1988 ASC McLaren for Sale

rlyons13 · Post by **rlyons13** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 6:36 pm

1988 ASC McLaren, Azura Blue with blue interior and top, 5-Speed tranny, 17+K miles. Mods in the interior include a 140 MPH speedo (set to correct mileage by PPI, original 85 MPH speedo available), dead pedal, Hurst short throw shifter, doors lined with Dynamat and 2000 Mustang stereo system (cassette and separate CD, with Blaupunkt and Pioneer speakers). Header bow weatherstrip and driver’s door weatherstrip replaced, instrument lens replaced, all broken parts replaced, horn button repaired. All electrical pieces work. Issues remaining: driver’s seat belt doesn’t retract fully, driver’s side visor mirror needs to be replaced, new seat belt sleeves need to be dyed and installed.

Top is original and showing wear in the corners where the tonneau pinches if not closed correctly. Otherwise, it is in very good condition.

Tires are Cooper Cobras in very good condition; rims are presentable 5-footers. Graphite impregnated urethane bushings installed on the struts, steering rack and sway bar. New tie rod ends installed. Struts and shocks are Koni double adjustables. Brake system has been flushed and rubber lines replaced with braided steel. Rubber caliper bushings replaced with Steeda steel inserts.

Underside of car is clean. All factory ASC bracing is in place.

Engine compartment is clean but “not detailed”. Synthetics used in engine, transmission and rear end. Ceramic coated 1 5/8” short tube unequal length headers, cat X-pipe and Borla stainless cat back replace the exhaust system. Ford Motorsport aluminum driveshaft replaces the original. Otherwise drivetrain is stock.

Paint on tonneau cover is slightly faded. Hood has what looks like acid rain damage (I’m told it can be buffed out). Previous owners have touched the corners of the car, so there is some paint cracking. The driver’s side door window molding is peeling, telling me it was reshot sometime in the past.

Overall, the car can win at local shows. Car has all the rare and expensive ASC McLaren parts. Issues are as noted. $11,000 as the car sits, less the Koni DA’s and driveshaft (stock parts will be installed). All stock parts removed (except speakers, didn’t get them when I bought the car) are available for extra. All stock pieces can be reinstalled on the car if desired.

I reserve the right to regain my sanity and keep the car at a moments notice.

Please e-mail Bob at bob.sue.lyons@att.net if interested and for photos.

bryan · Post by **bryan** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 3:46 am

I reserve the right to regain my sanity and keep the car at a moments notice.

LOL. I can relate. (If you see this, ProTouringASC, sorry again about being flaky. I couldn't let her go. Glad you found a good one.)

Anyway, good luck selling. Sounds like a nice car. And one of my favorite color combos!

ProTouringASC · Post by **ProTouringASC** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 1:12 pm

bryanoekel wrote:
I reserve the right to regain my sanity and keep the car at a moments notice.
LOL. I can relate. (If you see this, ProTouringASC, sorry again about being flaky. I couldn't let her go. Glad you found a good one.)

Anyway, good luck selling. Sounds like a nice car. And one of my favorite color combos!

I will only forgive you if you promise to will the car to me! LOL!!!!!

Seriously, no biggie! I don't blame you one bit for changing your mind!!!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

rlyons13 · Post by **rlyons13** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 1:13 pm

Guys,

OK, for this week only, how 'bout $10K as the car sits (less the Koni's, still need them) and all the original parts included?

If I don't get interest this week, I'll keep the car and do some engine compartment detailing. I have an Explorer GT-40 intake that, with the addition of Henry's ASC McLaren beauty plate, would go nicely, seeing that I'd be replacing all the top end gaskets anyway.

substanger · Post by **substanger** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 3:29 pm

rlyons13 wrote:Guys,

OK, for this week only, how 'bout $10K as the car sits (less the Koni's, still need them) and all the original parts included?

If I don't get interest this week, I'll keep the car and do some engine compartment detailing. I have an Explorer GT-40 intake that, with the addition of Henry's ASC McLaren beauty plate, would go nicely, seeing that I'd be replacing all the top end gaskets anyway.

That GT40 intake will look nice sitting on top of that 5.0! 5 speed McLaren and a beautiful color to boot! Wish I could!! Good luck!!

rlyons13 · Post by **rlyons13** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 12:21 pm

Well, I had a guy from the Isle of Staten come look at the car. He refurbished an 87 McLaren that had been in his wife's family, now she won't let him drive it. Only problem, he has two boys and really wanted a back seat. He still wanted the car, but I talked him out of it and set him on the trail of a 96-98 Cobra Convertible. Guess it would take an immediate, knock my socks off offer to part with it. That and the realization that there really isn't anything out right now that interests me. I mean, I like the Crossfire but the only thing cheap about it is the entry price. Either you pay a Mercedes dealer to fix it, or send a lot in specialized tools. The Lotus Elise/Exige are neat but pricey and a bit of a struggle to get my 6'3" body into it (but easier now since my little emergency surgery cost me 25 pounds!). Just for laughs, I may try out a Miata, as AT&T employees get S-Plan (invoice) from Mazda.

Or I may just keep the ASC and detail the engine compartment this summer. That would only leave freshening up the paint and the rims.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 6:41 pm

Funny. I too love the Crossfire C onv ertible - but they stopped making them back in December (2008s) and there aren't that many around. I wanted the Yellow. In order to get it, I'd have to sell something, and I cannot pick a candidate to leave home for good. So....NO Crossfire.

I see that the 2009 Cadillac CTS COUPE may get the 2009 Corve tte's 527 H.P. engine ! THAT would be an interesting piece.

I also like the Dodge Charger SRT-8 6.1 Litre Hemi, when loaded with all the toys. TORRED only.

rlyons13 · Post by **rlyons13** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:11 pm

You can actually find new Crossfire COnvertibles. A dealer on the Crossfire board has several and he's pretty reasonable. Plus, there are a bunch of low mileage ones available for very reasonable rates. However, it appears that almost all Chrysler dealers can't or won't touch them. I've seen several Chrysler dealers dumping their Crossfire specific tools, but even at pennies on the dollar you're still talking a good bunch of change for the DIYer. Or off you go to a Mercedes Dealer. BTW, I keep seeing a low mileage 2005 Limited convertible in yellow for sale.

Bottom line, I could have sold the McLaren and I choked. The guy wanted the car, lamented that he couldn't take both sons for a drive, and I talked him out of it. Guess I'm starting to get attached to the damned thing after all.

Post by **negusm** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:57 pm

rlyons13 wrote: Bottom line, I could have sold the McLaren and I choked. The guy wanted the car, lamented that he couldn't take both sons for a drive, and I talked him out of it. Guess I'm starting to get attached to the damned thing after all.

Quit fighting it already!

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:19 pm

DO NOT FRET over the driver's side Seat Belt NOT retracting fully. All 1,806 are exactly like that ~ even my 2 !! I was told the reason, but at this moment - i cannot recall. The spool that it rewinds on is not large (FAT) enough and the spring is not strong enough. You can do it manually to make it look neat(er) for photos, by doing it manually.

If you find a low mileage 1990, then swap. 'Til then - keep it.

I would assume the McLarens ride better than the Crossfire, due to the C.Fire's very short wheelbase.

rlyons13 · Post by **rlyons13** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:15 pm

I test drove a high mileage SRT6 Crossfire COnvertible. Woman lived in Lakewood NJ and commuted to NYC everyday. Car was still tight! Felt very "heavy". The McLaren is twitchy, rattles like a SOB and has a very "light" feel. Two completely different vehicles.

That being said, I wouldn't refuse a Crossfire if someone gave one to me. But the way life has worked out at the moment, it's not to be.

Now if I could just get the Elise/Exige out of my head life would be perfect.

Oh wait, why is a new MX-5 Miata popping into my head. With the retractable hardtop.......

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Thu May 01, 2008 12:04 am

I (attempted) to sit in a new Maita MX-5 Convert. in Maxon Mazda on RT 22.

Getting in with the top down was not too bad, but top up ?? Nearly IMpossible !! Once (finally) inside, I pulled closed the driver's door, whereupon the bump out drink holder slammed into my knee. I really thought it broke my knee cap. The bruse lasted 2 weeks.

For $ 1,000 I would only take it IF I could re-sell it.

It's strictly for "Little People" ......

Keep the McLaren. The Love is blooming.

It's not
* A race car
* A Saleen
* A Steeda
* A DECH
* A Cobra

It's a nice, capable touring 2-seat Roadster, with killer good looks.
There are faster, more capable competitive Mustangs.
It was never meant to challenge them, anymore than a Buick Reatta was, a Cadillac Allante was, a Late model Thunderbird was or a Chrysler TC Maserati was.
Problem is.....people mentally place it with the aforementioned listed cars, and in that vein (as delivered from FoMOCo to the ordering dealer....it was no match.

Until Tuners get into it..... But box stock to ditto, it was not up to that task.
But, it's unique, beautiful, comfortable, reasonably fast, and has great looks.
ENJOY IT !!

rlyons13 · Post by **rlyons13** » Thu May 01, 2008 12:17 pm

Well, I need a Fox Boby Mustang. My wife loves the Cruiser Convertible and refuses to let me sell it (and, after turning up the wick on the turbo, I don't want to part with it either). So, if I were to buy an Elise/Exige, the Solo prepped 93 SVT Cobra would probably be the one to go. I got a guy who wants to race it and is making offers that are almost to the point of being too good to turn down. So maybe I'll go that route. Or not. WHo knows? I guess having a garage with the CObra and McLaren in the bunk beds, and the Cruiser next to them, ain't bad.

mark@ddi · Post by **mark@ddi** » Thu May 01, 2008 12:26 pm

Geez guys you are making me feel even more lucky. I get to drive, the wife's Crossfire(prettiest blue I ever saw), my Mclaren, my Jag XK8, my kids Mini and I take the Nissan SER for granted but all are really great.

Of course I write a lot of car payments every month and the every 6 months AAA insurance bill. I can't figure out the rating on the Jag but they must be a bear to fix.

The Chrysler dealer where I bought the Crossfire has or had 1 guy that you had to specificially book for an appointment. Usually Thursdays for the routine maintenance. Once had it 2 days as he worked through an issue.

The Crossfire has 0 torque but once rolling it is a cruiser and really turns heads. Better looking than an SLK version in my opinion. Fit and finish are great with that Karman body work.

I have 2 goals for the moment. I want a Mercedez something that has the 3 point star in the grille and not a hood ornament.(my partner at work has a 99 SL 500 that he says that I can buy), and I some day want to be able to understand all of the BMW letters and numbers so I would have some idea what the heck they meant.

Drove the Mclaren the last 2 days and it was fun.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Fri May 02, 2008 1:03 pm

With a nice Capri ascMcLaren, a Jag, a Crossfire, & a Mini, why on earth would you lust after "Hitler's Hardware" ?