Useable tax exempt classics
Discussion
Looking for some inspiration on useable tax exempt classics. Tax exemption works on a rolling 40year basis, which means at present its 1979 - lets work on the basis of 1981, as I'm interested in things that will be tax exempt and therefore ULEZ exempt by 2021.
Current thoughts are BMW E21s and E12s
Old mercs are also great, but frankly I don't know a whole lot about anything older than what I'd call 'young timer' classics. Looking for things which haven't had crazy levels of demand (eg old 911s), more just old everyday cars which are vaguely interesting.
Current thoughts are BMW E21s and E12s
Old mercs are also great, but frankly I don't know a whole lot about anything older than what I'd call 'young timer' classics. Looking for things which haven't had crazy levels of demand (eg old 911s), more just old everyday cars which are vaguely interesting.
E12s are 
My username would suggest bias (and you'd be right) but how about a Triumph 2000/2500? Easy to maintain, interesting, not too old fashioned (rack and pinion steering, semi trailing arm independent rear suspension) only really negative point is rust.
I did 20,000 miles one year in mine when it was 38 years old, and aside from a radiator and a steering rack that I broke when hitting a badger (so not really the cars fault), it was fine.
ETA just seen the age bit... I would however suggest the big Triumph saloons feel a lot younger than they actually are - I went for a ride in a TR3 once, and my 2000 felt like a modern car in comparison.
My username would suggest bias (and you'd be right) but how about a Triumph 2000/2500? Easy to maintain, interesting, not too old fashioned (rack and pinion steering, semi trailing arm independent rear suspension) only really negative point is rust.
I did 20,000 miles one year in mine when it was 38 years old, and aside from a radiator and a steering rack that I broke when hitting a badger (so not really the cars fault), it was fine.
ETA just seen the age bit... I would however suggest the big Triumph saloons feel a lot younger than they actually are - I went for a ride in a TR3 once, and my 2000 felt like a modern car in comparison.
I think the main problem is they aren't great on safety and need a lot more maintenance..
OK as classic enthusiasts we take a chance on sunny weekends going for a steady jaunty picnic or to le-mans etc etc
But as a daily driver rushing along with the herd in their mobile folding cocoons with fifteen airbags, etc etc on a commute..
Nah, save the classic for good days and use a modern safer comfortable A to B machine you don't care about for the donkey work..
OK as classic enthusiasts we take a chance on sunny weekends going for a steady jaunty picnic or to le-mans etc etc
But as a daily driver rushing along with the herd in their mobile folding cocoons with fifteen airbags, etc etc on a commute..
Nah, save the classic for good days and use a modern safer comfortable A to B machine you don't care about for the donkey work..
Old mercs from when they could still build a damn fine automobile still change hands for sensible $ don't they? My dad had a stacked headlight 220, love that era.
I guess datsun 280s are $$$$$$$?
Would be tempted to go restomod with something like this though, get the expemptions while running something a bit more modern/peppy in terms of performance and reliability, stick it to the man bro!
I guess datsun 280s are $$$$$$$?
Would be tempted to go restomod with something like this though, get the expemptions while running something a bit more modern/peppy in terms of performance and reliability, stick it to the man bro!
Teddy Lop said:
Would be tempted to go restomod with something like this though, get the expemptions while running something a bit more modern/peppy in terms of performance and reliability, stick it to the man bro!
1981 Range Rover Classic two door restomod 4.6 V8 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
peterperkins said:
I think the main problem is they aren't great on safety and need a lot more maintenance..
A well sorted W123 Mercedes is pretty safe for a classic, built like a tank and extensively crash tested during development.They need minimal maintenance, and are quite a 'modern' experience, apart from the steering. Mine has central locking, is fuel injected so no fiddly chokes to play with, electric windows all round and an electric sunroof. It has modern touches like the interior light staying on for a bit after you're in and dual zone heating.
I've been using mine recently as an every day car, and it's not been off the road over winter, so it's certainly a contender.
I've devoted a fair bit of energy and real world experience to this and, so far, a Porsche 924 has turned out to be hard to beat. It's amazingly competent as a properly usable tax exempt daily driver.
Scimitar GTE also very competent - quick, good noise, properly classic and fun feel but ultimately not as well resolved as the 924.
Mk1 Golfs and Scirrocos also on the list - great fun but a bit buzzy at motorway speeds.
Scimitar GTE also very competent - quick, good noise, properly classic and fun feel but ultimately not as well resolved as the 924.
Mk1 Golfs and Scirrocos also on the list - great fun but a bit buzzy at motorway speeds.
Michaelbailey said:
VW Beetles are a popular choice and huge following so plenty of knowledge out there though you wont get the same comfort or refinement as the beemers. Although unless your in a rolls/Bentley anything tax exempt is going to very much feel its age
Run a 1966 Beetle - and it's great being exempt from pretty much everything, rather weird.I agree it's a very useable car even by today's standards, but I am very very happy I don't use it every day
eccles said:
A well sorted W123 Mercedes is pretty safe for a classic, built like a tank and extensively crash tested during development.
They need minimal maintenance, and are quite a 'modern' experience, apart from the steering. Mine has central locking, is fuel injected so no fiddly chokes to play with, electric windows all round and an electric sunroof. It has modern touches like the interior light staying on for a bit after you're in and dual zone heating.
I've been using mine recently as an every day car, and it's not been off the road over winter, so it's certainly a contender.
That takes me back - I had a 280e in the early 90s with the velour trim! Lovely car (even if it was brown).They need minimal maintenance, and are quite a 'modern' experience, apart from the steering. Mine has central locking, is fuel injected so no fiddly chokes to play with, electric windows all round and an electric sunroof. It has modern touches like the interior light staying on for a bit after you're in and dual zone heating.
I've been using mine recently as an every day car, and it's not been off the road over winter, so it's certainly a contender.
But in the 80s I had another brown car that might fit the bill - a P6B Rover 3500S. But no PAS on mine, so the steering was even worse than my Mercedes!
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff