Classic car recommendation

[TallTony]

My Dad recently went through a major health scare just before his 70th birthday, and its made me realise that he won’t be around for ever. We haven’t always had the best of relationships to which both of us were at fault but the topic of cars was always something that united us. He has an idea that we both buy a classic car together and share the running costs/maintenance etc plus perhaps enter a few classic road rallies. It’s a little inspired by my Grandad who spent most of his retired life running a 1904 Panhard for a local museum, it kept his mind active and alert. So something fun that we do together that also the whole family will enjoy. I am looking to buy a ‘60s GTV too, it would be a nice combo and we might join a local club in Yorkshire if they are not too poncey.

Its very much an open agenda but initial concept:

- 1930s-50s open top car
- Easy to work on
- Eligible/suitable for competition
- Well supported with spares and knowledge base
- Looks good and is rorty
- Budget up to £50k

I am fairly handy with the spanners and my Dad has a big/dry garage so I am quite eager that we both do most of the maintenance. Hunting down rare parts is fun but I don’t want to be stuck with something complex and specialist.

Of course we do have half an eye on future value however this is not prime consideration, but something with universal appeal would be good so moving along in the future would not be difficult.

First thoughts was Healey 100/6 which I personally love, it’s a bit different to the obvious choice of a 3000 mk2, however the old man had lots of 50s/60s British sports cars when he was a bachelor and wants something different. In fact he as a hankering for a 1930’s racer style car, something like a Riley special with open fared wheels and slim body such as https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1196302

My knowledge base on pre ‘60s classics isn’t huge so over to you lot, what can you recommend? I like to research stuff to death before making a decision just need a direction to go in.

Thanks, TT

[Olas]

MG or 7

[TallTony]

Thanks Olas, but what type of MG?

And I am tall and don't fancy being called Noddy whilst in a Austin 7 (assuming you were not meaning the Lotus 7, which fat Dad defo won't fit into lol)

[mbwoy84]

Jowett Jupiter

[Olas]

A 14/40, an 18/80, a VA, a Y or a Magnette.

By ‘7’ I meant Lotus, I didn’t realise the volumes were not compatible. Put Dad on a diet?

[mbwoy84]

Or this looks rather splendid

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1195347

[Mellow Yellow]

Left field but I think it fits the brief (and Dad won't need to diet):



https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C866997

Or, if you're prepared to go to 1960:


https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1195951

[Lotobear]

OP,

A friend of mine has recently finished a complete nut and bolt restoration of an AC Buckland Tourer and is thinking of selling her. The standard is simply superb, in fact probably concourse.

PM me if you are interested

[Duke Caboom]

velocomitch (sp?) on here does classic competition in Yorkshire (I think, somewhere up that way anyway) and should be able to direct you to some good clubs.

Local clubs organise a surprising amount of varied events.

Its better to chose club, events and car at the same time, rather than buying a car and finding out that its only eligible for one event and that is in Cornwall.

Look at HRCC for rallies, they have championships for various levels of commitment, from pottering about and regularities to full on stage.

There is always a class for every car in sprinting and hill climbing and it isn't as damaging as rallying.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Ambleton]

TR3 prices are rapidly going up and they look great....

[RONV]

Hi, there are a lot of classic car shows in your area just have a look around them and see if you could fit in and could drive them for a lot of miles and buy the best you can afford, we tour Europe twice a year and average 5000 miles and are members of a French motor club we are off to Saint Affrique near Millau in May but only do about 160 miles at 45 to 50 MPH a day and no motorways

[TallTony]

Thanks everyone, some interesting ideas there and I will do some research.

AC is a great choice - my Mum’s aunt married the son of one of the Weller brothers who started AC so there is a (distant) family connection.

As for the TR3 - I would, but my Dad had one in his ‘20s and it was apparently a nail.

[anonymous-user]

mbwoy84 said:

Jowett Jupiter

+1 on the Jupiter. Look for a MK1a / SC, they only made about 90 of them (and I have 2!)

[AMGSee55]

Mellow Yellow said:

Left field but I think it fits the brief (and Dad won't need to diet):



https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C866997

Or, if you're prepared to go to 1960:


https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1195951

First generation Ford Thunderbird along similar lines. Not too gargantuan either.

[AMGSee55]

...or a Giulietta Spider. Assuming you can still get a decent one for £50K?

[Mr Tidy]

That Riley looks fantastic, but would it really appeal to both of you?

A mate of mine recently sold a race-prepared MGA, and had an MG Magnette that was also race-prepared complete with a cage - might something like that work?