Welcome to the world of specialty and collector cars!  I take all the
risk if one of my MG's gets totaled, and forget about financing a
specialty car.  Banks only will risk published values on their loans
and  insurance companies are the same.

If you don't like the buy-in price you will really hate the repair
bills.  Everything on a Syncro is rare and expensive and there is that
much more to go wrong.  This is truly a well heeled enthusiast's
vehicle.

Look for a good 2WD Westy like Ron is selling for $9500 or less and you
will be in better shape!  Traction ain't bad with 4 wheel studs either.
Worst case I have been able to back up very steep and slippery slopes.

Good luck!

Stuart