Anyone moved interest from classics to more modern cars?
Discussion
I've seen a change in my interests lately and I'm wondering if others have ever experienced that.
Always been into older cars, mostly because when I was younger it was all I could afford, and my dad grew up in that era so it was nostalgic for him (talking cars from the 60-80s ranging from Ford Anglias, Hillman Imps, MGB's and Ford Capris.) I'll admit I somewhat sneered at newer cars, again partially because my dad would have the narrative of 'new cars are junk'. I also had the fortune of having space and facilities at his house to do such things.
Well, I'm in my early 40's now and have just finished a 4 year rolling restoration of a Ford Anglia. While I am proud of it, I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed all of it. I have a single bay garage and it was a messy job at times. I purchased a 2019 Mustang earlier this yr and absolutely love it, to to the point where I rarely use the Anglia anymore. It's a novelty to drive, but the novelty wears off pretty quickly in modern traffic and compared to the Mustang, I don't enjoy driving it.
It's gotten to the point where I realise I prefer driving cars rather than working on them a lot. All I do with the mustang is drive it and clean it basically, and my family can come out in it in safety and comfort, which they can't do in the Anglia. Not to mention I have to store it at the storage unit. I'm now close to selling the Anglia to buy an Alfa Romeo Guilia, but part of me feels guilty for doing so. However, the benefits of getting a modern fun car for someone in my situation makes sense. I can also park it outside on the street and not worry about it.
Has anyone else been through this situation?
Always been into older cars, mostly because when I was younger it was all I could afford, and my dad grew up in that era so it was nostalgic for him (talking cars from the 60-80s ranging from Ford Anglias, Hillman Imps, MGB's and Ford Capris.) I'll admit I somewhat sneered at newer cars, again partially because my dad would have the narrative of 'new cars are junk'. I also had the fortune of having space and facilities at his house to do such things.
Well, I'm in my early 40's now and have just finished a 4 year rolling restoration of a Ford Anglia. While I am proud of it, I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed all of it. I have a single bay garage and it was a messy job at times. I purchased a 2019 Mustang earlier this yr and absolutely love it, to to the point where I rarely use the Anglia anymore. It's a novelty to drive, but the novelty wears off pretty quickly in modern traffic and compared to the Mustang, I don't enjoy driving it.
It's gotten to the point where I realise I prefer driving cars rather than working on them a lot. All I do with the mustang is drive it and clean it basically, and my family can come out in it in safety and comfort, which they can't do in the Anglia. Not to mention I have to store it at the storage unit. I'm now close to selling the Anglia to buy an Alfa Romeo Guilia, but part of me feels guilty for doing so. However, the benefits of getting a modern fun car for someone in my situation makes sense. I can also park it outside on the street and not worry about it.
Has anyone else been through this situation?
OinkMurphy said:
I've seen a change in my interests lately and I'm wondering if others have ever experienced that.
Always been into older cars, mostly because when I was younger it was all I could afford, and my dad grew up in that era so it was nostalgic for him (talking cars from the 60-80s ranging from Ford Anglias, Hillman Imps, MGB's and Ford Capris.) I'll admit I somewhat sneered at newer cars, again partially because my dad would have the narrative of 'new cars are junk'. I also had the fortune of having space and facilities at his house to do such things.
Well, I'm in my early 40's now and have just finished a 4 year rolling restoration of a Ford Anglia. While I am proud of it, I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed all of it. I have a single bay garage and it was a messy job at times. I purchased a 2019 Mustang earlier this yr and absolutely love it, to to the point where I rarely use the Anglia anymore. It's a novelty to drive, but the novelty wears off pretty quickly in modern traffic and compared to the Mustang, I don't enjoy driving it.
It's gotten to the point where I realise I prefer driving cars rather than working on them a lot. All I do with the mustang is drive it and clean it basically, and my family can come out in it in safety and comfort, which they can't do in the Anglia. Not to mention I have to store it at the storage unit. I'm now close to selling the Anglia to buy an Alfa Romeo Guilia, but part of me feels guilty for doing so. However, the benefits of getting a modern fun car for someone in my situation makes sense. I can also park it outside on the street and not worry about it.
Has anyone else been through this situation?
Yep. Used to run classic Porsches, but sold them and started on moderns. In a master stroke of timing I sold the old ones just before values took off.Always been into older cars, mostly because when I was younger it was all I could afford, and my dad grew up in that era so it was nostalgic for him (talking cars from the 60-80s ranging from Ford Anglias, Hillman Imps, MGB's and Ford Capris.) I'll admit I somewhat sneered at newer cars, again partially because my dad would have the narrative of 'new cars are junk'. I also had the fortune of having space and facilities at his house to do such things.
Well, I'm in my early 40's now and have just finished a 4 year rolling restoration of a Ford Anglia. While I am proud of it, I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed all of it. I have a single bay garage and it was a messy job at times. I purchased a 2019 Mustang earlier this yr and absolutely love it, to to the point where I rarely use the Anglia anymore. It's a novelty to drive, but the novelty wears off pretty quickly in modern traffic and compared to the Mustang, I don't enjoy driving it.
It's gotten to the point where I realise I prefer driving cars rather than working on them a lot. All I do with the mustang is drive it and clean it basically, and my family can come out in it in safety and comfort, which they can't do in the Anglia. Not to mention I have to store it at the storage unit. I'm now close to selling the Anglia to buy an Alfa Romeo Guilia, but part of me feels guilty for doing so. However, the benefits of getting a modern fun car for someone in my situation makes sense. I can also park it outside on the street and not worry about it.
Has anyone else been through this situation?
Yes to a degree, my issue is finding the time to clean our 30 year old modern classic before putting the cover over it in the garage so sometimes we just use one of our other sets of wheels.
Both our daily drivers (2020 m135i and a 2016 335d) offer much more, and were heavily optioned from new, but to me that isn't the point. I was out the weekend in my classic and enjoyed every one of the 120 miles we did, even with no aids or assistants bar ABS and it being 4wd. Always takes me back to my 20's
Both our daily drivers (2020 m135i and a 2016 335d) offer much more, and were heavily optioned from new, but to me that isn't the point. I was out the weekend in my classic and enjoyed every one of the 120 miles we did, even with no aids or assistants bar ABS and it being 4wd. Always takes me back to my 20's
Edited by sortedcossie on Tuesday 12th August 15:05
Yes, it pretty much happens for everyone. It's not just you, it's the cars. The classic car that i used to knock around in when I was 22 was a 1971 Mercedes Benz 250CE and a 1984 Opel Manta. That was in 1996.
My daily driver is the newest car I own (2005 Mercedes Benz diesel). Between 1950 and about the mid 90's, every 10 years for cars was a giant leap in progress. Since the mid 90's, not so much so while my current daily is 20 years old, it's utterly modern and utterly reliable.
My daily driver is the newest car I own (2005 Mercedes Benz diesel). Between 1950 and about the mid 90's, every 10 years for cars was a giant leap in progress. Since the mid 90's, not so much so while my current daily is 20 years old, it's utterly modern and utterly reliable.
OinkMurphy said:
I've seen a change in my interests lately and I'm wondering if others have ever experienced that.
Always been into older cars, mostly because when I was younger it was all I could afford, and my dad grew up in that era so it was nostalgic for him (talking cars from the 60-80s ranging from Ford Anglias, Hillman Imps, MGB's and Ford Capris.) I'll admit I somewhat sneered at newer cars, again partially because my dad would have the narrative of 'new cars are junk'. I also had the fortune of having space and facilities at his house to do such things.
Well, I'm in my early 40's now and have just finished a 4 year rolling restoration of a Ford Anglia. While I am proud of it, I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed all of it. I have a single bay garage and it was a messy job at times. I purchased a 2019 Mustang earlier this yr and absolutely love it, to to the point where I rarely use the Anglia anymore. It's a novelty to drive, but the novelty wears off pretty quickly in modern traffic and compared to the Mustang, I don't enjoy driving it.
It's gotten to the point where I realise I prefer driving cars rather than working on them a lot. All I do with the mustang is drive it and clean it basically, and my family can come out in it in safety and comfort, which they can't do in the Anglia. Not to mention I have to store it at the storage unit. I'm now close to selling the Anglia to buy an Alfa Romeo Guilia, but part of me feels guilty for doing so. However, the benefits of getting a modern fun car for someone in my situation makes sense. I can also park it outside on the street and not worry about it.
Has anyone else been through this situation?
I'm considering selling both my oldies to buy something newer, than I can just jump in and drive without wondering if it's about to break, and if whatever is about to break is replaceable.Always been into older cars, mostly because when I was younger it was all I could afford, and my dad grew up in that era so it was nostalgic for him (talking cars from the 60-80s ranging from Ford Anglias, Hillman Imps, MGB's and Ford Capris.) I'll admit I somewhat sneered at newer cars, again partially because my dad would have the narrative of 'new cars are junk'. I also had the fortune of having space and facilities at his house to do such things.
Well, I'm in my early 40's now and have just finished a 4 year rolling restoration of a Ford Anglia. While I am proud of it, I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed all of it. I have a single bay garage and it was a messy job at times. I purchased a 2019 Mustang earlier this yr and absolutely love it, to to the point where I rarely use the Anglia anymore. It's a novelty to drive, but the novelty wears off pretty quickly in modern traffic and compared to the Mustang, I don't enjoy driving it.
It's gotten to the point where I realise I prefer driving cars rather than working on them a lot. All I do with the mustang is drive it and clean it basically, and my family can come out in it in safety and comfort, which they can't do in the Anglia. Not to mention I have to store it at the storage unit. I'm now close to selling the Anglia to buy an Alfa Romeo Guilia, but part of me feels guilty for doing so. However, the benefits of getting a modern fun car for someone in my situation makes sense. I can also park it outside on the street and not worry about it.
Has anyone else been through this situation?
I think it was Clarkson who said if he wanted to spend weekends laying on his back, covered in grease and trying to get his fingers in tiny holes, that a classic car wouldn't be involved.
I aspire to own a classic, but the reality of a slightly pungent (damp, oil, fumes) and dubious reliability just makes a modern classic more usable and appealing.
I aspire to own a classic, but the reality of a slightly pungent (damp, oil, fumes) and dubious reliability just makes a modern classic more usable and appealing.
So many years having Triumph Stags and Triumph Trident T160 motorcycles but typical me, late 2017 phoned a dealer, offered me a price for them, I accepted and treated myself to a Maserati Spyder manual 6 speed, 2003 model.
My last stag I had when both my parents were still alive so sort of was a link to them but having had a health issue myself recently no way could I put up now with gremlins on the side of the road like fuel pump points sticking, or block jets in the carbs, trying to fix them on a side road in the middle of nowhere. It use to be a challenge but not anymore.
I’m not one for keeping just local, I like to get further afield on Sundays in the Summer.
My last stag I had when both my parents were still alive so sort of was a link to them but having had a health issue myself recently no way could I put up now with gremlins on the side of the road like fuel pump points sticking, or block jets in the carbs, trying to fix them on a side road in the middle of nowhere. It use to be a challenge but not anymore.
I’m not one for keeping just local, I like to get further afield on Sundays in the Summer.
sortedcossie said:
Yes to a degree, my issue is finding the time to clean our 30 year old modern classic before putting the cover over it in the garage so sometimes we just use one of our other sets of wheels.
Both our daily drivers (2020 m135i and a 2016 335d) offer much more, and were heavily optioned from new, but to me that isn't the point. I was out the weekend in my classic and enjoyed every one of the 120 miles we did, even with no aids or assistants bar ABS and it being 4wd. Always takes me back to my 20's
Understandable, I'm guessing your 30yo classic is a Cossie? If so, I wouldn't be having these thoughts either! But a 997cc Anglia, and an estate at that with the shorter rear diff ratio meaning it's screaming at 50 is not as fun. If they weren't so expensive, I'd definitely consider another Capri. Both our daily drivers (2020 m135i and a 2016 335d) offer much more, and were heavily optioned from new, but to me that isn't the point. I was out the weekend in my classic and enjoyed every one of the 120 miles we did, even with no aids or assistants bar ABS and it being 4wd. Always takes me back to my 20's
Edited by sortedcossie on Tuesday 12th August 15:05
Yertis said:
I'm considering selling both my oldies to buy something newer, than I can just jump in and drive without wondering if it's about to break, and if whatever is about to break is replaceable.
My Anglia has been 99% reliable so far, but it's more a comfort thing and not getting tailgaited and beeped at every time I take it out. AlexGSi2000 said:
My interests have gone the other way.
I was always into the recent / modern stuff, but as cars have become bigger I've found a new-found fondness for turn of the century stuff.
Have recently purchased an old Z3 and absolutely love it, been keeping an eye out for a BMW e34 too.
That's fair, but I was talking more about stuff thats now really old (i.e. 60s cars). I did consider a Z3 before getting my Mustang actually, but needed a 4 seater. I totally agree that 20 yr old cars that are 'classic' but still totally livable with in modern traffic. A 60 yr old car with a 3 synchro box and no AC is a different story.I was always into the recent / modern stuff, but as cars have become bigger I've found a new-found fondness for turn of the century stuff.
Have recently purchased an old Z3 and absolutely love it, been keeping an eye out for a BMW e34 too.
bennno said:
I think it was Clarkson who said if he wanted to spend weekends laying on his back, covered in grease and trying to get his fingers in tiny holes, that a classic car wouldn't be involved.
I aspire to own a classic, but the reality of a slightly pungent (damp, oil, fumes) and dubious reliability just makes a modern classic more usable and appealing.
Love it!I aspire to own a classic, but the reality of a slightly pungent (damp, oil, fumes) and dubious reliability just makes a modern classic more usable and appealing.
M138 said:
So many years having Triumph Stags and Triumph Trident T160 motorcycles but typical me, late 2017 phoned a dealer, offered me a price for them, I accepted and treated myself to a Maserati Spyder manual 6 speed, 2003 model.
My last stag I had when both my parents were still alive so sort of was a link to them but having had a health issue myself recently no way could I put up now with gremlins on the side of the road like fuel pump points sticking, or block jets in the carbs, trying to fix them on a side road in the middle of nowhere. It use to be a challenge but not anymore.
I’m not one for keeping just local, I like to get further afield on Sundays in the Summer.
Exactly. And my newer car allows me to do that, and with the family too. Just last weekend I declined to go to a classic car show because the aggro of renting a trailer, collecting it, then loading the car and going to it wasn't worth my hassle. Local shows are fine but you can only do the same thing so often.My last stag I had when both my parents were still alive so sort of was a link to them but having had a health issue myself recently no way could I put up now with gremlins on the side of the road like fuel pump points sticking, or block jets in the carbs, trying to fix them on a side road in the middle of nowhere. It use to be a challenge but not anymore.
I’m not one for keeping just local, I like to get further afield on Sundays in the Summer.
Agreed. My 1967 Mustang Fastback seems to spend more time in the workshop than it does on the road, and even when it is at home I often complain that the weather is too hot / too cold / too wet to enjoyably drive it. Plus, the kids have grown up to the point where they no longer fit in the back comfortably, so family outings are no longer an option. Whereas my new BMW Z4 M40i is a hoot in all weathers, is impeccably reliable, and doesn't drink petrol at quite the prodigious rate that a 1960's American V8 does...
From recent experience, it's not the love of old cars that's changed but the shift in traffic conditions and driving behaviour that makes ownership of and driving a classic less enjoyable.
Many folk (including but not limited to the OP, it seems) cite the lack of safety or comfort as reasons for not using a classic, particularly where family / passengers are involved. In reality, the car is no less safe than it ever was but modern traffic makes no allowances for slower cars and we, as a population, have become accustomed to being cossetted in bomb-proof tanks with airbags and the like.
I drive a 50 year old Lancia. In no way do I ever feel vulnerable on the road, but I do notice that even on fast, open 60mph country roads, where I'm driving at the speed limit, there's often a modern right up behind me / overtaking.
My current thinking is to keep the classic but move my modern Benz E220d on now that the kids are growing up and I won't need the space so often. That opens the door to something like a Boxster / Cayman, Z4 or the like.
Many folk (including but not limited to the OP, it seems) cite the lack of safety or comfort as reasons for not using a classic, particularly where family / passengers are involved. In reality, the car is no less safe than it ever was but modern traffic makes no allowances for slower cars and we, as a population, have become accustomed to being cossetted in bomb-proof tanks with airbags and the like.
I drive a 50 year old Lancia. In no way do I ever feel vulnerable on the road, but I do notice that even on fast, open 60mph country roads, where I'm driving at the speed limit, there's often a modern right up behind me / overtaking.
My current thinking is to keep the classic but move my modern Benz E220d on now that the kids are growing up and I won't need the space so often. That opens the door to something like a Boxster / Cayman, Z4 or the like.
OinkMurphy said:
Understandable, I'm guessing your 30yo classic is a Cossie? If so, I wouldn't be having these thoughts either! But a 997cc Anglia, and an estate at that with the shorter rear diff ratio meaning it's screaming at 50 is not as fun. If they weren't so expensive, I'd definitely consider another Capri.
When a 2.8 or 3.0 Capri is a similar price to a 5.0GT Mustang then it makes any decision in favour of the older car challenging.bennno said:
When a 2.8 or 3.0 Capri is a similar price to a 5.0GT Mustang then it makes any decision in favour of the older car challenging.
Exactly this. I've often toyed with the idea of getting another Capri, but it would have to be a 2.8 or Brooklands and the moment I drove my Mustang, I said 'No way am I getting a Capri'.I love them, but cannot justify the price.
I’m drifting the other way. My last couple of classics have been a TVR S3C & a road rally spec S2 Fulvia Coupe . Very different cars and loved them both. The TVR is probably now worth much the same as what I sold it for (V6’s seem to have been static at £7-8K for the last decade or so - is there a better affordable classic ?) whilst the Lancia is now probably worth double.
I could buy another TVR but I like my neighbours too much. Another Fulvia would have to be a 1.6HF but given the going rate my wife would never speak to me again, cook me dinners etc.
So I find myself buying up books on the history of Riley, Frazer Nash, Morris Garages etc. Take a look at the pre-war classifieds. Some serious bargains out there.
Pre-war Rileys were beautifully made and with some serious technology - high revving twin cam engines, hemi heads etc.
So, a decent Monaco for £12K :
.
A gorgeous well sorted Lynx for double that :
or splash out with XR3i money for a lovingly restored £35K 1934 Roller :
I could buy another TVR but I like my neighbours too much. Another Fulvia would have to be a 1.6HF but given the going rate my wife would never speak to me again, cook me dinners etc.
So I find myself buying up books on the history of Riley, Frazer Nash, Morris Garages etc. Take a look at the pre-war classifieds. Some serious bargains out there.
Pre-war Rileys were beautifully made and with some serious technology - high revving twin cam engines, hemi heads etc.
So, a decent Monaco for £12K :
A gorgeous well sorted Lynx for double that :
or splash out with XR3i money for a lovingly restored £35K 1934 Roller :
Edited by moffspeed on Tuesday 12th August 17:32
Edited by moffspeed on Tuesday 12th August 18:04
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