Thinking of buying 1929 Mercedes AMG GLA Corriendo - and need information

[sewittwer]

Hi there. My husband and I are thinking about buying a vehicle listed as an 1929 Mercedes AMG GLA Corriendo. Everything is as I would expect however the one selling it has expired temp tags on it and he says there is no VIN number on it and no title. He sent a picture of the data plate  with the Assigned Identification Number from Virginia. How would I go about tracing this vehicle to make sure I can legally buy it and get it registered in Texas with a title? Thank you

[TerryB]

This is an assembled car made from a kit.  See what your DMV has to say about them as well as your insurance company.

[TAKerry]

First thing I would do is contact the Texas motor vehicle department. I know in MD there is no way I could get tags without a vehicle title. I have heard of 'bonded titles' and such, but never had the need and have no idea how they work. Again, in my state the dmv is seriously backed up with the '19' going on, so this may take some time. Also, I would get any info in writing, I would not trust someones word in this matter.

I am assuming this is a kit car thus the reason for not having a vin. 

Good Luck.

[F&J]

nightmare, run away fast.  Kit car, little difference than a dune buggy, rides stiff, and no resale value if you try to sell it later after realizing it was a bad move.....and no title which is really bad in TX, as well as no current registration which helps in some states.

[keiser31]

2 minutes ago, F&J said:

nightmare, run away fast.  Kit car, little difference than a dune buggy, rides stiff, and no resale value if you try to sell it later after realizing it was a bad move.....and no title which is really bad in TX, as well as no current registration which helps in some states.

Yep. RUN AWAY from it.

[TAKerry]

Agree, but to each his own. Depending on you budget 50's era MG's can be had for reasonable sums, similar appearance and I am sure respectful resale.

[alsancle]

Agree with all the previous comments.  No title, no sale.   Also,  I try very hard to remember that everybody is in to different kinds of cars,   many I would not like.   But that thing is a piece of crap.

 

And Frank,  there are many Dune Buggy's that I think are pretty cool.

[Frank DuVal]

That plate IS the VIN. SO, not usually a problem, but of course, I am in Virginia, so it wouldn't be.

 

Having no title IS THE problem, and would be in Virginia also!

 

 You should email the Virginia DMV, dmvnow.com for information,  and see if they will divulge any information on that VIN . Due to privacy concerns, might not be too helpful, but might at least say the VIN is good.

[padgett]

With that extended tail expect VW power and not Pinto.

[Brass is Best]

NO TITLE = RUN. It has an assigned VIN that means it has a title. If the seller doesn't have the title assume the car is stolen. Move on to another car. you cannot afford the headache this car will become. 

[John_S_in_Penna]

1 hour ago, sewittwer said:

Hi there. My husband and I are thinking about buying a vehicle listed as an 1929 Mercedes AMG GLA Corriendo.... 

 

1 hour ago, F&J said:

... no resale value if you try to sell it later after realizing it was a bad move...

 

Ma'am, we offer our helpful thoughts because it sounds

as if you may be new to the old-car hobby.  A true Mercedes

from 1929 would be a very expensive car, whereas this is

an imitation of some sort, and not even a close imitation.

I hope you are not paying very much for it.

 

I don't know anything about these kit cars, but others here 

likely do.  Maybe they are fun.  But you might be much better

served if you buy a TRUE older car--perhaps, since you're

just getting your feet wet, from the 1950's and up.  There are

plenty of worthy old cars, even some fairly small and sporty,

that you might like.  Older British cars are known for being more

problematic;  old American cars have better support in the hobby.

 

The hobby is wide, and if you don't choose this "1929" model,

you'll have fun considering the range of choices.  We'll be happy

to offer help.  

[58L-Y8]

Its the automotive equivalent of a cubic zirconium, fake.  Run away, run away quickly.     

Spend your money on a real car, even if it isn't as showy, you'll have more true value with it.

[F&J]

1 hour ago, alsancle said:

And Frank,  there are many Dune Buggy's that I think are pretty cool.

I wasn't dissing buggies, I was trying to inform the OP & husband that it's not really what they'd expect as far as the "feel" of driving a "car", meaning mostly ride quality.

 

BTW, I was still a teen back in March1970 when the VW/Porshe dealer I worked for, sent me to VW "factory" training in Orangeburg NY.  So I know a bit about A/C VWs.  The dealer did take a dune buggy in trade with an early Porsche engine, it had what the Porsche mechanics said was a "90" perhaps they said S90, I forget.

 

I did resell a VW sandrail a couple years back and have owned/dailydriven, or resold 100+ bugs, incl 4 early split-windows, early cabriolets, etc

[RansomEli]

If you're in Texas, I highly recommend Lawrence Auto title. I've dealt with he company twice and received great service.

 

Listen to his advice. If he says to walk away, walk away. At best, you'll have to put up a bond.

 

Do what they recommend.

 

https://www.lawrenceautotitle.com

 

Personally, the car scares me.  You should find a similar version with no title problems

 

 

Edited July 23, 2020 by RansomEli (see edit history)

[wayne sheldon]

"Kit" car means no standards, no quality assurance, no consistency, etc etc etc. IF (my famous BIG IF) it was built by someone that really knew what they were doing and built it right? They can be great fun! IF built by the average home know-nothing hobbyist? You could be rolling the dice for your life every time you drive it, IF you ever get it going well enough to drive it. Unless you really KNOW what you are looking at? Best to find a better way into the hobby.

 

Be also aware, most of those kit cars are not real collector cars. They have limited followings, mostly by people with no real knowledge of real collector cars. Although they have been building those kits since the 1960s, and technically they do qualify as "antiques" (maybe, varies from state to state). They may not be very welcome in a lot of places.

Another thought. Because the licensing was not completed? In many states it may need to be licensed as a new car, NOW. That means it may have to have all the new car state smog requirements and safety standards. Which likely may be impossible.

[alsancle]

44 minutes ago, wayne sheldon said:

"Kit" car means no standards, no quality assurance, no consistency, etc etc etc. IF (my famous BIG IF) it was built by someone that really knew what they were doing and built it right? They can be great fun! IF built by the average home know-nothing hobbyist? You could be rolling the dice for your life every time you drive it, IF you ever get it going well enough to drive it. Unless you really KNOW what you are looking at? Best to find a better way into the hobby.

 

Be also aware, most of those kit cars are not real collector cars. They have limited followings, mostly by people with no real knowledge of real collector cars. Although they have been building those kits since the 1960s, and technically they do qualify as "antiques" (maybe, varies from state to state). They may not be very welcome in a lot of places.

Another thought. Because the licensing was not completed? In many states it may need to be licensed as a new car, NOW. That means it may have to have all the new car state smog requirements and safety standards. Which likely may be impossible.

 

I bolded the really important point (besides it can never be legally registered).

[MikeC5]

While it's true older British sports cars are more problematic on average than an American car of the same era, if the open front fender, 1920-1930 era style appeals to you, an MGTD isn't a bad choice.  There is good support for these in terms of parts and advice.  But (and it's a big one) if you have never done your own repairs, troubleshooting or basic maintenance,  you may be better off with something needing less attention.  With respect to the car you asked about, everyone here is giving you good advice to let this one pass unless it's almost free.  

[Rusty_OToole]

I want to put in a dissenting opinion here. Yes I know this is a kit car or replica, in short, a plastic toy not a real antique car. But you can have a lot of fun with a car like that for not much money if you buy it right. I might give it a whirl for laughs on certain conditions - either sort out the title issue or buy it cheap enough that I can handle it myself, and inspect the car or have a mechanic go over it and see if it was put together right in the first place. Keeping in mind that it is not going to be as reliable as a new car but the steering, brakes, and lights should be right. The problem is a lot of people think they are worth a lot of money and to a real old car guy, they are not.

[Fossil]

Don't, I repeat Don't get in an accident with it. Even a minor one as there will probably be little if any parts support for it. 

These folks have given you excellent advice and none of us want to see you disappointed with your purchase. 

 

[sewittwer]

8 hours ago, sewittwer said:

Hi there. My husband and I are thinking about buying a vehicle listed as an 1929 Mercedes AMG GLA Corriendo. Everything is as I would expect however the one selling it has expired temp tags on it and he says there is no VIN number on it and no title. He sent a picture of the data plate  with the Assigned Identification Number from Virginia. How would I go about tracing this vehicle to make sure I can legally buy it and get it registered in Texas with a title? Thank you

 

[sewittwer]

Thank you all for your great advice. We have decided to pass on buying this car. We are now looking into buying the car I was originally wanting...an MG. My Dad had one when I was a kid and I never forgot it. He had to get rid of it when we kids couldn't fit in it any more. I found one identical to that one and I want to surprise my Dad with it for his 65th birthday. Thank you again. You were extremely helpful and I look forward to learning more from you all in the future.

[Morgansdad]

Sewitter, I hope this post does not run you away from the hobby. Everyone that replied had some great advise. These (kit) cars are everywhere here in North Carolina and they are built with either Volkswagon platforms or Ford Pinto platforms. Some of these cars look great but, as others have said, you will not likely get your money back if and when you decided to sell. I personally am glad you decided to go with the MG.. They look similar but in the long run you will be much happier with the MG. Continue to ask these old guys and gals for their help and you won't go wrong. Good luck with you hunt.

[sewittwer]

52 minutes ago, Morgansdad said:

Sewitter, I hope this post does not run you away from the hobby. Everyone that replied had some great advise. These (kit) cars are everywhere here in North Carolina and they are built with either Volkswagon platforms or Ford Pinto platforms. Some of these cars look great but, as others have said, you will not likely get your money back if and when you decided to sell. I personally am glad you decided to go with the MG.. They look similar but in the long run you will be much happier with the MG. Continue to ask these old guys and gals for their help and you won't go wrong. Good luck with you hunt.

It definitely did not scare me away. It was very informative and enlightening. I'm glad there is a wonderful forum like this. I'm sure I will be back to pick your brains more when we get the new ride. 😁

[Buick35]

Sewitter,Just curious,what year and type of MG? I bought a 74 mgb about five years ago,a chrome bumper one and it's been a fun car.Also good support groups for them.

[SC38dls]

Sewitter, if that character you sleep with is over 6 foot tall and 245 lbs (I assume you would be smaller) I strongly suggest he tries to get in and out of an MGTC or TD, before you buy one. Especially if he has bad knees.  Unless of course it is going to be just your classy little sports car. If so, go for it and have a ball and be sure to smile and wave to him occasionally! . 👍

dave s 

[Terry Bond]

You don't get into MGs  you put them on.

We have 3 and love them. Go for it. TD is a great car.

Terry

 

 

 

[Peter J.Heizmann]

1 hour ago, Terry Bond said:

You don't get into MGs  you put them on.

We have 3 and love them. Go for it. TD is a great car.

Terry

 

 

 

😃

[SC38dls]

You only get into or strap them on if you are what us old ( in our 70’s) fat ( 240 or  higher) tall( 6 foot or over) guys with bad knees ( played football thru college) call small !  If you are one of us check to see if you fit!  I no longer have my Austin Healy, my 3 MGB GT’s, my Alfa Romeo or my Honda S 2000 mainly because it was a major effort to get in and out. Of course the 9 operations to fix the football injuries doesn’t help. 
That being said I would buy a TC or TD in a minute if I could get in and out. There is a Morgan or two that I would like to check out the accessibility of also. 
I think this couple would really enjoy the car and probably the people in the various MG clubs they would meet. 
Go for it and have fun. 
dave s 

[padgett]

Perhaps it would be best if you had a "wish list" of what you want, what it is for, and what kind of driving you would like to do ? If just looking for a fun two seater you can drive 70 all day and has an easy to put up/down top either a FIAT 124 Spyder or Alpha Duetto is a good choice. Both have quirks and both have loyal followings that can help and are undervalued (IMNSHO)

 

OTOH either a Triumph TR3 or Big Healey with OD can do the same if you prefer an English farm implement.

 

And then there are American two seater convertibles (e.g. Reatta or Allante) that are modern (but AACA eligable), have active groups & parts, AC, and can be had for under $5k.

 

So what is it that you really really want ?

[John_S_in_Penna]

14 minutes ago, padgett said:

 a FIAT 124 Spyder...  is a good choice. Both have quirks...

 

Nice looking little cars.  But isn't the main quirk called "unreliability"?!

 

Ah, lots of possibilities in the old-car hobby.  It's always most satisfying

when beauty and reliability go hand-in-hand!

[MikeC5]

👌

[TAKerry]

Ironically enough, on my way to work this morning there was a car IDENTICAL-same colour- to the op that appeared to broken down. He was parked in a convenience store lot, with the hood open (I surmise he was broke down by the placement of the vehicle, may have just been checking oil). He was looking under the front hood, so maybe a front engine? btw this was in MD.

[TAKerry]

Just a curiosity and a question to the MG owners, Do you think the reliability is better for these older cars once they have been restored/rebuilt with better technology?

My brother bought a Triumph Spitfire brand new (last year of production, prob around 1979-80 or so). Car was a blast to drive but had serious electric problems. He traded at just over a year old. It caught fire on the way to the dealer to pick up his new Olds. 

 

[bryankazmer]

re Alfa (not Alpha) and Fiat:

The Duetto usually means the long tail version, and those are no longer inexpensive.

The Kamm-tail Alfa spiders and Fiat 124 are reasonably priced, and not horrid  for reliability.  I used an Alfa Spider as a daily driver when snow was not involved.

The Triumph TR's are a British alternate, but big Healeys are certainly a different price point.

 

They are all sports cars - the Allante and Reatta are not, they are cruisers.  So indeed, what's the goal is step one.

 

[padgett]

The big secret about FIAT engines is the oil slinger on the front of the crank. Sludged up they loose oil pressure and wind up on the back lot of a used car lot. Have also replaced the alternator with a Delco before. Other than that I bought my '68 with 101k miles and sold to buy my 78 SBC Sunbird at 170k miles. Other than singing in 5th and replacing the top, never gave any trouble. Including on long trips. No AC but lotsa vents. Did replace the steering wheel with one from an X1/9 that I liked better. Appreciated the one-hand top for Florida squalls.

[Terry Bond]

Our 74 MGBGT has covered over 50k miles since we finished restoration. It's an AACA Senior and has never given us trouble we couldn't easily handle. That said, they are not hands off vehicles. We have learned how to keep them going and my wife has a special relationship with Joe Lucas.  It's comforting to know MGs  have a large support group, a great specialty discussion forum, and anything you need is either in stock at NAPPA or an 800 number away from Moss motors. We drive the heck out of our 1948 TC and same thing for that car. Lots of expertise is easily available through specialty clubs and other AACA members.  We would not hesitate to embark on tours or drive a thousand miles to get to a big event.

You do belong to AACA right?

Terry

 

Edited July 24, 2020 by Terry Bond (see edit history)

[ojh]

If you want small and fun I'd strongly suggest a Tiger while you can still get one.  

[Walt G]

It is most interesting to read the comments here about sports cars , mostly post war. I am to long in leg to fit into just about all of them which is why I never looked at one or really studied them to know more about them . I can and do appreciate their appeal. They take a lot less room then the barges I own ( that is stated with all due respect for the Packard 8 and Buick Roadmaster I own - if I didn't say that all the folks in the Buick and Packard fraternity  would be annoyed at me) . I did ride in a number of sports cars - the most memorable ride was in a brand new Triumph TR7 being driven from NY City back to my house after a meeting of the Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving and Chowder Society when it was run by Austin Clark and Bruce Winnerstrom. David Hebb who worked for British Leyland ( as it was then called) did the driving and he was a great enthusiast of the MG car club MG1000 tours. David was considerably shorter then I was and drove flat out all the way home . Me with my legs folded up to fit which left me staring at my knees. After that, my rides in sports cars I limited myself to larger pre WWII era cars like my good friend artist Richard Lippold's 1930 Bentley 4 1/2 litre tourer. We took that up to the VMCCA car show in Tarrytown, NY. with the top down but fortunately the windshield up. Richard drove that flat out too, up and back . 😯

[alsancle]

I vote XK120, 140, 150.   I'm 6' and shrinking but fit fine in a XK140 Roadster.  My brother is 6-1 and 20 pounds heavier and he can drive it but doesn't look too comfortable.

 

[padgett]

If going XK then a XK-150s. Gold head, triple carbs, Moss box,  Laycock overdrive, telescopic wheel, disk brakes, and two 6v batteries. Just need to straighten out the shifter.