Classic easy build
Discussion
Mx5? I know it is a bit of a joke answer, but they are plentiful and cheap with lots of parts available and plenty of resources to help.
Or perhaps an old 'new' Mini (R50/R53) which are also fairly simple and well supported.
There's probably not much truely 'classic' available at that price point.
Or perhaps an old 'new' Mini (R50/R53) which are also fairly simple and well supported.
There's probably not much truely 'classic' available at that price point.
I'd go same as above, MX5 or R50 series Mini. If you can get a cheap convertible Mini, they sell well.
Can I ask why you'd want it in the worst condition with running faults if you want an easy project? Surely you'd want one with something like EML on or airbag lights which can be easy fixes.
Can I ask why you'd want it in the worst condition with running faults if you want an easy project? Surely you'd want one with something like EML on or airbag lights which can be easy fixes.
Unless you can weld & have the necessary equipment avoid anything that is likely to have corrosion issues.
A quick look on the you.gov mot history checker for any car you are considering may be useful.
As for the BMW Mini I can't remember which model it was but a trade customer of mine bought a used one for his wife.
When it needed a new clutch he rang the mechanic that did all their work.
Wasn't best pleased when the mechanic said Thanks, but no thanks.
Apparently it's a major dismantling job.
A quick look on the you.gov mot history checker for any car you are considering may be useful.
As for the BMW Mini I can't remember which model it was but a trade customer of mine bought a used one for his wife.
When it needed a new clutch he rang the mechanic that did all their work.
Wasn't best pleased when the mechanic said Thanks, but no thanks.
Apparently it's a major dismantling job.
I bought a Triumph Toledo last year; there are a few 1970s car out there (plus the much more common Dolomite) for under £2k that are running and driving, and leaking. 
Careful you don't confuse a basket case with a 'restoration project' or similar description though.
Not too difficult to work on, I'd forgotten about setting up points gaps and using a manual choke! All adds to the charm.
Waiting for a 1 13/16" socket at the moment.......
Spitfires have fully tilting front end for even better access but they don't go very cheap unless they're too far gone IMHO.
Careful you don't confuse a basket case with a 'restoration project' or similar description though.Not too difficult to work on, I'd forgotten about setting up points gaps and using a manual choke! All adds to the charm.
Waiting for a 1 13/16" socket at the moment.......Spitfires have fully tilting front end for even better access but they don't go very cheap unless they're too far gone IMHO.
My starting point would be how much are you prepared to lay out in total? (purchase plus 'rebuild') then base your decision on that.
You could/are unfortunately likely to spend up to 2k on a car which when you get into the rebuild you find is beyond economic repair and that runner very quickly becomes worth a lot less than you paid for it.
You could/are unfortunately likely to spend up to 2k on a car which when you get into the rebuild you find is beyond economic repair and that runner very quickly becomes worth a lot less than you paid for it.
sixor8 said:
I bought a Triumph Toledo last year; there are a few 1970s car out there (plus the much more common Dolomite) for under £2k that are running and driving, and leaking. Careful you don't confuse a basket case with a 'restoration project' or similar description though.
Not too difficult to work on, I'd forgotten about setting up points gaps and using a manual choke! All adds to the charm. Waiting for a 1 13/16" socket at the moment.......
Spitfires have fully tilting front end for even better access but they don't go very cheap unless they're too far gone IMHO.
Careful you don't confuse a basket case with a 'restoration project' or similar description though.Not too difficult to work on, I'd forgotten about setting up points gaps and using a manual choke! All adds to the charm.
Waiting for a 1 13/16" socket at the moment.......Spitfires have fully tilting front end for even better access but they don't go very cheap unless they're too far gone IMHO.
Saab 900?
There's a few around in your price range that have been off the road for years and just need recommissioning. Might even get a turbo, if you're lucky. Many are a bit ratty now, but they're robust and quick(ish), plus there's nothing on the road that looks similar.
No new dealer network since 2011, but there's abundant specialists and the parts section on eBay still has most things you'll need.
No cambelt to break, either.
There's a few around in your price range that have been off the road for years and just need recommissioning. Might even get a turbo, if you're lucky. Many are a bit ratty now, but they're robust and quick(ish), plus there's nothing on the road that looks similar.
No new dealer network since 2011, but there's abundant specialists and the parts section on eBay still has most things you'll need.
No cambelt to break, either.
How about one of these, great little things and becoming quite collectable.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-Panda-1-0-CLX-1992...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-Panda-1-0-CLX-1992...
I suppose it depends where your skills lie. For me corrosion/rust is a nightmare as is bodywork that doesn't bolt on/off but I am willing to have a go at most mechanical stuff. Having a near rust-free classic makes things so much easier for me: jobs take far less time when things aren't seized.
Mk1 MR2. Still available at that price, but would need work, robust mechanicals, parts still generally easily available, hoot to drive when sorted, great looking car. Not much not to like. Rust is the issue, but it's not impossible to find them without horrendous problems. I bought a completely rust free one for £3250 not too long ago.
paintman said:
As for the BMW Mini I can't remember which model it was but a trade customer of mine bought a used one for his wife.
When it needed a new clutch he rang the mechanic that did all their work.
Wasn't best pleased when the mechanic said Thanks, but no thanks.
Apparently it's a major dismantling job.
You made me think there. In well over thirty years and over 100,000 miles the E-type only had a clutch change when the engine needed a rebuild seven years ago. Even then it wasn't worn out but changed because the car was dismantled. And I can't offhand think of anyone who has had a clutch fail. Seems not to be a common thing these days.When it needed a new clutch he rang the mechanic that did all their work.
Wasn't best pleased when the mechanic said Thanks, but no thanks.
Apparently it's a major dismantling job.
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