Classic as a daily drive...?

[DJC]

Please excuse my ignorance having never run a classic before, but would something like this: http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C237609 work as a daily drive in 2011?

Approx 6k a year in all weathers, all local sub 10 mile runs on country roads.





I don't wish to start a poll, but would it

a) Be pretty reliable by and large, it's lasted 55 years and whilst it'll need a bit more loving than a modern Eurobox it should cope well enough if looked after.

b) Be completely unreliable and break down at every given opportunity, especially picking the worst time to do so. If you do go down this route, fool, make sure you fill your boot with every tool known to man and preferably your reliable mechanic too.

...just tossing the idea around my head that a cheap classic may be the way to inject a bit of inexpensive fun into the daily miles.

[pinchmeimdreamin]

If looked after probably as reliable as most modern euroboxes.

And if it breaks all you will need is some sticky tape or a jubilee clip and a swiss army knife to fix it.


plus you get the advantage of actualy owning/driving something interesting.

[davepoth]

All I'll say is, if you are looking for a commuter car, get something with disc brakes at the front. Remember that is the car the highway code braking distances is done in, and most modern cars can do it in half that. There must be a kit to fit them to that, it'll be a worthwhile investment.

[twazzock]

I think it would manage mechanically, the difficult thing with a lot of classics is protecting against and staying on top of rust. That one does look very tidy though, so with some Waxoyl sprayed liberally underneath it should be good to go!

[Billy Hunt]

If you maintain it properly it would be fine. Regular use makes all cars more reliable not less!

I use my MGB daily and I haven't been able to break that very often. In fact its only the new parts I've fitted that have broken...

[Jasandjules]

My only concern would be the safety aspect (I know I should hang my head in shame at that but still) - brakes, grip etc isn't quite up to modern standards and how well does the suspension cope with modern roads (read, potholes!). Plus with all too many halfwits in 4*4s the risk of getting a bump with no side impact bars etc..

[sebhaque]

Can't see why not, a few of my friends run classic Morris Minors as dailys and they're pretty reliable. I've posted some pics of a friend's Morris in the snow, at 85mph on an airfield (of course), and through general usage. A well looked-after car will last for many, many years.

[mgroadster]

You'll love it in the rain going up hill with the vacuum wipers. One of these was my 1st car.

[wackojacko]

Friend of mine uses a 4 door MK2 Escort as his daily driver, he loves it.

Once you have the nack of starting a carbed car on a cold morning you'll be fine...

[davepoth]

Jasandjules said:

My only concern would be the safety aspect (I know I should hang my head in shame at that but still) - brakes, grip etc isn't quite up to modern standards and how well does the suspension cope with modern roads (read, potholes!). Plus with all too many halfwits in 4*4s the risk of getting a bump with no side impact bars etc..

Grip's not problem with modern tyres, the suspension's designed for cobbled streets so will ride much more smoothly than anything modern. Halfwits are the big problem, which is why you need good brakes. The ones on that car cannot be depended upon to be able to get maximum braking effort out of a set of modern tyres in normal road use.

[gr88]

sidevalve engine runs out of puff (and gearing) at 45 mph

yes those fords were really that SLOW

(i had a side valve prefect sit up and beg - 3 speed and rod brakes)

[Faust66]

There is a thread on this subject running.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I've said it before and I'll say it again: go for it mate! As long as you're willing to invest a bit of time at the weekends fettling and tweaking your car it's a rewarding expeience.

Here's my baby:

[davepoth]

A later Morris Minor would be a better bet. Disc brake conversions are available, it has sublime handling, and all the go faster bits from a Mini or Mg Midget bolt on.

[ejenner]

If you buy something exotic prepare for trouble. If you buy something which people used every day 50 years ago then there's no reason why it won't work every day... that's what it was designed for. Some cars have a rep though... don't get one of them.

[DJC]

Thanks. I didn't see the other topic running - d'oh, schoolboy error.

I don't have a great deal of time at the weekends to fettle and whilst I'm happy to tackle mechanical jobs, I'm no mechanic....