I fancy a classic
Discussion
Budget-ish soft top - look at Triumph Spitfires and MG Midgets, or try non-sceney cabrios from the 80s/90s. There are a few Lancia Beta Spiders around, but they are starting to get expensive. If you don't want sporty, you can pick up Morris Minor convertibles for less than you might expect.
It's important to realise that old cars can be a right pain in the arse, although they are also great fun. The driving experience can be very different from that in a modern car, so try a few out before you take the plunge.
It's important to realise that old cars can be a right pain in the arse, although they are also great fun. The driving experience can be very different from that in a modern car, so try a few out before you take the plunge.
BMW e36 328i manual convertible if you are on a budget. Mine owes me a grandish. Had it a couple of years now and it's perfect for occasional summer use.
It's not rusty, unreliable or expensive to run. Goes well, handles ok, can do long runs in comfort. The hood doesn't require a degree in camping skills to erect and bits are cheap and readily available.
There are loads for sale as well for little money. The e30 models are also great but they have got expensive in the last few years plus they can rust quite badly.
Depends on your budget and how you plan to use it? If you have 10-15k to spend Id say something like an Alfa Spider or Fiat 124 Spider.
But if you're talking a grand or so, e36 all the way.
It's not rusty, unreliable or expensive to run. Goes well, handles ok, can do long runs in comfort. The hood doesn't require a degree in camping skills to erect and bits are cheap and readily available.
There are loads for sale as well for little money. The e30 models are also great but they have got expensive in the last few years plus they can rust quite badly.
Depends on your budget and how you plan to use it? If you have 10-15k to spend Id say something like an Alfa Spider or Fiat 124 Spider.
But if you're talking a grand or so, e36 all the way.
Something needs to steal your heart or stir your blood. Are you looking for family touring, gentle competition? What era gets your imagination?
Best place to start would be some local classic car shows. They're everywhere from Easter onwards. Go and observe the lifestyles that seem to go with certain cars and chat to the owners.
Best place to start would be some local classic car shows. They're everywhere from Easter onwards. Go and observe the lifestyles that seem to go with certain cars and chat to the owners.
OP first stop is to give us a ballpark budget
Then leave it to the PH collective to give you a myriad of different choices
If any take your fancy do a bit more research online, buy a classic monthly and / or visit car shows although on here is probably the best source you'll find you just then need to make your question more succinct.
Then leave it to the PH collective to give you a myriad of different choices
If any take your fancy do a bit more research online, buy a classic monthly and / or visit car shows although on here is probably the best source you'll find you just then need to make your question more succinct.
Bobo W said:
OP first stop is to give us a ballpark budget
Then leave it to the PH collective to give you a myriad of different choices
Also, it helps to have an idea of what era floats your boat.Then leave it to the PH collective to give you a myriad of different choices
To me a 'classic' is pretty much pre-1980, (or earlier!) but to the younger generation on here, it's probably pre-2000...but to me that's a modern car
Also, do you have a garage, is this going to be a weekend toy only, or are you attempting to own a 'classic' as an only car..?
As said, much more info needed.
The car ceased to exist in approx 1990 ish. Anything designed after then is a soulless computer with wheels. I can just about get away with having a (broken) 1992 XJS because the design is much older and its technology is mostly old and shonky (although it does have a few scary modern features, which I deplore). Anything designed before about 1990 could be a classic, although some will still just be bangers at present.
Era- up to about 1980, anything after that is to 'modern' for me.
Already own an '84 Landrover so am handy with the spanners.
This will be a toy/project, but i don't want a basket case, just a useable fun car with some tinkering.
Heralds, Sptfires, Midgets, that is the sort of thing im after.
But is this doable with a budget of just a couple of grand?
Already own an '84 Landrover so am handy with the spanners.
This will be a toy/project, but i don't want a basket case, just a useable fun car with some tinkering.
Heralds, Sptfires, Midgets, that is the sort of thing im after.
But is this doable with a budget of just a couple of grand?
Two grand is unlikely to get you much in Herald, Spitfire or Midget world these days, but if you shop around you might find an OK project at that price level. The general rule with classics is buy the very best example of the preferred type that you can afford - the one that some other clot has already spent all the money on. Projects tend to be gaping money pits. All cars, old or new, are money pits, but old cars bought as projects can drain money and time remarkably effectively.
Breadvan72 said:
Two grand is unlikely to get you much in Herald, Spitfire or Midget world these days, but if you shop around you might find an OK project at that price level. The general rule with classics is buy the very best example of the preferred type that you can afford - the one that some other clot has already spent all the money on. Projects tend to be gaping money pits. All cars, old or new, are money pits, but old cars bought as projects can drain money and time remarkably effectively.
There speaks the voice of experience... 
Here you go:
Quirky, British, convertible, within budget and does not look like a basket case!
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C741431
Quirky, British, convertible, within budget and does not look like a basket case!
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C741431
The TR and the Kit car could be a good call. There are plenty of fun cars to be had for the money you want to spend.
That's why I stand by the 'car show' comment. Local shows are a great way to check out different marques and models, sit in them and talk to the owners. There are always good contacts for projects and 'finds,' usually bargains compared to usual sources. Often there are older enthusiast just down sizing a fleet. A few hours spent with a deck chair and a Thermos can be the best way to strike gold.
That's why I stand by the 'car show' comment. Local shows are a great way to check out different marques and models, sit in them and talk to the owners. There are always good contacts for projects and 'finds,' usually bargains compared to usual sources. Often there are older enthusiast just down sizing a fleet. A few hours spent with a deck chair and a Thermos can be the best way to strike gold.
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