A classic for dailiy (sort of )use

[Markh]

Having rediscovered classic cars again this year (Range Rover classic) has got me thinking, my Boxster S loses a load of cash each month so was thinking of selling it and buying a classic toy, my sort list is as follows

Porsche 911 1970-1974 (or maybe give a 964 a 70's make over, not sure but its any idea)
BMW 3.0 CSL (maybe M5 conversion)
Alfa Romeo 105 GTV (favorite at the moment, with twin spark conversion))
Volvo P1800 (or ES estate version)
Lancia Fulvia (not wild about FWD)

Keeping totally original is not paramount to me, a subtile updating seems to be worth looking into, max budget of £25/30k

Anyone one run similar?

Cheers mark

[Chunkychucky]

I think the BMW and the Porsche may run you to over £30k for the purchase and upgrading for the BMW that you want

[na]

Why not save some money and get an early/mid 80's Porsche 911

My mate's just bought one and is selling his new 911 because of of depreciation

[Markh]

na said:

Why not save some money and get an early/mid 80's Porsche 911

My mate's just bought one and is selling his new 911 because of of depreciation

Thanks guys , I think a 964 may just tick the box, Classic-ish lines, but with A/c and other nce bits, still hanker for the Alfa 105 though

[beach bum]

It all depends on your daily commute. What kind of roads and mileage are we talking about?
I dont't use my 105 that often, but I live in the centre of Athens, so its not really suitable. I have no trouble covering big mileage in it though. Its been to Le Mans, the Ring, Sicily, Milan on different trips. The main concern is the low ride height after fitting an excellent Alfaholics handling kit and the lack of aircon, if that's your thing.
My 1.6 is no dragster but it has a lovely rasp and doesn't mind reving to 7k+.



For that kind ofmoney you can own loads of great cars. From BMW M635 CSI, most 911s from 1974 onwards, Audi quattro, The Alfa GTV6 has a lovely tuneable V6, the list can get very big.

[Markh]

beach bum said:

It all depends on your daily commute. What kind of roads and mileage are we talking about?
I dont't use my 105 that often, but I live in the centre of Athens, so its not really suitable. I have no trouble covering big mileage in it though. Its been to Le Mans, the Ring, Sicily, Milan on different trips. The main concern is the low ride height after fitting an excellent Alfaholics handling kit and the lack of aircon, if that's your thing.
My 1.6 is no dragster but it has a lovely rasp and doesn't mind reving to 7k+.



For that kind ofmoney you can own loads of great cars. From BMW M635 CSI, most 911s from 1974 onwards, Audi quattro, The Alfa GTV6 has a lovely tuneable V6, the list can get very big.

Very nice example you have, I have a Range Rover for every day use, but what ever I buy needs to usable on daily basis if need be, as i said a nice 105 GTV is at the top of my list at the moment (looking South african cars to import so the tin worm is limited

[Elderly]

Markh said:

...... my Boxster S loses a load of cash each month ......
Alfa Romeo 105 GTV (favorite at the moment, with twin spark conversion))

If you want to minimise depreciation, I would bet that keeping the original
Nord engine would be a better financial bet.

[Oelholm]

Markh said:

Very nice example you have, I have a Range Rover for every day use, but what ever I buy needs to usable on daily basis if need be, as i said a nice 105 GTV is at the top of my list at the moment (looking South african cars to import so the tin worm is limited

- If you intend to use it semi-daily, then by all means buy an already restored example... These cars rust like a car from the sixties (who would have guessed that?), and it is difficult, if not impossible, to maintain it rust-free by using only waxoyl and the like - it will need a DECENT restoration where the restorer has made it "better" than new in the rust-proofing department. An unrestored SA-import will be fine if it's only for fine-weather occasional use, not for your use. Electrics (which has been relatively unchallenged by the SA climate) will also not be up to scratch...

[braddo]

I've had a 105 GTV for several years and used it as my only car for a few of those and they are a very good everyday car. As mentioned above though, buy a properly restored one in the UK - you would only have to restore an imported car at some point down the line.

[Jujuuk68]

Perhaps if you like the idea of an Alfa, then how about a Montreal?

Theres a guy over the road who seems to use one as a semi daily use classic, which is on rotation with a 2000gtv, and a Maserati of early 80's vintage, all of which wear the grime of daily use.

[Markh]

MrADC said:

http://www.jdclassics.co.uk/car/418 - likely to be astonishingly expensive - but if you want an M5 E9 this is it!

However at £18K this is as good an E24 as you'll get - seriously good fun, seriously quick and very very dependable (I used to have one but not as good as this one) and more to the point - i'd say this would be an appreciating asset!

http://www.classicheroes.co.uk/cars-for-sale/1902/...

The E9 is perfect just what I was thinking of, but as you say it will be v/expensive

[Markh]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1973-DATSUN-240Z-OUTSTAN...


Just seen this, was not on my list but worth a look I think

[5705]

Markh said:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1973-DATSUN-240Z-OUTSTAN...


Just seen this, was not on my list but worth a look I think

Gorgeous, but is that the top end price for those? Regular use (=rain) might cause the depreciation you're trying to avoid?

There is/was an auto P1800ES on Ebay that I wondered about as a replacement for my load lugger (currently have an Accord hatchback for that).

[braddo]

5705 said:

Gorgeous, but is that the top end price for those? Regular use (=rain) might cause the depreciation you're trying to avoid?

There is/was an auto P1800ES on Ebay that I wondered about as a replacement for my load lugger (currently have an Accord hatchback for that).

In my opinion, if you want to use the car all year round then paying top money for a restored and rustproofed example is the only way to go. It's a lot easier to defend such a car against the elements and anything in lesser condition will deteriorate much quicker and cost big £££s to eventually restore.

I wish someone had given me that advice when I bought my car!

[na]

Look at and test drive as many good examples as you can of the model you decide on including some well out of your buying budget to see how good the cars should be and that you may need to increase your budget for that particular model

Allow in your purchase budget at least a £200 for servicing, maintenance and repairs in the first year, £500 would be better if you can afford as if you don’t use it all it can go forward to the next year – you have to budget for insurance, possibly road tax, certainly petrol so why not budget for servicing, maintenance and repairs which will decrease in cost the more you do of them

[dycecooper]

I have a TR7 V8 as my daily driver, great fun, very reliable and a real head turner too.

[neutral 3]

It just has to be a 964 or far far better a 993. Lots to chose from and some great colours choices ( Basalt Black or Dark Blue for me please ) the Almost perfect daily " drivers car"

Nothing gives such driver feedback and involvement. Practical, plenty of specialists around, Reliable, a head turner, fast when needed and docile when not .
Most were speced up for the UK Market, Inc Sunroof ( essential ) , Air con, elec windows etc

Avoid the 4 Models though. Heavier, complicated, more to go wrong and not as involving to drive.