Practical Classic Wanted
Discussion
Hi all,
Any suggestions for me please? I've reached the stage in my life when I can realistically think about purchasing a 'weekend' car, for enjoyment. Have any of you got any ideas? Here's what I'd like:
1) Realiability - engine and body not to rust away on me
2) Free RFL
3) Capable of the occasional long trip to a car show in summer
4) Enough room for 2 people, plus medium-sized dog
5) Decent looks - I know they're in the eye of the beholder, but I hate Stags & 1970s TRs
6) Budget of £12K absolute tops
7) I want to fettle it, not restore it. £12K includes getting it spot-on
8) RHD would be essential unless it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
9) I wouldn't do loads of miles per year, so fuel consumption's not a worry
Cars I've thought about: I've always loved Europa S2s, G21s and Marcoses, but they're only 2-seaters. Wouldn't rule them out though. I thought about a Scimitar (pre 1975), but they're a lot of turds out there. Perhaps a P5B Coupe or 1800ES?
I'm strangely drawn to GRP due to the lack of rust, but a well-protected metal body would be fine.
For the last 40 years I've admired Gordon Keebles, but sadly they're way out of my league now. On the plus side, their high worth means that they'll be well looked after, unlike Interceptors.
Thanks for looking. I'd love to hear from you!
Any suggestions for me please? I've reached the stage in my life when I can realistically think about purchasing a 'weekend' car, for enjoyment. Have any of you got any ideas? Here's what I'd like:
1) Realiability - engine and body not to rust away on me
2) Free RFL
3) Capable of the occasional long trip to a car show in summer
4) Enough room for 2 people, plus medium-sized dog
5) Decent looks - I know they're in the eye of the beholder, but I hate Stags & 1970s TRs
6) Budget of £12K absolute tops
7) I want to fettle it, not restore it. £12K includes getting it spot-on
8) RHD would be essential unless it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
9) I wouldn't do loads of miles per year, so fuel consumption's not a worry
Cars I've thought about: I've always loved Europa S2s, G21s and Marcoses, but they're only 2-seaters. Wouldn't rule them out though. I thought about a Scimitar (pre 1975), but they're a lot of turds out there. Perhaps a P5B Coupe or 1800ES?
I'm strangely drawn to GRP due to the lack of rust, but a well-protected metal body would be fine.
For the last 40 years I've admired Gordon Keebles, but sadly they're way out of my league now. On the plus side, their high worth means that they'll be well looked after, unlike Interceptors.
Thanks for looking. I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks for the replies so far. Whilst Jag V12s are cheap, their complexity scares the carp out of me. I love the old Mark X or 420Gs, but they're a bit too big for my garage. I like the look of an Amazon, being similar (well, to me anyway!) to a P5B. I was looking on line at Amazon estates and have to admit, they're my type of car, but quite rare. Seems like a few people on here know a lot about them. There aren't many about on my budget, but perhaps I should learn to be more patient.
I wondered about Gilberns until I finally saw one in the flesh last year. Whilst it may be a capable car, those boxy looks don't do it for me. So far I'm most drawn to a couple of cars, at opposite ends of the spectrum to each other: an Amazon estate or a Europa S2. Well, that is until I discover a long-lost Gordon Keeble! Funny how looks are so subjective - I prefer the look of the S1 & S2 Europas to the cut down TCs.
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