Is this a really, really stupid idea?

[BarbaricAvatar]

My second favourite car in the world. But i'd be reluctant to take the plunge if i 'just' had enough to cover the purchase price. Even more so with an ex-Cat C car.
I don't think you should sell your Morgan to cover this. Hard decision perhaps but you'd have to be considerably richer to take a chance on this particular car in my opinion.

Everything might be alright, but imagine if it isn't.

[Harry Flashman]

£60k is hard budget for purchase price - but there's slush fund/emergency monies available for catastrophes. I'd just rather not have (m)any!

I just added another to the list to test drive. Vanquish. Although I think, on balance, a Ferrari 550 would be faster and more fun to drive.

[snorkel sucker]

For pure theatre it has to be a Ferrari at that sort of money.

However, although it is no GT2, a 993 Turbo seems to be in budget and don't look like they will drop a great deal more.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3672569.htm

[DonkeyApple]

Harry Flashman said:

£60k is hard budget for purchase price - but there's slush fund/emergency monies available for catastrophes. I'd just rather not have (m)any!

I just added another to the list to test drive. Vanquish. Although I think, on balance, a Ferrari 550 would be faster and more fun to drive.

I preferred the Vanquish over the two and the interior is a far better place to be. It is surprisingly good on English B roads as well.

Added to that, there are fewer of them and maybe as the last hand built Aston they will continue to climb.

[well'Rd]

How about this?

http://www.burbagemotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/fer...

Ticks the boxes, I reckon.

[StottyZr]

Harry Flashman said:

I am already bloody lucky, and own a Morgan Aero 8, which gives me goosebumps every time I take it out, and a Caterham, which scares me silly.

Bearing this in mind, my posts have less significance

[Harry Flashman]

snorkel sucker said:

For pure theatre it has to be a Ferrari at that sort of money.

However, although it is no GT2, a 993 Turbo seems to be in budget and don't look like they will drop a great deal more.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3672569.htm

This or a 964 Turbo are the only Porsches I'd consider as a "fun" but road friendly purchase (GT3s etc are too hardcore for the use I'd give them - I use a Caterham for track anyway) - but they're just too pricey for what they are, IMHO.

[Harry Flashman]

well'Rd said:

How about this?

http://www.burbagemotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/fer...

Ticks the boxes, I reckon.

I actually think the 550 is better value, and I want a manual: good 575s tend to be over budget and F1...

[rigga]

For an experience everytime you drive or even just look at it ..... how about a TVR Sagaris ? prices are certainly on the way upwards

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4119141.htm

[walm]

rigga said:

For an experience everytime you drive or even just look at it ..... how about a TVR Sagaris ? prices are certainly on the way upwards

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4119141.htm

I am not sure but I thought he said something about caring about maintenance costs...

[rigga]

No reason why a s6 engined TVR if looked after would be anything like a costly car to own.

[walm]

Also I know you already have two cars but since you are just trying to fill garages - for £60k I would buy BOTH a Noble M12 GTO-3R AND an Exige S2.
They are both on my MUST OWN list - neither will depreciate and servicing on the Lotus is cheap. Not sure about the Noble.

Nobles in particular seem to be appreciating these days...

[walm]

rigga said:

No reason why a s6 engined TVR if looked after would be anything like a costly car to own.

This is Harry - his version of "looking after" is slapping it on the bottom and giving it a tenner for the cab home.

[mikeveal]

So it's depreciation proof toy that you're looking for? I know I'm biased towards the unusual, but what about a Morgan?

Yeah, you have a Morgan. It has too many wheels.

[rigga]

walm said:

rigga said:

No reason why a s6 engined TVR if looked after would be anything like a costly car to own.

This is Harry - his version of "looking after" is slapping it on the bottom and giving it a tenner for the cab home.

Then that "might" be an issue,as just getting in a Sag and revving its tits off might be the wrong approach,but i still say as a depreciation proof car,they are worth looking at.

[tercelgold]

I think you could test drive quite a few classics in that price range and suddenly click with one of the cars, it must be a tiny market people who have half the cost of a house in cash and can afford to run it on the road, dealers should be bringing cars around for a test drive without any hard sales and trying to tempt you into something.

[Harry Flashman]

I'll try to answer a few points!

TVRs were definitely on the list - but scary maintenance/remedial costs are an issue. I love the Sag - and in fact test drove two a while back. But if it's that or a 360 - for driving experience the 360 wins. It's simply a better steer in pretty much every way. 550 a similar story. Also, my Morgan is gorgeous, but pretty shonky Morgan build quality, as they all are. Would like something a bit better assembled!

As for the 3 Wheeler - it was considered, but lost out against the Caterham, which isn't as cool, but is more useable and a better drive on track. Howvere, if you live in the country and want a morning toy, I recommend the Morgan 3 Wheeler. I test drove it at Brands Hatch Morgan - and it was awesome! Love it - extremely silly, and huge fun.

Classics - they just worry me. This car will get driven once a month on a long-ish trip, and I don't have the space or facilities for tinkering (I live in London). I've owned classics in the past - and loved them. But I just don't think that my lifestyle at the moment works well with the care they deserve.

[Harry Flashman]

walm said:

Also I know you already have two cars but since you are just trying to fill garages - for £60k I would buy BOTH a Noble M12 GTO-3R AND an Exige S2.
They are both on my MUST OWN list - neither will depreciate and servicing on the Lotus is cheap. Not sure about the Noble.

Nobles in particular seem to be appreciating these days...

Noble not a bad shout actually. A friend has one, and it's superb. And very different to the Morgan, and very "street theatre" (which I love, being a shallow sort). Shall peruse the classifieds...

[kiethton]

How about a well maintaied Sagaris?

Values are on the up and can't rot as the bodies are fibreglass, a fair amount under budget as well.

Or an ultima?

[Harry Flashman]

Ultima too hardcore. Sagaris doesn't appeal.

One reason for considering the 360 is the pin-sharp mid-engined driving experience. And the Noble M12 suggestion - a similar experience may be available for £20k less...

Intriguing.