What classic? (with a twist!)
Discussion
OK, so I am looking foward to the classic Le Mans next year but wondering what to bring.
I also need to improve my existing (non existant) mechanical skills.
If you wanted a good starter classic - each to work on, not out of place at Le Mans, handles ok - where would you start? (inspired by 911Doms thread!).
I was going to get the cheque book out and buy a TR-6 but seeing some of the old "lesser" stuff on mini-lites and the like has me thinking.
Thoughts?
I also need to improve my existing (non existant) mechanical skills.
If you wanted a good starter classic - each to work on, not out of place at Le Mans, handles ok - where would you start? (inspired by 911Doms thread!).
I was going to get the cheque book out and buy a TR-6 but seeing some of the old "lesser" stuff on mini-lites and the like has me thinking.
Thoughts?
Just has to be an E -type ( this will just about buy a project Series 2 , 2 seater or a 2 x2 , If you can find one , to finish in time for next year )Tr6, BMW 3.0 CSI, or 3.0SI ( the 4 door one, Superb and rare ) Interceptor, Merc 380 SL, Stag ( White or Magenta please ) Esprit , preferably a Turbo .
A Corvette would also be a good bet. But if it's a modern, it Just Has To Be... A GRIFF !!
A Corvette would also be a good bet. But if it's a modern, it Just Has To Be... A GRIFF !!
greeneggsnsam said:
Can't let this topic run any further before suggesting a Spitfire! Not very expensive and genuinely fun to drive and own. So easy to work on too sinc there are so many enthusiasts about selling parts and the bonnet opens right up. There's loads of owners on PH too.
Tell me more. They do look easy to work on any might be pefect for a lock-up rescue and restoration.Irish said:
greeneggsnsam said:
Can't let this topic run any further before suggesting a Spitfire! Not very expensive and genuinely fun to drive and own. So easy to work on too sinc there are so many enthusiasts about selling parts and the bonnet opens right up. There's loads of owners on PH too.
Tell me more. They do look easy to work on any might be pefect for a lock-up rescue and restoration.I knew very little about mechanics when I got mine for a bargain £1800 spent a massive amount of time and a small amount of money making it great and sold it for a very tidy profit indeed!
Best car I have ever owned, cheap, incredibly easy to work on and fun.
However with your budget I would suggest the GT6 instead! Much better credibility and all of the perks of a spit.
My spit -
Wizardskills mk I GT6 -
Edited by DazBock on Thursday 25th August 16:00
a Chim maybe but not the best car for a beginner, a Griff less so for a decent result within your budget
whatever car, look at and test drive as many good examples of that car as you can including some well out of your total budget to see how good the cars should be and that you may need to increase your total budget – it usually works out less expensive to buy a good but higher priced example than a poor lower priced example
allow in your budget for repairs maintenance and servicing and that whatever you allow in money, time and hassle may be nowhere near enough
an obvious one I know but MGB
personally with your budget range I'd get the best example I could find and allow for the fact it'll probably need regular driving and full and proper servicing to get it reliable and performing well as most never get proper mileage or servicing to get them to preform properly in the way they were designed to be driven
a GT6 will be great if you want to sweat off some considerable weight on your tour
whatever car, look at and test drive as many good examples of that car as you can including some well out of your total budget to see how good the cars should be and that you may need to increase your total budget – it usually works out less expensive to buy a good but higher priced example than a poor lower priced example
allow in your budget for repairs maintenance and servicing and that whatever you allow in money, time and hassle may be nowhere near enough
an obvious one I know but MGB
personally with your budget range I'd get the best example I could find and allow for the fact it'll probably need regular driving and full and proper servicing to get it reliable and performing well as most never get proper mileage or servicing to get them to preform properly in the way they were designed to be driven
a GT6 will be great if you want to sweat off some considerable weight on your tour
If you genuinly have a £12k budget then take a look at a MK1 / MK2 Escort Mexico or RS2000. They are rocketing in value at the moment but if you waved a wad of notes in somebodys face you may get a good sound one for a good price. Simple and cheap to work on, fun to drive, becoming VERY cool and you could make a tidy profit on your investment.
This looks reasonable
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3134828.htm
BUT, and an important but, there is a very real chance of getting them stolen to the point people are doing silly things like breaking into houses, so just bear that in mind and put some serious security on it!!
This looks reasonable
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3134828.htm
BUT, and an important but, there is a very real chance of getting them stolen to the point people are doing silly things like breaking into houses, so just bear that in mind and put some serious security on it!!
Edited by Furyblade_Lee on Thursday 25th August 19:39
spoodler said:
Is this what you mean by lesser classic? Pop in a Spitfire spec' motor and an overdrive 'box and you've got it made...70m.p.h. cruising, 40m.p.g. and cheap spares - what more can a man possibly ask for (I know about another three litres!)?
That seems like a very practical everyday sort of a car, get a Vitesse motor and you might well have a good alternative to a Stag
I think the old BMW 2002s are looking very pretty these days. Something like this:
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2855467.htm
That one's a smidge over your budget, but by all accounts they're a lot of fun to fling around and parts availability is very good.
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2855467.htm
That one's a smidge over your budget, but by all accounts they're a lot of fun to fling around and parts availability is very good.
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