Advice required!
Discussion
Hi folks
I'm in the market for a 60s/70s classic and I wondered if I could pick your brains as to what to go for.
I've got a budget of around £7,500 and am looking for something that's a fun drive - thought I'm really not entirely sure if I want to get something near the top of its range at that price, or a slightly more tatty car that would be priced higher for a totally sorted version. I'm not especially mechanically minded.
I previously owned a '66 Spitfire, which I loved, but was thinking of something with a bit more oomph this time - perhaps an MGB in the former category, or a Stag or TR6 in the latter.
Any thoughts, advice or alternatively suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Chas.
I'm in the market for a 60s/70s classic and I wondered if I could pick your brains as to what to go for.
I've got a budget of around £7,500 and am looking for something that's a fun drive - thought I'm really not entirely sure if I want to get something near the top of its range at that price, or a slightly more tatty car that would be priced higher for a totally sorted version. I'm not especially mechanically minded.
I previously owned a '66 Spitfire, which I loved, but was thinking of something with a bit more oomph this time - perhaps an MGB in the former category, or a Stag or TR6 in the latter.
Any thoughts, advice or alternatively suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Chas.
As above - a Midget would be a good choice. Absolute hoot to drive (although not fast of course)
If you like the look of Stags/TRs - how about an S Series TVR ? A bit later than 70s but your 7.5K will get you a minter plus some in the bank. Crazy amount of car for the current prices and parts are easy to come by (other than indicators !). Don't listen to the boo boys about reliability, as with all cars of this era basic maintenance keeps them running nicely.
If you like the look of Stags/TRs - how about an S Series TVR ? A bit later than 70s but your 7.5K will get you a minter plus some in the bank. Crazy amount of car for the current prices and parts are easy to come by (other than indicators !). Don't listen to the boo boys about reliability, as with all cars of this era basic maintenance keeps them running nicely.
I have just done an agreed value insurance accident repair on a '91 TVR 290S3. Very likeable car with much more about it than an MGB, perfectly maneagable if bought sensibly, and lots of fun. i delivered the car to just under 70 miles away and the journey was very pleasant, nice noise too!
Going to shows and talking to owners is good advice but I've seen plenty of good serviceable Stags for well within your budget although a good TR6 maybe stretching it a bit.
Buy with your heart but let your head have a say as well! Ask yourself what you are expecting from the car. Is it going to be a daily driver? Where you're going to keep it affects the size of car you can buy, also whether or not you can go for a soft top. A summer evening run to the coast with wife & kids is enjoyable and the best way of involving them with the hobby! Stag would be a great choice for that job but a Vitesse convertible almost as good.
Dolomite, even if not a Sprint, is an enjoyable drive. BMW 2002 has a solid following and even a Cabriolet should be within your budget, which gets us back to Stag territory.
Someone said TVR! Gosh, can you really get them for that money!?
Midget, for all the plus reasons others have said but remember they are TINY in modern traffic and any passengers could find that intimidating.
Anyway.... Plain sheet of paper and £7.5K to spend..... I envy you!
Buy with your heart but let your head have a say as well! Ask yourself what you are expecting from the car. Is it going to be a daily driver? Where you're going to keep it affects the size of car you can buy, also whether or not you can go for a soft top. A summer evening run to the coast with wife & kids is enjoyable and the best way of involving them with the hobby! Stag would be a great choice for that job but a Vitesse convertible almost as good.
Dolomite, even if not a Sprint, is an enjoyable drive. BMW 2002 has a solid following and even a Cabriolet should be within your budget, which gets us back to Stag territory.
Someone said TVR! Gosh, can you really get them for that money!?
Midget, for all the plus reasons others have said but remember they are TINY in modern traffic and any passengers could find that intimidating.
Anyway.... Plain sheet of paper and £7.5K to spend..... I envy you!
Well said that man!!! 
This looks nice.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alfa-Romeo-2-0-Spider-Ve...
or,a roof and a V6 for less money.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-Alfetta-GTV-G...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alfa-Romeo-2-0-Spider-Ve...
or,a roof and a V6 for less money.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-Alfetta-GTV-G...
gifdy said:
As above - a Midget would be a good choice. Absolute hoot to drive (although not fast of course)
If you like the look of Stags/TRs - how about an S Series TVR ? A bit later than 70s but your 7.5K will get you a minter plus some in the bank. Crazy amount of car for the current prices and parts are easy to come by (other than indicators !). Don't listen to the boo boys about reliability, as with all cars of this era basic maintenance keeps them running nicely.
IIRC the front indicators arenSherpa van units, although these may not be as readily available as they used to beIf you like the look of Stags/TRs - how about an S Series TVR ? A bit later than 70s but your 7.5K will get you a minter plus some in the bank. Crazy amount of car for the current prices and parts are easy to come by (other than indicators !). Don't listen to the boo boys about reliability, as with all cars of this era basic maintenance keeps them running nicely.
Guys, this is fabulous. Keep 'em coming!
A Midget, fun as they are, would feel like a backward step. The TVR is a brilliant idea, though the better examples might be a bit beyond me, and I'd imagine insurance might also be a bit nifty. Are the models other than the S as worthwhile?
That Alfa is also very appealing. How doesthe Scimitar rate in terms of the drive/power/handling?
Sorry, lots of questions!
A Midget, fun as they are, would feel like a backward step. The TVR is a brilliant idea, though the better examples might be a bit beyond me, and I'd imagine insurance might also be a bit nifty. Are the models other than the S as worthwhile?
That Alfa is also very appealing. How doesthe Scimitar rate in terms of the drive/power/handling?
Sorry, lots of questions!
velocemitch said:
This looks nice.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alfa-Romeo-2-0-Spider-Ve...
or,a roof and a V6 for less money.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-Alfetta-GTV-G...
Get that Spider - it's a snip at that price, plus the engine note.......... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alfa-Romeo-2-0-Spider-Ve...
or,a roof and a V6 for less money.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-Alfetta-GTV-G...
The GTV will also sound lovely, but if I'm not mistaken, it's the model with the speedometer right in the middle of the dash - between the driver and passenger - OK unless your OH is a nervous passenger!
Sunbeam Alpine could also be an option?
The wacky dash with the speedo in the middle had gone by the time the GTV6 had arrived. Actually I've looked closer at both those Cars (on the net) and they are both a cracking buy. The Spider is very cheap for a good S2 and some think the GTV6 are on the cusp off following the 105 coupe's into serious money.
You won't get a better drive for the money than the GTV6, or a more style than that Spider.
You won't get a better drive for the money than the GTV6, or a more style than that Spider.
When I look on eBay independently (I.e. not through your link) I can't seem to find that Spider Veloce, or I'd snap it up.
Hmm. With small increases in budget, I could get this:http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C390336 - a decent looking TR6 - or even this - http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C416815 - beautiful Élan 2+2. Any thoughts? Obviously I need something relatively reliable.
Final question - different prospect altogether, but there are some apparently decent Daimler Mk2 V8's about for under 10k. Worth a look or best avoided?
Thanks once again, all.
Hmm. With small increases in budget, I could get this:http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C390336 - a decent looking TR6 - or even this - http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C416815 - beautiful Élan 2+2. Any thoughts? Obviously I need something relatively reliable.
Final question - different prospect altogether, but there are some apparently decent Daimler Mk2 V8's about for under 10k. Worth a look or best avoided?
Thanks once again, all.
I've just tried to get back to both Alfa's on EBAY and I think there is a fault with EBAY somehow. I managed to get on to it following the link, then 'wathced' the spider, but couldn't get back to the GTV6. there is a notice in red on the site saying 'not all information is available at this time'.
Curious.
Curious.
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