Tough and reliable classic for "everyday" use?
Discussion
I'm retiring this year and plan to spend my pension lump sum on a nice car which will hopefully see me through the next 20 years or so that I've probably got left. I'd considered a new car, but I'd rather drive something old and interesting. Looking for suggestions.
I've been driving in the UK for 40 odd years so don't consider MK1 Escorts, Minis, Beetles etc as classics, it needs to be something older or more exotic, maybe American?
I don't need to drive much, maybe once a week, 20 mile return trip to town, and almost all on very rural single track roads so no need for speed.
I don't really fancy anything too sporty, not suitable for the roads I'll be using it on and less reliable.
I'm looking for practical usability, reliability, simplicity and longevity more than anything else, I feel that if a car is still going after 50 years, another 20 shouldn't be impossible as long as it's looked after.
My thoughts keep going to a '40s or '50s F100 pickup, but I've never had any experience of keeping older American stuff alive. Any advice or alternate suggestions?
I've been driving in the UK for 40 odd years so don't consider MK1 Escorts, Minis, Beetles etc as classics, it needs to be something older or more exotic, maybe American?
I don't need to drive much, maybe once a week, 20 mile return trip to town, and almost all on very rural single track roads so no need for speed.
I don't really fancy anything too sporty, not suitable for the roads I'll be using it on and less reliable.
I'm looking for practical usability, reliability, simplicity and longevity more than anything else, I feel that if a car is still going after 50 years, another 20 shouldn't be impossible as long as it's looked after.
My thoughts keep going to a '40s or '50s F100 pickup, but I've never had any experience of keeping older American stuff alive. Any advice or alternate suggestions?
10yrs ago i was in a similar position.
I chose a 94 SL R129. Old enough to be interesting with standard features such as comfort, a/c, power hood, power steering, to keep us happy on continental trips.
We were doing 3-5k p.a. Keeping the car on the drive and using as a daily. Cost a packet, . rust, paint, dogs, expensive/poor quality or unobtainable spares, and at 64 a lack of enthusiasm for climbing underneath meant it had to go.
My advice is get a classic, use it, but not as a daily.
I chose a 94 SL R129. Old enough to be interesting with standard features such as comfort, a/c, power hood, power steering, to keep us happy on continental trips.
We were doing 3-5k p.a. Keeping the car on the drive and using as a daily. Cost a packet, . rust, paint, dogs, expensive/poor quality or unobtainable spares, and at 64 a lack of enthusiasm for climbing underneath meant it had to go.
My advice is get a classic, use it, but not as a daily.
If a Mercedes SL R129 is too sporty for you, how about a Mercedes 190 Saloon https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234556481428?hash=item3... Those old Merc`s are as tough as old boots and ultra reliable.
What ever old classic you choose it must be a fully restored one, or you will spend part of your retirement working on the car.
What ever old classic you choose it must be a fully restored one, or you will spend part of your retirement working on the car.
I bought this nearly 8 years ago and it's now got 143,000 on the clock. I use it frequently, only keeping it off the road when there is salt down. I take the kids to school in it, have done a few weddings and proms and take it to loads of car events.
I have just registered it as a historic vehicle so like to think it is a classic. It has electric seats front and rear, electric windows, electric sunroof, PAS, ABS and loads of other bits and bobs.
The only issues I have are when I bought it the alternator regulator was not working properly, so I had a couple of failures to proceed, but since I had it refurbished it has been solid.
It gets a hugely positive response on the road and is a real joy to just pootle about it, although with the 5.0 V8 and custom exhaust, it shift and sounds glorious when you go for it.
I have just registered it as a historic vehicle so like to think it is a classic. It has electric seats front and rear, electric windows, electric sunroof, PAS, ABS and loads of other bits and bobs.
The only issues I have are when I bought it the alternator regulator was not working properly, so I had a couple of failures to proceed, but since I had it refurbished it has been solid.
It gets a hugely positive response on the road and is a real joy to just pootle about it, although with the 5.0 V8 and custom exhaust, it shift and sounds glorious when you go for it.
Cold said:
If you're just pootling down the lanes and like the idea of a truck, how about a Bronco?
Pop the roof and doors off during the summer to enjoy the sounds and smells of the countryside, then use chunky tyres to tackle the weather during the winter.
Agree with something like this. I would say Suburban too but you don't want to be driving a truck that size that around country lanes. Alternatively a Toyota FJ40 or FJ60. Most FJ40s will also be tax exempt. FJ60 can be automatic if you're OK with that. Toyota or American will be simple, and parts easy enough to find. Pop the roof and doors off during the summer to enjoy the sounds and smells of the countryside, then use chunky tyres to tackle the weather during the winter.
American also has the option of fitting EFI like Holley Sniper, which I'd highly recommend. Much easier to start and nicer to drive than carbs.
D
Few ideas for you here….
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste In these…
Early Range Rover Classic
Depending on your budget, a completely restored 2 door or restomod. It will go up in value. What could be more useful in retirement.
Early 70’s Jeep Cherokee
To scratch your American itch, simple mechanicals.
Late 60s Mercedes
Lots of choice.. robust and reliable.
Rolls Royce Corniche FHC
I am a bit biased here as i have just acquired a Silver Shadow, suggest a well sorted early model. They are not as wide you think and tootle quite nicely along the country lanes. 2 door is more rakish.
Few ideas for you here….
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste In these…
Early Range Rover Classic
Depending on your budget, a completely restored 2 door or restomod. It will go up in value. What could be more useful in retirement.
Early 70’s Jeep Cherokee
To scratch your American itch, simple mechanicals.
Late 60s Mercedes
Lots of choice.. robust and reliable.
Rolls Royce Corniche FHC
I am a bit biased here as i have just acquired a Silver Shadow, suggest a well sorted early model. They are not as wide you think and tootle quite nicely along the country lanes. 2 door is more rakish.
PositronicRay said:
The dichotomy.
If its something cherished you won't want to watch it deteriorate as a daily, if its not its just another old car.
Not necessarily. My classic, whilst only 29 years old, has averaged 5,000 miles every year and is in sparkling condition. It gets used in all weathers by me and was also done likewise by the previous owner who had it for 22 years. It’s always lived in the city and been driven around rubbish roads, but it’s been looked after and fixed as it needed.If its something cherished you won't want to watch it deteriorate as a daily, if its not its just another old car.
And I think that’s the thing. Drive it and keep on top of maintenance and there’s no reason it can’t be both cherished and feeling special, whilst also being used every day, or in the OP’s case once or twice a week.
PomBstard said:
PositronicRay said:
The dichotomy.
If its something cherished you won't want to watch it deteriorate as a daily, if its not its just another old car.
Not necessarily. My classic, whilst only 29 years old, has averaged 5,000 miles every year and is in sparkling condition. It gets used in all weathers by me and was also done likewise by the previous owner who had it for 22 years. It’s always lived in the city and been driven around rubbish roads, but it’s been looked after and fixed as it needed.If its something cherished you won't want to watch it deteriorate as a daily, if its not its just another old car.
And I think that’s the thing. Drive it and keep on top of maintenance and there’s no reason it can’t be both cherished and feeling special, whilst also being used every day, or in the OP’s case once or twice a week.
OP is looking for something a bit older.
Edited by PositronicRay on Thursday 2nd June 13:18
Been giving this some thought.
What's wanted is something that has fantastic after market support, spare overnight that fit and easy to do,. By the time you're 70 you’ll be wanting decent demister, heater, a/c, pas.
The answer? MGB GT. (spares for my midget were quicker to arrive than any modern "cough its on back order sir") that I've owned.
Don't buy a restored one, it'll be shiny but carp. Buy a goodun, oversee the restoration and rust proofing. Whilst they're at it fit inertia reel seat belts, pas, a/c.and 123 ignition
Tackle the rust and the underside along with servicing annually.
You stand a chance of it seeing you out.
What's wanted is something that has fantastic after market support, spare overnight that fit and easy to do,. By the time you're 70 you’ll be wanting decent demister, heater, a/c, pas.
The answer? MGB GT. (spares for my midget were quicker to arrive than any modern "cough its on back order sir") that I've owned.
Don't buy a restored one, it'll be shiny but carp. Buy a goodun, oversee the restoration and rust proofing. Whilst they're at it fit inertia reel seat belts, pas, a/c.and 123 ignition
Tackle the rust and the underside along with servicing annually.
You stand a chance of it seeing you out.
sjabrown said:
One consideration as you get older might be to how well you'll manage maintenance and also how well you'll manage to drive a classic if no power steering, getting in and out of vehicle, heavy clutches etc.
He's only retiring - he's not necessarily decrepit and only fit for an automatic Yaris quite yet! Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff