Reply With Quote6-Series BMW
8-Series BMW
Old Bentley (I hear you re the money pit though!)
Early V8 Jag XJ?
Ford Mustang (lots of sizes and configurations)
Now my son is six and getting interested in cars, I am toying with the idea of buying a weekend car again to take him and the family to some classic car shows etc.
I have had TVR's, supercharged Jags and Porsches in the past.
I don't want to spend silly money (because I don't have it), and also don't want something that would be a total moneypit. I am not interested in maintenance or mechanics myself, so would need to use the excellent specialist independent a couple of villages away.
I have been thinking of a TVR Cerbera, or an Aston Martin DB7 perhaps... but I am very open to suggestions. Could even be American, but will need to fit into a regular size double garage.
The only non-negotiable is that it should be able to seat four (can be a 2+2), and something interesting enough to take to and show at a few events. Certainly nothing competitive or concours!
So clever my foot fell off.
6-Series BMW
8-Series BMW
Old Bentley (I hear you re the money pit though!)
Early V8 Jag XJ?
Ford Mustang (lots of sizes and configurations)
A Mustang is always a good choice....
A bit tight in the back seat.... Should be OK for kids though.
Saab 900 Turbo (convertible or otherwise), the classic 900 (i.e. 93 or earlier) not the reworked cavalier. £5k should buy you a very nice one.
With your history TFB, I'm sure you've considered a 3.2 911 - that would be my choice. 2+2 and plenty about.
If you're thinking of spending less and want a classic with four seats, a Mark I or Mark II Escort Mexico might be worth a look.
a friend of mine has one as his daily runaround and typically taken up with 2 children. Boy does it turn heads when people hear the roar and see what's created the noise.Originally Posted by Jim W
A Mustang is always a good choice....
A bit tight in the back seat.... Should be OK for kids though.
A somewhat acquired taste but i've been looking at VW trekkers/kubelwagens recently. Get the doortops off, fold the screen down, slam it on the deck and you've got you're very own skip on wheels.
Rover P5 or P6
Mk1 or 2 Granada
Or other classics of that era.
I too would have recommended an S197 Mustang; however, the introduction of the RHD version will, imho, both negatively impact the residual value and also detract from the specialness. I had an S197 Shelby and whilst it was very quick, it was also primitive and the interior trim was woeful.
An older Mustang (60's) is a reasonable idea but you are falling into classic car ownership and that has many pitfalls.
Alex, you haven't mentioned budget - that would be a great start.
AlphaOmega already mentioned the 3.2 Carrera and that is an excellent option - reliable, rock solid residual value and enjoyable to drive. Downside is that the rear seats are very small (as you'll know from your 996).
The new Camaro is a good car - more advanced than the Mustang but still has that special feel that US cars have in the UK. If your son knows anything about Transformers, you'd also get automatic points for owning 'Bumble Bee'!
I keep looking at Jensen Interceptors for the same reasons you've started in your original post; however, horror stories of poor reliability have tempered my enthusiasm. It is one to consider but with eyes wide open.
Mk1 Escort Mexico is another option - fast Fords take many of us back to our teens and they have a real cult following.
...or, the most underrated Ferrari, which is now gaining ground... the Mondial. Buy right and you'll be laughing but make sure you buy right!
So, budget and lets start weeding through the 'Nos'!
The Cerbera would be a brave choice. I've almost bought one on several occassions - a great looking car from 10 feet, but the quality a bit closer up may get to you. Reliability isn't reputed to be the best either.
I bought a 3.2 Carrera last year (almost identical to one I had last century) Very low cost option in that it's highly unlikely to lose any money. More room in the back than a modern 911 too.
Budget - around 15-20k max. It really is going to be just for fun use, so economy isn't an issue. I would prefer not to have to spend thousands on keeping it running though, as that would rather take the shine off!
Lots of good suggestions here - I do rather like the Mustangs and the Camero's.
I take the points about the TVR's - I've had a few and know their foibles.
Anyone got any experience of owning a Porsche 928 these days?
A relative just bought an E-Type, but they are mega money now. What about an XJS convertible?
Keep 'em coming!
So clever my foot fell off.
The car that started my love of cars!
A couple of key things to look out but as long as these are done, they are pretty reliable.
I know of a good S4 that is for sale but not being advertised (gunmetal w/ burgundy cloth interior), that has been enthusiast owned and has had all the right money spent. It is a lot less than your budget but a good honest car. £15-20K would buy you a GTS, last of line, which are very nice.
Camaro - £20k would buy you a new V6 but the V8s are still going for more.
S197 Mustang - it would buy you a V8 GT with some miles but still a good car.
The 6-series BMW that was discussed on here recently is another good shout.
You could buy a VERY nice VW Beetle for that money - even n early Cabrio.
The 4-seats requirement kills a lot of the really fun, nice cars (Volvo P1800, etc) but, as above, I understand that need.
VW Karmann Ghia
Maserati Biturbo
Merc SL
Peugeot 504 Cabrio
Fiat 1500
Many lancias to choose between from eg a Delta Integrale Evo to a Flavia cabrio
How about a 1980's Mercedes SL Roadster. Lovely looking car and a good one can be had well within budget. Not the most exciting drive though, in my experience.
Volvo amazon 123gt
Good luck everybody. Have a good one.
Another Volvo - what about the P1800...
(not mine BTW)
This one looks a steal http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C492998
z
Last edited by zelig; 28th April 2014 at 15:18.
I've had late R107 SL for the last five years and think it's a great choice, yes not the most thrilling drive but fun in the summer on A and B roads with the top down, four belts and good German build quality and timeless looks.
Or a 944 cab?
Now you're talking classics....
Most classics that have been around a few years have had rust problems, you never know what's under the shiny paint, and parts can be expensive and hard to find.
You can't go wrong with a 1960's Mustang. It's not difficult to find a rust free example from Texas or California, and all parts, and I mean everything! is still available and the prices are reasonable. Here's one I owned recently. It came from Texas and had never had any rust: 1965 Mustang Fastback.
My old one,Another Volvo - what about the P1800...
(not mine BTW)
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.
1600HF Fulvia now we're talking.
Last edited by number2; 29th April 2014 at 03:31.
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.
That looks stunning! Not wanting to be nosy but what is the rough value of one of those (I assume the number added a few quid as well)?Now you're talking classics....
Most classics that have been around a few years have had rust problems, you never know what's under the shiny paint, and parts can be expensive and hard to find.
You can't go wrong with a 1960's Mustang. It's not difficult to find a rust free example from Texas or California, and all parts, and I mean everything! is still available and the prices are reasonable. Here's one I owned recently. It came from Texas and had never had any rust: 1965 Mustang Fastback.
My son is 6 too and really into cars, since I got my MX-5 he's been fascinated by them, and he loves going out in it. I'm not suggesting for one minute you get an MX-5 but merely supporting the idea that doing something special together like this is great for father-son bonding. Anyway, a couple of ideas for you. Firstly, I-Spy books are back and they have some great car related ones. In particular, he really likes the classic cars book (particularly as it includes the MX-5!). Great for whiling away long journeys.
Secondly, I took him to the London Motor Museum not expecting too much from it (and really fearing the worse seeing it from the outside!), but we loved it, loads of proper classics, some American muscle cars including Mustangs, a Countach, a General Lee Charger, a Starsky and Hutch Torino, Knightrider, 60s and 90s batmobiles, James Bond Lotus, all sorts of good stuff. I'm sure your boy would love it there, plus a few of the suggestions in this thread would be there to look at. We had a great time there and ticked off quite a few cars in the I-Spy book too!
Yes, that car cost me a lot of money. It was fully "Restomoded" including modern EFI computer controlled fuel injection 5.0 V8 and up rated suspension, 4 piston disk brakes, and tons more. A good fastback will start around £20k I expect.
I've been thinking about one of these recently and they do come in cab version...
Alternatively - my other car is this and its a great (relatively) everyday car...
DS
Jag XJS. Not sure on budget these days, but a lovely car. There is a firm in Somerset who will take your standard one and fit modern brakes and suspension.
Vauxhall Monaro or 3 Series 335?
It's just a matter of time...
The XJ-S rear seats were marginal (for teenagers) in the fixed-head, laughable in the cabriolet and (ISTR) non-existent in the convertible. Lovely car - great ride and a nice long bonnet; looks are a bit marmite.
-- Tim
Got to be a Porsche 968, pretty rare especially a Club Sport variant.
Alfa GTV
911
Audi S4 convertible
This?
Fas est ab hoste doceri
Smooth choice sir.DS
I've always fancied a morris traveller myself.
Good luck everybody. Have a good one.
That is quite simply "the business"...utterly gorgeous. OP, get one of those!Now you're talking classics....
Most classics that have been around a few years have had rust problems, you never know what's under the shiny paint, and parts can be expensive and hard to find.
You can't go wrong with a 1960's Mustang. It's not difficult to find a rust free example from Texas or California, and all parts, and I mean everything! is still available and the prices are reasonable. Here's one I owned recently. It came from Texas and had never had any rust: 1965 Mustang Fastback.
Would have to be the rare "Sport" edition for the 4 seats though :)Got to be a Porsche 968, pretty rare especially a Club Sport variant.
It's just a matter of time...
I've got a 7 year-old son and have been going through a similar thought process. I've narrowed it down to:
Monaro
Mustang GT
911 - probably a 996 with a Hartech engine rebuild or stretch the budget for a turbo.
They've all got their pro's and cons, the Mustang and Monaro should have lower running costs than the Porsche. If the choice was my son's it would be the 911 every time!
Alternatively you could go stealth and get a Volvo 854/855 T5R, there are some seriously well sorted ones still around for less than £4.5K.
http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=204166
Last edited by chrisb; 28th April 2014 at 21:14.
Had a camero in the states last year, fantastic car
I keep seeing one of these local and they look awesome. Toyota or Subaru reliability and fairly low running costs
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...livery/2166193
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...se-lux/2232073
Audi A4 cabrio, or...
07/09 Jaguar XJR - must be in black and preferably without the slightly too unsubtle alloy vents in the front wings. Prefer the 07 myself as it has the less aggressive / shallower front bumper. "Brisk"
Mercedes 190E Cosworth.
Cerbera you say?
Well, a six-year old would just about fit in the back...
R
Ignorance breeds Fear. Fear breeds Hatred. Hatred breeds Ignorance. Break the chain.
Very good call that man!
"A man of little significance"
Not much of a show car but a Jeep Sahara is a lot of cheap fun and which kid wouldn't love one of those?
Age indicates how muchspannering you want to do yourself. none would be my preference and I'd buy an 80's/ 90's classic for half or a quarter of your budget. new enough to have parts a plenty, not be overly rusty, and not need a lot of maintenance. buy right and any running costs may be offset with appreciation. potentially anyway:
Alpina B10 V8S
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evol...lpina_b10.html
205GTi or CTi,
Mk1 Golf GTi and/ or convertible,
Audi (80) cabriolet (2.6 V6)
Capri!
Was just looking how expensive E320 cabriolets are now and saw this-
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C462856
Peachy!
That is splendid!
Good call on the Alpina BMWs, so sorry for lowering the tone to something more predictable and non-moneypit boringness.
Fits the brief, albeit perhaps just not quite the showing off aspect, although how many of them would you see at such an event? So maybe it does.
Last edited by PJ S; 29th April 2014 at 00:34.
Lots of really excellent suggestions - I am going to have a look into a number of these. I am quite taken with the Mustangs - new and old. Never driven a classic American though, so might have to organise a little test drive.
I definitely think it needs to be something a bit unusual and with "character".
Any more suggestions very welcome.
So clever my foot fell off.
Who needs a Mustang...
Not mine unfortunately
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