RE: SOTW: Hooked On Classics
Friday 28th May 2010
Lets start with one of the most poular ways to get into a classic, the MGB GT. Finished in period yellow you'll have to look past the rubber bumpers on this 1976 car, and remind yourself that this is a taxed and tested legitimate classic for £1000. It looks largely clean and tidy, has a webasto sunroof for summer fun and was resprayed 'some years ago' too. Looks like a nice, easy way to ease yourself into classic motoring. See here for more.
Fancy something a little more 'hairy chested'? Look no further than this lump of German V8 priced £5 shy of our budget. It's firmly stuck in the '80s with it's rather dubious modifications, but at least they are in period, rather than pimp my ride style. The car runs well according to the seller, but the bodywork does need 'some attention' and with only 123,000 miles it might be a good rolling restoration project... And as the 80's seem to be making a permanant comeback you might even look cool too. See here for more.
Have you taken your daily brave pills today? If so then step this way and take a look at this huge '71 Zodiac. Looking like an American refugee this 3.0 V6 leviathian is looking for an enthusiastic owner after being stored for the last 11 years. As such it has no MOT, and is sold as a non-runner (is that a red card in SOTW rules?), but the pictures suggest that the car is original and in one piece. The previous owner was a Zodiac Owners Club member and apparently the car has been featured in the owners club magazine too. the £865 asking price leaves you with £145 to get it back on the road (ahem). See here for more.
Mid '80s performance luxury is also (just about) in budget with this Irish Opel Monza GSE 3.0. I've always loved these cars and despite this one being an auto I'm still tempted. It has only covered 77,000 miles and is reported to be in 'super condition'. There's no mention of MOT however, but lets be optimistic and assume that it has one. It's priced in Euros, but the owner suggests that it converts to approximately £927. Seems to be a lot of car for the money. See here for more.
It wouldn't be a SOTW without a Rover! The SD1 has got to be one of the all time PH favourites, and this 2600 Vanden Plas is up for £1000 ono with some tax and a few months worth of MOT. It has little rust and while it is a repaired Cat C there are few cooler ways to transport yourself at this price. VP spec means it should be loaded with toys (some of which may even work) and while the V8 is undeniably more desirable we could live with the 2.6 six, especially when the car is as cool as this. See here for more.
Finally we have some more Germanic class, offered by this '87 535i. Not only does it have some MOT and tax but is is also loaded with kit, is in regular use and looks absolutely fantastic. We think this looks like another great way to ease yourself into the classic world, as it could be used as a daily driver, and doesn't seem to need much work to get it up to a show standard either. The ad is very honest too with a seller who seems to love the car almost as much as we do. See here for more
SOTW: Hooked On Classics
We treat you to six (yes six) SOTW classics in a Bank Holiday SOTW special
Every week we play the 'what can you buy for a grand' game, searching the classifieds for one choice vehicle to crown SOTW. This week I've been playing the 'what if you wanted to buy a classic' version of the game, with some intriguing results.
At this price, some 'classics' will be ready to drive every day, while others will need some TLC. But in an age when words/abbreviations like DTC, ESR, ABS, OBC and (dare I say) Hybrid are commonplace, it's always refreshing to return to the days when cars were relatively simple. It's an extraordinary SOTW selection, but one that might inspire you to look beyond the obvious when searching for that cheap runner/ project.
Are you brave enough? Do classics float your boat? Are you willing to get your hands dirty,or pay someone to get dirty for you? (Steady on Garlick! Ed) If so, perhaps you will be tempted by one of these:
Discussion
Deranged Granny said:
Desperate attempt to get first post?
Nothing like that - just trying to multi-task, is all.Feeling that Opel too, got a thing for older coupes somehow - be it american muscle cars or european ones. I know it's auto but looks pretty good to me, certain cool about it. All imho, of course.
I was thinking the Zodiac until I looked at the big pics, big front wings that need replacing.
The Merc is lacking on pics to convince me there isn't a hidden secret on the n/s.
The Rover, had it been an eight then it would have been no contest, but for me the choice would be the Monza.
The Merc is lacking on pics to convince me there isn't a hidden secret on the n/s.
The Rover, had it been an eight then it would have been no contest, but for me the choice would be the Monza.
That MG is a lovely colour.
But having owned a 1976 MGB GT V8, I wouldn't touch another one with a barge pole.
Rot, more rot, no brakes, rot, no handling, rot, more rot, failing fuel pumps, flaky electrics. And did I mention the rot?
That Monza will also be as rotten as a peach.
The Rover has the wrong engine.
The Merc is a hideosity.
I'd take the Beemer, thanks.
But having owned a 1976 MGB GT V8, I wouldn't touch another one with a barge pole.
Rot, more rot, no brakes, rot, no handling, rot, more rot, failing fuel pumps, flaky electrics. And did I mention the rot?
That Monza will also be as rotten as a peach.
The Rover has the wrong engine.
The Merc is a hideosity.
I'd take the Beemer, thanks.
That's a stunning 535i - great colour too. Want - but the petrol and insurance would ruin me! The SD1 looks really tidy too. Both are definitely on my 'to own one day' list. I've loved E28s ever since my grandad owned a mint 525i in white when I was younger. Sadly it was sold when he died a few years back. 
Vanden Plas?..aka_kerrly said:
what a selection!!
ive never seen one of those Opels before, that does look interesting - im guessing a manual swap an a few tweeks and that could be a right giggle.
ive never seen one of those Opels before, that does look interesting - im guessing a manual swap an a few tweeks and that could be a right giggle.
One was raced on the old RAC Rally a few times.
For ultimate spec, pretty sure a Lotus Carlton lump and box drops straight in.
May blow the budget a bit...
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