Investment cars

[TobyLerone]

So, whatever I buy next, will be something cool. Maybe a classic. But definitely an appreciating asset. I suppose the title, 'investment' is probably a little misleading. I mean that, I'll buy something to use, maintain, and maybe a partial rolling-resto, and then come the day I sell, will be worth the same, but hopefully more than what I paid.

I'm down to a few choices - Jensen Interceptor being the first. Simple to maintain, cool. Maybe a bit rusty now, and with limited parts. And the top end of my budget (about £30k MAX)

TVR Cerbera AJP V8 - most have been lightly modified. Plenty of specialists for chassis work. No rust on the bodies.

Vauxhall Monaro - super simple engine. Multitude of readily available spares and upgrades.

I think whatever it is, it needs to have a V8, but I could be flexible.

What do you guys think? Anything else to consider? Whats almost certain to appreciate if bought now-ish, and kept in good order?

[TobyLerone]

Well, I have lusted after a Monaro for a number of years... And I know they're pretty easy to add power to - the LS is a great base engine!

I meant that the Interceptor, while a luxury car in its day, is old now. No computers, no electronics to speak of. It's all mechanical, hydraulic or electrical. Easy stuff. The welding can be pricey, and it scares me a bit. But as far as it being complex, it's "only" welding.

The TVRs would worry me a bit too, in the same fashion. Extensive welding, and with the AJP V8 being a unique engine, I can imagine the bills when something goes bad are huge. The Cerbera would be a lovely motor though. Ever since I saw a Purple one on old Top Gear I wanted one!

[TobyLerone]

Now, I know this might be controversial, but I've just not had any kind of connection to any Porsche. I don't know why, and I know they are wonderfully engineered, well made, and liked by most people, I've just not 'got' the attraction.

The V8 'rule' is pretty loose. If there was something really nice, I could definitely ignore the V8 thing. TVR Tuscan for example. A cracking engine! Or an older M3.

Monaro is a really strong contender. There's a few that have been tastefully modified with stuff like increased capacity diff houses, air intakes, big brakes and exhausts. I've driven LHD in the UK and I'm definitely not a fan. I realise that, come sale time, there's the whole European market to appeal to, but it's not something I'm willing to get into. Unless something LHD is stupidly cheap and it's an impossible-to-pass offer.

I've been looking at Bentleys too - the Turbo R is something I like, and they seem to be either appreciating (even a few years ago, there were LOTS more for sale sub £10k) or at least the prices have firmed up. Something like the Azure convertible would be really nice, but they are all >£60k - which is over double my top spend. Maybe just take a Sawzall to the cheapest Turbo R on the market....

Thanks for the opinions and ideas by the way - always good to get a feel for what others think about this stuff!

To give an idea how much out of my comfort zone this stuff is - I currently drive a 2004 Landcruiser. And I want something really different from 99% of the Euro-econoboxes and rep-mobiles on the road.

Also, I'm not afraid of doing some work on whatever I buy. I'm a mechanic, and I have easy access to a few workshops to do some work, rather than constantly having to send my stuff into the garage.

Edited by TobyLerone on Tuesday 21st March 16:58

[TobyLerone]

Yertis said:

aeropilot said:

If you are serious about buying something with an eye on longer term value......avoid the modified car route.
Well maintained and stock is usually where the money will be at some point in the future.

In general I agree but you'd be hard pushed to find a Monaro that's not had some sort of modification. Fortunately a quick glance through the receipts will tell you whether the mods are "good", "why bother?" or "make excuses and leave". The standard car really does need some of the simpler mods, suspension bushes and that sort of thing.

Which is the kind of things I'd listed. From what I've seen, good supercharger installs increase value too. When I say 'modify', I mean performance parts that work better than the original items - big brake kit on something thats really fast would, in general, be a positive. Not just a bunch of barry'd stickers and a big feck off wing screwed in with self-tappers

I'm looking at older Mercs too, alongside maybe the TVR Griffith. Cruising in South of France, in a big old V8, top down, sunshine... Sounds like something I could learn to enjoy! Again, it definitely doesn't have to have a V8, but I do love the noise.

Are the Griff's generally accepted as more reliable / easier or cheaper to repair than the Cerbera or Tuscan?

[TobyLerone]

crankedup said:

Mr Tidy said:

But it isn't a V8!

If a V8 apparently isn't essential I would have suggested a Z4M Coupe - same engine as your M3 but a bit more style.

Still, I hope you enjoy the M3. (BMW version at least, the road with that name is a total f*ckup).

Holy cow, I should pay more attention

Doesn't matter - like I said, V8 is definitely not essential at all. Some of the I6 BMWs are great. V6s make a good noise too! Really, whatever it is, has to make a good noise, and be (at least semi) reliable.

The E24 635CSi is a lovely thing indeed, for example. And I think, for those that are still at sensible prices, and not rot-boxes, will continue to climb in value.

Been looking more and more at the TVR Griffith though... British convertible V8. And while tidy ones are top of my budget, I think if you kept it nice, it would continue to climb. I don't think I can afford NOT to!

[TobyLerone]

NickCQ said:

Parrotface said:

Austin sheerline? PM me ????

lol
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Thanks, but I'll take a pass on that... I'm after something unmodified, or at the very most lightly breathed on with tasteful mods to help reliability (think silicone hoses instead of rubber ones, stainless exhaust instead of mild steel, stiffer ARB.... that kinda thing).

Definitely good luck with yours though. Sounds like it has the potential to send you some ruinous bills. Hopefully you can breathe some life into it without sinking too many thousands into it....

[TobyLerone]

Jonmx said:

Jaguar XKR, I have a suspicion these will age well and appreciate in value. And who doesn't like a supercharged V8! The one below is one of only 16 'Stratstone' coupes, full Jag service history and only 50k on the clock. About the same money as a tired DB7 for what is a top example of the XK8.
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

Lovely!

Always liked these. The 4.2 has been around for ages too, so is probably a fairly safe bet that it's not going to go bang and throw it's internals out any time soon.

Probably a bit much for me though. I can see this falling a bit too far. I'm trying to minimise my depreciation stakes.

I'm very very good at buying high, spendimg lots and many hours of work on something, and selling for rock-bottom. No more! Maybe....

[TobyLerone]

TR4man said:

Jonmx said:

TobyLerone said:

I'm very very good at buying high, spending lots and many hours of work on something, and selling for rock-bottom. No more! Maybe....

I know exactly what you mean!

I think many car guys know what you mean despite the advice we freely give to others!

It's somewhat easier to dole out advice if you don't have to take it. And outside-looking-in is easier than when you're caught up in your own world.

And us car guys can be pretty stubborn when we get an idea that sounds good in our own heads...