Reply to: What classic car?

[DS23]

indeed. they will mist up and stay cold and/or get too hot, make worrying noises, constantly break out with rust bubbles, refuse to start.. even the most spartan classic will cost as much as a new car to keep running and it will still break down.

but

there is the awesome grin factor. engines, oil, chrome and rubber... what a great hobby. taking a jalopy to restored beauty is a money pit but it is great fun.

the thing you need more than anything is space. somewhere to store it and the spare parts version that you will inevitably need and then room enough to work on them safely and securely.

[doodab]

It was more of a comparison i.e. Reliable cars of 1970-1990 wouldn't hold a candle to the reliability of a modern day car of no reputation. I would suggest it was almost impossible to buy a bad car nowadays, a very unreliable one, whereas in 1970, it was a roll of the dice buying a new car. It's just simply saying if you do buy an old classic of any description, be prepared to spend an awful lot of time on the side of the road, or underneath it. That's all I was trying to say.
HTH

You also need to factor in all the other compromises. Even a decent 70s car will seem fairly agricultural next to something like a focus. The whole driving experience will be different. The roadholding, steering and brakes (or the lack of) will take a bit of getting used to, fuel economy will be rubbish, and you may have to do without mod cons like a decent heater. They are also going to be much less safe in the event of an accident.

[Old Hack]

I am in the Contractor forum, aren't I?!

Surely no-one on here owns a Kia do they? This was supposed to be a thread about classic cars... somehow Kia and classic don't quite go together.

It was more of a comparison i.e. Reliable cars of 1970-1990 wouldn't hold a candle to the reliability of a modern day car of no reputation. I would suggest it was almost impossible to buy a bad car nowadays, a very unreliable one, whereas in 1970, it was a roll of the dice buying a new car. It's just simply saying if you do buy an old classic of any description, be prepared to spend an awful lot of time on the side of the road, or underneath it. That's all I was trying to say.
HTH

[ChrisPackit]

Even a car considered reliable in its day would be nothing compared to a 3 yo Cee'd or something like that

I am in the Contractor forum, aren't I?!

Surely no-one on here owns a Kia do they? This was supposed to be a thread about classic cars... somehow Kia and classic don't quite go together.

[Old Hack]

How about an old Rover 3.5 Coupe. Proper old school.

I love old Italian Cars, so the GTV6 would be there, with a Monte Carlo or something like that. Could pick up a nice alfetta for that, or a 75 V6 (still one of the best engines about).

How about an old VW 411E, or fastback?

Be prepared to spend an inordinate amount of your time fixing the things though. Even a car considered reliable in its day would be nothing compared to a 3 yo Cee'd or something like that


What about a BMW 1602/2002 needing some work? Saab 99?

[BolshieBastard]

MGA drophead in light blue.

Restored, would cost circa 25 grand but would appreciate.

[The_Equalizer]

1972 TRIUMPH STAG MANUAL historic tax | eBay

Ford Cortina MK1 Deluxe Classic Ford RS GT Cosworth Lotus Twin Cam | eBay

1975 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 1500 BLUE | eBay

PORSCHE 944. 2.5 1984.WHITE.GENUINE 56,000 MILES. EXTENSIVE HISTORY. | eBay

1974 SCIMITAR GTE E ODVE,IN YELLOW,TAXED AND TESTED,WOLFRACE WHEELS,NICE CAR | eBay

1958 LAND ROVER GREEN Series 2 Hard Top 2.25 Petrol loads of work done | eBay

Do like that Series 2 Land Rover. Must say that, unless you want to tour the country Land Rovers make nice classics with the added bonus that you can go open top and dead straight forward to work on should you want to have a bash. I have a 1981 Series 3 that I drove to the top of this:

Carntogher, Sperrins, Northern Ireland

Don't mind admitting I was rather twitchy on the way up, but once I got into 4-wheel-drive it was no problem at all.

[darmstadt]

More SY01 style:

[Bagpuss]

1972 TRIUMPH STAG MANUAL historic tax | eBay

Ford Cortina MK1 Deluxe Classic Ford RS GT Cosworth Lotus Twin Cam | eBay

1975 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 1500 BLUE | eBay

PORSCHE 944. 2.5 1984.WHITE.GENUINE 56,000 MILES. EXTENSIVE HISTORY. | eBay

1974 SCIMITAR GTE E ODVE,IN YELLOW,TAXED AND TESTED,WOLFRACE WHEELS,NICE CAR | eBay

1958 LAND ROVER GREEN Series 2 Hard Top 2.25 Petrol loads of work done | eBay

[darmstadt]

Here you go:

[milanbenes]

SY01,

I'm also approaching mid life crisis time, 40 next year !!!!

Have the Mrs's sign off for a toy.

Some of the ones on my list of potentials... not necessarily in order of preference...

. 80's Bobby Ewing Mercedes SL

. MX5

. Alfa Spyder

. Landrover Defender - wanted on since childhood and still want to join an offroading club


A neighbour has the Alfa and it's a beauty - he also has a 2cv (mentioned already)

The Bobby Ewing Merc, those things are bullet proof and will run long after we've all
left this planet, spares will never end, and these days considered a 'young timer' in Germany.

MX5's also bullet proof and cheap as chips, £3k will pick up a top spec one just look on AutoTrader...

Used MAZDA MX-5 Car for Sale - Auto Trader UK


The Landrover, well it's probably going to be a Defender, ideally 300tdi - no electrics in the engine, something like this would be nice, but this is pricey...

Left Hand Drive 4x4 New and Used Vehicles supplied by Nene Overland


Decisions decisions eh


Keep us informed Suity, this is a subject close to my heart as I approach my mide life crisis

Milan.

[DimPrawn]

The first one reads:


Might not be UK spec though. Japan scraps cars after so many years and the good ones get factory refurbished then go as cheap exports. A definite favourite in the third world, but perhaps not up to UK spec. The one I drove had a bell somewhere behind the dashboard which made an annoying chime if you went over 100 Km/h.

I've had a few Jap imports.

Remove speed limiter, recalibrate speedo to MPH, fit rear fog light, etc, not rocket science and most import companies do this, get it registered here and MOT'd so its all legit.

[Sysman]

If it were me I'd rather buy something silly for about £5K ish, sod the "classic" tag.

DCY EUROPE Japanese Import Specialists : Mazda RX7 Type R
PAUL BROWN : Uk Spec Auto totally stock and in as new condition.

The first one reads:

Be first owner in the UK of this extreamly clean and stunning Mazda RX7 Type R Turbo, Handpicked fresh import direct in from Japan.

Might not be UK spec though. Japan scraps cars after so many years and the good ones get factory refurbished then go as cheap exports. A definite favourite in the third world, but perhaps not up to UK spec. The one I drove had a bell somewhere behind the dashboard which made an annoying chime if you went over 100 Km/h.

[Lockhouse]

Respect for the Supras !!



My toy from a few years back....

I used to have a TT Aero - superb motor.

[ChrisPackit]

Respect for the Supras !!



My toy from a few years back....