broker. After a couple of days of going back and forth, looking at the listing, I contacted the broker through FB messenger and asked for more details and information. The more the broker and I messaged each other the more I wanted to go see the car. So, I checked out Google Maps to see just how far this trip to Delaware was and how long it would take to get there (7 to 8 hrs.) I phoned Dave Kray to discuss what I had in mind. I asked if he was up for a road trip to go see the car with me. Dave said sure, so I contacted the broker and told him we were coming in two days. I made hotel arrangements just a mile from the broker, picked up Dave and off we went. When we got there, we went straight to the broker to see the car and check it out. When we got there, the broker phoned the owner. He soon met up with us and we went for a drive. After a long conversation getting more facts, we asked the broker if he would pull it in the shop and get it up on his lift for a better view of the undercarriage. After completing the inspection and talking to the owner, I decided not to make an offer as he was asking quite a bit, and I had a few concerns. Dave and I went to the hotel, checked in and went to a pub down the street for something to eat and a few adult beverages. I told Dave I kept thinking that maybe I should have made an offer as I really liked the car. With the condition and all the upgrades to driveline, I'd like to own it. That evening we just enjoyed ourselves at a nearby casino for a couple of hours. Then we went back to the hotel for the night.
The next morning, we packed up, checked out and started home, we stopped for breakfast a short time later and I couldn't stop thinking about the car. I told Dave I was going to call the broker right then and there and make a low offer, after all, what could it hurt.? It was a pretty low offer, and I explained he need not tell the owner if he thought it would offend him. A few hours later while we were eating lunch, I got a call from the broker. He explained to me that he had discussed the offer with the owner. The owner was hesitant since I had made such a low offer. I asked for the lowest amount he'd be willing to take for it. Well, his counteroffer was pretty close to what I could see paying for it, so I decided I'd buy it. A few days later it arrived via transport. Now that we have it Robin and I have been enjoying it very much. This Magnette is here to stay.
Dennis’ Magnette arrives from Delaware.
Wow, what a great two-tone color combination. Can’t waut to see it at our Autumn Sports Classic.
WHO WE ARE
In 1983, a few MG enthusiasts decided, it was time, Buffalo New York and the surrounding area was to be represented at the international level. The Buffalo Octagon Association has enjoyed over thirty years of success and looks forward to many more. We take pride in keeping the "The Sports Car America Loved First" on the road with enthusiasm and technical advice. We continue to promote the exchange of information and camaraderie to owners and enthusiasts of MG sports cars. Members enjoy gatherings and shared mutual information so that we as custodians can enjoy these vehicles and keep them on the road.
To ensure the future of our fine organization however, require member volunteers, (for actually everything) but especially, event planning and ‘contributions’ to the website. Volunteers are best encouraged when, members show their support through, participation in events and monthly meetings.
The long-term health of our Club will require continued enthusiasm for the MG Mark with a broader membership base. Our club has always welcomed all brands of collector cars to compete at the Autumn Sports Classic Show and participate in all events. Our plan is to seed the future with a special invitation and welcome to all sports car enthusiasts, to become members, with a continued focus on our beloved MG.
