Ideas for a comfortable and useable classic please.
Discussion
I am thinking of buying a classic for regular weekend trips out. I would need a car that I can make a 100 mile journey if I want to have a spin out somewhere on a Sunday if the mood takes me. I would plan to use the car at least once a week, just to keep things free and working. This might be a half hour run for a paper and some milk, but I still want to be able to make a longer journey in some comfort.
I would prefer pre 80's and probably post 50's, preferably British but I am not stuck rigidly to anything. I like some of the smaller cars, such as an A35 or a Wolseley 1500, but can imagine they are better suited to shorter runs than a day out. I have a budget of a maximum of £3000, but I am willing to save up for longer if it means I get a better car. So far my thoughts have been along the lines of Austin Cambridge, Wolseley 15/50 16/60, Humber Hawk, Rover P4 or P5.
I know that some of the cars listed above and within my budget will be far from concours, but I am mainly after a mechanically sound example that can be used without worrying about scratching it. MPG is not too much of a concern, but spares costs and availabilty are.
Any tips and alternative suggestions will be gratefully received.
I would prefer pre 80's and probably post 50's, preferably British but I am not stuck rigidly to anything. I like some of the smaller cars, such as an A35 or a Wolseley 1500, but can imagine they are better suited to shorter runs than a day out. I have a budget of a maximum of £3000, but I am willing to save up for longer if it means I get a better car. So far my thoughts have been along the lines of Austin Cambridge, Wolseley 15/50 16/60, Humber Hawk, Rover P4 or P5.
I know that some of the cars listed above and within my budget will be far from concours, but I am mainly after a mechanically sound example that can be used without worrying about scratching it. MPG is not too much of a concern, but spares costs and availabilty are.
Any tips and alternative suggestions will be gratefully received.
I'd forget the P5 at that sort of money and for which ever car have an additional budget for full and proper servicing, maintenance and repairs
frequent driving of at least 15-20 miles without stopping will be required, starting it in a garage does very little for the battery or engine and nothing at all for the rest of the car
I'd suggest a rubber bumper BGT at that price or look for a BMC/BL 1300 or better still 1800 if you can get good ones for that money
possibly a Herald, Triumph 2000/2500 - if you can get a good one at that price
a P6 is lovely, if the suspension is in good order you won't find much more comfortable and they're quite narrow, I'd always go for PAS myself
frequent driving of at least 15-20 miles without stopping will be required, starting it in a garage does very little for the battery or engine and nothing at all for the rest of the car
I'd suggest a rubber bumper BGT at that price or look for a BMC/BL 1300 or better still 1800 if you can get good ones for that money
possibly a Herald, Triumph 2000/2500 - if you can get a good one at that price
a P6 is lovely, if the suspension is in good order you won't find much more comfortable and they're quite narrow, I'd always go for PAS myself
Thanks for the replies.
FJ.. Yes I had thought of a P6 and always liked the styling when I was younger. Unfortunately I am now much older and have to meet the wife half way on certain things and she is not mad on the look of a P6! I will have to work on her.
na.. I know what you mean about a budget to keep the car running. I am in full agreement with you and would rather buy something that I know will need continual work and money spending on it. I know some would say buy absolutely the best you can afford, but then I think that you could buy any car of this age, (or much newer come to that) and 2 weeks later the gearbox or back axle etc could go and if I had spent £10K I would have no money to put it right. I have been involved with various bits of machinery through my working life which have all needed constant repairs/tinkering, so I am happy to buy something that others would consider a risk. I have always been the type to have a contingency fund.
I intend to use the car as often as possible to make sure the brakes remain free, battery is kept good etc.
A 1100/1300 had already crossed my mind. They are probably a good choice in that they are easy to find spares for, reasonably comfortable and not too expensive to buy. I actually saw a nice 1300GT for sale last week, but it had sold within hours of being advertised (1850 Euro, seemed a bargain to me).
FJ.. Yes I had thought of a P6 and always liked the styling when I was younger. Unfortunately I am now much older and have to meet the wife half way on certain things and she is not mad on the look of a P6! I will have to work on her.
na.. I know what you mean about a budget to keep the car running. I am in full agreement with you and would rather buy something that I know will need continual work and money spending on it. I know some would say buy absolutely the best you can afford, but then I think that you could buy any car of this age, (or much newer come to that) and 2 weeks later the gearbox or back axle etc could go and if I had spent £10K I would have no money to put it right. I have been involved with various bits of machinery through my working life which have all needed constant repairs/tinkering, so I am happy to buy something that others would consider a risk. I have always been the type to have a contingency fund.
I intend to use the car as often as possible to make sure the brakes remain free, battery is kept good etc.
A 1100/1300 had already crossed my mind. They are probably a good choice in that they are easy to find spares for, reasonably comfortable and not too expensive to buy. I actually saw a nice 1300GT for sale last week, but it had sold within hours of being advertised (1850 Euro, seemed a bargain to me).
I'd always go for PAS myself
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Yes, I fancy PAS, but that can cause a dilemma in my small brain. I like the look of a Humber Hawk but would prefer the practicality of a Super Snipe with PAS, but I think the grille and lights look a bit too much (transatlantic) as I prefer a more understated British look. I know people will say the P4 is very much an American inspired car, but it is less "bling" than anything from across the pond.
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Yes, I fancy PAS, but that can cause a dilemma in my small brain. I like the look of a Humber Hawk but would prefer the practicality of a Super Snipe with PAS, but I think the grille and lights look a bit too much (transatlantic) as I prefer a more understated British look. I know people will say the P4 is very much an American inspired car, but it is less "bling" than anything from across the pond.
American iv said:
why not a Classic Mini?
Mini, comfortable??I have 1100 and 1300's and the 1300 is a much better drive. The only trouble with them being the tendency for them to rust away while you look at them.
I have a Riley One Point Five too, and I'd much rather run that as a regular driver.
mgeee said:
Mini, comfortable??
I have 1100 and 1300's and the 1300 is a much better drive. The only trouble with them being the tendency for them to rust away while you look at them.
I have a Riley One Point Five too, and I'd much rather run that as a regular driver.
I'd second the Riley suggestion though for regular use you might want to replace the seats and fit a brake servo, both easy to do.I have 1100 and 1300's and the 1300 is a much better drive. The only trouble with them being the tendency for them to rust away while you look at them.
I have a Riley One Point Five too, and I'd much rather run that as a regular driver.
I will start researching P6's now. They have the bit of luxury I am looking for and spares are easy to find. It will be quite rare for the wife to drive it, but she will say she still has to look at!
I have always liked the thought of a Riley/Wolseley 1500, but would they be suitable for a trip out to the coast and a run up a few hills on day trips out. Are they reasonably comfortable? I am looking for a little bit of comfort.
I know it sounds like I am asking for a lot, given I don't have a big budget.
I have always liked the thought of a Riley/Wolseley 1500, but would they be suitable for a trip out to the coast and a run up a few hills on day trips out. Are they reasonably comfortable? I am looking for a little bit of comfort.
I know it sounds like I am asking for a lot, given I don't have a big budget.
£3k buys a nice Reliant Scimitar - I've never quite understood why they're so cheap.
Alternatively, if you're not worried about image and want something really comfy then a wedgetastic Princess might suit. Or a landcrab, or a Maxi. Maxis have a really poor image, but they're great to drive - like a huge Mini. The seats convert into a double bed,, but I should think the car's image means they won't get much use!
Alternatively, if you're not worried about image and want something really comfy then a wedgetastic Princess might suit. Or a landcrab, or a Maxi. Maxis have a really poor image, but they're great to drive - like a huge Mini. The seats convert into a double bed,, but I should think the car's image means they won't get much use!
Bull McCabe said:
I will start researching P6's now. They have the bit of luxury I am looking for and spares are easy to find. It will be quite rare for the wife to drive it, but she will say she still has to look at!
I have always liked the thought of a Riley/Wolseley 1500, but would they be suitable for a trip out to the coast and a run up a few hills on day trips out. Are they reasonably comfortable? I am looking for a little bit of comfort.
I know it sounds like I am asking for a lot, given I don't have a big budget.
The P6 is another lovely car, but it's not as simple or economical as the Riley, if that bother you. It will be more refined and comfortable though.I have always liked the thought of a Riley/Wolseley 1500, but would they be suitable for a trip out to the coast and a run up a few hills on day trips out. Are they reasonably comfortable? I am looking for a little bit of comfort.
I know it sounds like I am asking for a lot, given I don't have a big budget.
The Riley is a bit more sporty than the Wolseley, having twin carbs. I don't see why you should have any problem on a run to the coast in one, they were quite popular with saloon car racers in the day.
Several Ford models from that era would also fit the bill.
If you end up with more than one car that suits you, then so much the better. Just buy the best example you find and don't worry too much about the make/model.
One more. Volvo Amazon. Absolute top car IMHO.
Edited by mph on Sunday 25th November 12:21
I'd be tempted to increase the budget for a useable P5 if you really like them, this one looks OK:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1963-ROVER-P5-COUPE-MANU...
Otherwise I think the Amazon or alternatively, an XJ6 sound like good alternatives. A few series I, II & III within budget on ebay. The XJS seems to be increasing in value.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1963-ROVER-P5-COUPE-MANU...
Otherwise I think the Amazon or alternatively, an XJ6 sound like good alternatives. A few series I, II & III within budget on ebay. The XJS seems to be increasing in value.
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