How often do you use your classic?
Discussion
swimd said:
Faust66 said:
IMO the amount of 'wear and tear' inflicted on a classic through regular use is offset by the lack of breakdowns you get on well used cars. Cars are designed to be driven and not tucked away for months on end "in case they get wet" - the more you use a classic then the better it'll drive.
You might pick the odd scratch on your paintwork, the engine will get dirty or the dreaded Tim Worm may make an appearance, but so what? Enjoy your car and don't be too precious about it. After all, the days of unlimited classic use may well be numbered if the environmental brigade get their way… so drive 'em while you can!
You are probably right but in my eyes easier said than done. I had the same attitude until the prices exploded, our original 911 2.4S turned from a cherished daily summer driver into an "investment" that does less than 2000 miles per year. I can only imagine how the people feel that bought a "cheap" Miura or '73 2.7 RS ten years ago — I for one would not feel comfortable leaving either of these cars unattended on a parking lot.You might pick the odd scratch on your paintwork, the engine will get dirty or the dreaded Tim Worm may make an appearance, but so what? Enjoy your car and don't be too precious about it. After all, the days of unlimited classic use may well be numbered if the environmental brigade get their way… so drive 'em while you can!
I hope that the bubble bursts soon but "experts" have been predicting it for years now and the values just keep going up.
It is easier to regularly use a car of lower value but an expensive ornament is not the way I view my cars, I like to hear the V8 rumble into life and find a nice quiet road to blast around on.
Next year I'm thinking of using my Interceptor as my daily from spring to autumn, this years it's still got that new feeling so I'm keeping it for Sunday best.
Next year I'm thinking of using my Interceptor as my daily from spring to autumn, this years it's still got that new feeling so I'm keeping it for Sunday best.
My Bristol has been in daily use for the last ten days after my wife's car failed it's MoT causing her to pinch my normal daily Saab (itself 18 years old now). The kids love it for the nursery run as the little one sits up front with me, and the bigger one gets to go without a child seat at all.
More typically, it is out every week or two for something, and will probably do about 3000 miles this year, which will take my total to about 60,000 over the 12 years I've had it.
More typically, it is out every week or two for something, and will probably do about 3000 miles this year, which will take my total to about 60,000 over the 12 years I've had it.
lowdrag said:
I think that this has a lot to do with it. I've used my cars through hell and high water, but the pair were worth then an "affordable" sum. I have passed over 140,000 miles at the helm, but I no longer do track days worrying about the kids inheritance. It is a terrible state of affairs, one I dislike intensely, but we don't control the market. I discussed the market with "experts" at Retromobile and the concensus was that cars are now works of art, not for driving, a manifestation of wealth, just like a Hermes handbag or a pair of Hollanbd and Hollands. We are sadly out of our time.
"Not for driving"? For sure cars can be regarded as works of art but as art surely part of the allure of classics is that they can be used? I'm not fussed about the market, I enjoy my cars for what they are and I use them when it is practical to do so. I just wish my time allowed me to use them more.The cars price has little to do with it, as long as the car is insured for its full value. Your garage could burn down and your car be written off without even driving it.
I don't think when im too old to drive I will look back and think I wish I hadn't driven my classic cars as much.
I don't think when im too old to drive I will look back and think I wish I hadn't driven my classic cars as much.
I used to drive my 88 Porsche 911 turbo a lot more than I do now, but that's not to do with price rises its to do with a change in circumstances; I now drive it around 3,000 miles a year but it used to be closer to 10,000 a few years back when I drive it daily through London to get to and from work.
I used my classic Range Rover four or five times before a head-gasket went last summer. Haven't seen it since. Was supposed to collect it today, but it seems the MoT has run out, so now I'm waiting on the next estimate!
So it might be five times in 12 months unless I get it back next week!
So it might be five times in 12 months unless I get it back next week!
I use my two as often as possible. Not daily admittedly, but not far off.When i do drive them i make sure it's a proper drive and get them nice and "hot and bothered". The difference regular driving makes to reliability and general well being of the car can't be overstated. As has already been said, they are built to be used and don't like being stood for any length of time, unlike moderns which seem largely unaffected by layups. I work away for a month at a time, so my wife makes sure she drives both at least once a week in my absence. Luckily she is a good driver who loves them (especially the Healey) as much as me.
Owning seven classics is great, but time is always an issue. I try to take one out each weekend for a 60-70 mile coastal drive, usualy early Saturday or Sunday.
Some cars get much more use than others. The Beach Car Prototype and Olympic Airways Mini Van get very little excercise for example. The Alfa GT Junior, 205 and the trackday Mini more often. Lotus 7 and DS, less so.
Some cars get much more use than others. The Beach Car Prototype and Olympic Airways Mini Van get very little excercise for example. The Alfa GT Junior, 205 and the trackday Mini more often. Lotus 7 and DS, less so.
I don't use my '67 Mustang Fastback nearly as much as I should - I've probably covered less than 1000 miles in my few years of ownership. This is partly due to extended periods away having various mechanical issues dealt with, but also the fact that I struggle to find the time or opportunity to use it. When I bought it and had it restored I thought I'd be out in it all the time with the family but, even with four seats, it's not very practical and I don't really trust the lap belts in the back with my young kids. I rarely use it in winter, and even in the better weather it always seems easier to just pile everyone into the Volvo rather than extricate the 'Stang from it's de-humidified slumber...
This year, I've resolved to use it more and have got a few events planned for it, including Goodwood Revival. There's no reason not to use it: it's now in fine fettle mechanically and the overdrive gearbox means it's more relaxing than expected for long journeys. I've concluded that's it's mainly my own paranoia that's prevented me using it very much until now!
This year, I've resolved to use it more and have got a few events planned for it, including Goodwood Revival. There's no reason not to use it: it's now in fine fettle mechanically and the overdrive gearbox means it's more relaxing than expected for long journeys. I've concluded that's it's mainly my own paranoia that's prevented me using it very much until now!
I regularly do London - Manchester for event working. Usually use a TDi thing.
The 2.1 EFi Capri has been wintering it it's warm dry garage with only a couple of local outings this year but is taking me North tomorrow, and will be doing quite a few or those runs over the summer until the salt re-appears.
Am more excited than if I were going in the daily shed. Only concern is leaving it parked as it's rather shiny and would be hard to replace.
It's insured for 5000 miles per annum and does most of those.
It's noisy and unrefined but quite fast and surprisingly good on fuel.
Has been reliable too.
I would imagine the thing that stops a lot of classic owners using their cars more often is in situations where you have to park and leave it in a place where it's at the mercy of local toe rags...
The 2.1 EFi Capri has been wintering it it's warm dry garage with only a couple of local outings this year but is taking me North tomorrow, and will be doing quite a few or those runs over the summer until the salt re-appears.
Am more excited than if I were going in the daily shed. Only concern is leaving it parked as it's rather shiny and would be hard to replace.
It's insured for 5000 miles per annum and does most of those.
It's noisy and unrefined but quite fast and surprisingly good on fuel.
Has been reliable too.
I would imagine the thing that stops a lot of classic owners using their cars more often is in situations where you have to park and leave it in a place where it's at the mercy of local toe rags...
I try and use my 99 Mini Cooper at least once a week to work and back (~110 mile round trip), and at weekends if I'm not having to carry a lot of stuff around.
Last year it cracked a piston so I had to rebuild the engine, which resulted in our getting a fiat panda for the missus, as I had to use our other car. 2013 It did 14,000 miles between MoT's.
It's a Sportspack car, but I've got steel wheels with winter tyres, so no excuse not to use it year round.
Last year it cracked a piston so I had to rebuild the engine, which resulted in our getting a fiat panda for the missus, as I had to use our other car. 2013 It did 14,000 miles between MoT's.
It's a Sportspack car, but I've got steel wheels with winter tyres, so no excuse not to use it year round.
I don't use mine as much as I should but then I've long ago got out of the habit of driving just for the hell of it, I do feel I have to have somewhere to go but It's a habit I will break this summer. My wife's MGB has only done about 200 miles in two years and apart from a couple of road tests and an MOT my Chevy has only made one 11 mile trip to Brands Hatch since I bought it last September.
My 1981 VW camper is used most weekends for general family stuff. The kids love it and it is certainly a different experience to the modern stuff I use during the week....
Did the tip run this morning with the kids and garden waste in the VW. Got back for an oil change.... all seems to be good!
I probably total about 1500 miles per annum, although this year should be a little more with two longer trips planned this summer.
Mike
Did the tip run this morning with the kids and garden waste in the VW. Got back for an oil change.... all seems to be good!
I probably total about 1500 miles per annum, although this year should be a little more with two longer trips planned this summer.
Mike
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