Which 4 door classic

[swindler]

I need some guidance. I’m looking for a 4 door classic, largely to take friends out on sunny sundays/goodwood etc. I have indoor storage and can do basic - intermediate maintenance myself (eg I’m happy with head gasket but wouldn’t take on hydraulic system of a rolls...). My criteria:

- 60s or 70s (not newer as need to be ULEZ free and not too old it can’t happily do a 400 mike motorway trip)

- look stunning

- be fairly reliable (I can forgive an old girl a couple of tantrums but Given will be in use driving friends and family tolerance for a number of failures to proceed will be limited!)

- not too concerned with future value as I’m assuming the good times for classics has peaked

I’ve narrowed it down to:

1. W108 Mercedes
2. Bentley T1/rolls shadow 1
3. Series 1 XJ6/XJ12

Possibly 4. Citroen DS

Which would you go for??!

[300bhp/ton]

Think any on the list sound cool.

DS would be my pick. Maybe a bit more mundane I’m a fan of the Rover P6 and Triumph 2500 PI.

[Doofus]

W123 Mercedes.

[anonymous-user]

If you want reliability you will want to avoid a Series 1 XJ12. Also if you don't want holes in your car.

[tektas]

I personally would definitely go for the W108 Mercedes. Stunning car.

[swindler]

Thanks chaps. For some reason I can’t love W123s - I can’t seem to shake off the shop owner/Spanish taxi image. And whilst I like the quirkiness of the Triumph it doesn’t seem quite special enough
Keep em coming

[Cambs_Stuart]

Any older maserati 4 doors take your fancy? Bristols?
Or how about the amerian route with a Lincoln or Cadillac?

[Stuart70]

Of your list, I would love the DS. Saw a beautiful metallic green one in Smithfield market in London on Wednesday - gorgeous.

The other option for me is the Triumph 2500 PI.
If these had been made by someone more exotic than Triumph, they would be a full on classic, in my view.

The Maserati, Bentley, RR options sound cool, but how scary would the bills be?

Anyway, I envy your opportunity to take this on. All the options will be cool.

[Pothole]

Ro80

[plasticpig]

If you want special then a Facel Vega Excellence. Think they are pretty pricey though.

[irocfan]

Citroen CX GTi

Opel Commodore B GS/E



Vauxhall VX or Victor
Ford Granada

[RicksAlfas]

Alfa Berlina



https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1069829

[Filibuster]

I'd have a Citroen DS21 Pallas



The Citroen has to be the most innovative car of all time! Coupled with a design that will look good in a hundred years!


As someone has mentioned, the RO80 is also worth a thought



Very cool looking car, although more 80's styling as it was very innovative at the time.


And my pick would be a 4 door Amazon



Would you just look at it!!! IMHO probably the single best car ever made, although I'm biased.
I have a '67 Volvo 1800S and my father still has a '68 123 GT he bought in 1970 (his first car). I know them pretty well and they are really a joy to work on. Also they are indestructible and can easily be turned into a car that handles well and is "fast" even in todays money.

[kieranblenk]

RicksAlfas said:

Alfa Berlina



https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1069829

That is insanely pretty, what a perfectly proportioned car.

[anonymous-user]

Only on PH would a man looking for a reliable classic get a suggestion of an Ro80. Absolutely gorgeous things though, I saw one in Bath a year or two ago and it still looks like it's come from another planet.

I'd find it hard to look past a DS. The engine is st, but aside from an XJ12 none of these is going to trouble a mid spec Fiesta.

[Pothole]

RicksAlfas said:

Alfa Berlina



https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1069829

Interesting history. "costumers"

[OverSteery]

This will certainly make a statement..



I believe the only post-war production 4 door convertible

or if you have deep pockets and they are full of brave pills

Edited by OverSteery on Friday 1st February 11:55

[andyalan10]

Rover P4 105/110 ish sort of thing?

I believe the last of them came with disc brakes along with 6 cylinders and overdrive, quite a spacious thing that should be able to cover long distances comfortably.

Andy

[bolide]

Triumph 2.5 PI is a good shout but a 2.5 PI estate would be even better...

My favourite classic saloon is the BMW E3 - fabulous-looking thing, six cylinders available, great interior

Nick Froome

[swindler]

Getting drawn in

Ro80 too modern looking even if it were reliable.

I love Maseratis such as the Khamsin but the four doors are hideous jokes

Lagonda (how cool on BBS RSs?!!) and Facel Vegas sadly over budget