What classic car?
Discussion
I've had Allegros since I passed my test, can't shake off the bug 
However, a more sexy, usable, workable, economical, enjoyable classic with good parts availability? I'd spend my hard earned on a Triumph Spitfire. A pretty safe bet. Like most classics, condition and originality determines prices.
However, a more sexy, usable, workable, economical, enjoyable classic with good parts availability? I'd spend my hard earned on a Triumph Spitfire. A pretty safe bet. Like most classics, condition and originality determines prices.
MX5!
Serious suggestion! Ask yourself if you really have the time, skill and inclination to get embroiled in the points, rust, agro, performance, safety, anoraks and cardigans, of true classic ownership. If you answer "no" and just want a small open top sports car to wheel out and enjoy at the weekends, then a really tidy mk1 1.6 MX5 is what you want.
Serious suggestion! Ask yourself if you really have the time, skill and inclination to get embroiled in the points, rust, agro, performance, safety, anoraks and cardigans, of true classic ownership. If you answer "no" and just want a small open top sports car to wheel out and enjoy at the weekends, then a really tidy mk1 1.6 MX5 is what you want.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C316040
Without knowing your budget, I'd suggest maybe the best chrome bumper MGB GT you can afford, this one looks pretty reasonable at £3500, not overpriced and a well cared for car.
V8Triumph said:
mat205125 said:
Ask yourself if you really have the time, skill and inclination to get embroiled in the points, rust, agro, performance, safety, anoraks and cardigans, of true classic ownership.
Don't listen to this Kate! TRUE classic cars are great Don't get involved with big V8s or anything with a Jag badge first time round, just keep it simple. A basic knowledge of mechanics is all that's required to keep things running, anything that's a product of BL for example are easy to work on (A-series engines only went out of production in 2001 with the old Mini!). Rust issues can be managed with the likes of Waxoyl.
You'll have lots of fun in the sun in your desired classic. I had my Allegro out yesterday, from backing out the drive to arriving at Lidle, every head turned! Enjoy it.
If you really have to have an Allegro, then this Vanden Plas is coming up for auction next month, with all the leather and wood bits.
http://www.angliacarauctions.co.uk/classic-auction...
Scroll down near the bottom.
Also the Herald estate looks nice and tidy for not a lot of money.
http://www.angliacarauctions.co.uk/classic-auction...
Scroll down near the bottom.
Also the Herald estate looks nice and tidy for not a lot of money.
ajb85 said:
V8Triumph said:
mat205125 said:
Ask yourself if you really have the time, skill and inclination to get embroiled in the points, rust, agro, performance, safety, anoraks and cardigans, of true classic ownership.
Don't listen to this Kate! TRUE classic cars are great Don't get involved with big V8s or anything with a Jag badge first time round, just keep it simple. A basic knowledge of mechanics is all that's required to keep things running, anything that's a product of BL for example are easy to work on (A-series engines only went out of production in 2001 with the old Mini!). Rust issues can be managed with the likes of Waxoyl.
You'll have lots of fun in the sun in your desired classic. I had my Allegro out yesterday, from backing out the drive to arriving at Lidle, every head turned! Enjoy it.
Just to touch on this point - don't buy anything heavily modified either, it WILL be a nightmare and may possibly put you off classics.
Anything with an A-series, B-series or Rover V8 is a good bet. Nothing wrong with Triumph fours / sixes either but listen for rumble upon start up from the bottom end. If it's got a gauge check oil pressure against technical specs.
Try to avoid XK engines and Triumph V8's as a first classic - parts are expensive and maintenance can cost a lot of money if you are not careful.
Seriously do be careful...
Three times now i've gotten so carried away with the romantic notion of classic car ownership and three times i've realised that whilst I can afford to buy the things - Depending on the marque and unless you're a reasonably capable mechanic with plenty of spare time running a classic and keeping it on the road in a servicable and saleable condition can be a very frustrating and expensive pass time.
If you do decide to take the plunge, look at plenty of cars for comparison, then look at plenty more and take as much expert advice as possible before handing over any cash... Something can look lovely on the surface, it can even look lovely beneath the surface and drive beautifully on a ten mile test drive but that really doesn't mean it will get you home hassle free.
I still love classics, I really do... But i'm hoping i've learnt my lesson now and won't dip my toes into anything vintage again until i'm a much wealthier man and can lavish the time and money that these cars deserve.
Saying all that, if you've got the time, disposable income (that you don't already dispose of in other ways you're reluctant to sacrifice) and are more mechanically inclined than myself, it could be a great decision!
Three times now i've gotten so carried away with the romantic notion of classic car ownership and three times i've realised that whilst I can afford to buy the things - Depending on the marque and unless you're a reasonably capable mechanic with plenty of spare time running a classic and keeping it on the road in a servicable and saleable condition can be a very frustrating and expensive pass time.
If you do decide to take the plunge, look at plenty of cars for comparison, then look at plenty more and take as much expert advice as possible before handing over any cash... Something can look lovely on the surface, it can even look lovely beneath the surface and drive beautifully on a ten mile test drive but that really doesn't mean it will get you home hassle free.
I still love classics, I really do... But i'm hoping i've learnt my lesson now and won't dip my toes into anything vintage again until i'm a much wealthier man and can lavish the time and money that these cars deserve.
Saying all that, if you've got the time, disposable income (that you don't already dispose of in other ways you're reluctant to sacrifice) and are more mechanically inclined than myself, it could be a great decision!
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C306466
Another vote for the Amazon here. Great looking, rugged, simple, road tax-free, good spares availability, can be used as a daily and here's a two-door for £2000.
I ran an MGB roadster as an only car for a while and it was fairly painless and great fun. They are mechanically extremely simple and pretty reliable (especially with a few cheap upgrades like electronic ignition) but I wouldn't recommend running a classic unless you're happy to tinker with it yourself - minor things will go wrong regularly and if you went to a garage every time it happened, it could work out rather expensive.
Rust is an issue unless you're handy with a welder. Especially if you intend to drive it in the winter (ie on salted roads).
Unless you're going to cover very low mileages I wouldn't worry too much about tax exemption - just buy the best car you can find. £200 quid a year of tax can be eaten up several times over in repairs if you buy a worse car to get it.
Rust is an issue unless you're handy with a welder. Especially if you intend to drive it in the winter (ie on salted roads).
Unless you're going to cover very low mileages I wouldn't worry too much about tax exemption - just buy the best car you can find. £200 quid a year of tax can be eaten up several times over in repairs if you buy a worse car to get it.
Edited by kambites on Monday 9th July 11:35
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff