Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Wooster · Joined: 23 Dec 2013 Posts: 43

Hi All
I'm looking for a new car. I have a budget of £10k. I want something pre-war. It must have 4 seats. It should be open open-top with a hood. It would be nice if it was British. It must be ready to drive and in excellent condition. Something vaguely sporting would be nice.
So far I've considered a Morris 8 Series E Tourer. I like the styling and they are cheap. I also looked at a Triumph Gnat but it was too small.
Any suggestions anyone?
Cheers
Wooster

Riley Blue · Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Posts: 1751 Location: Derbyshire

A sporty, four-seater, open, pre-war British car in excellent condition for £10,000?
My suggestion would be to keep saving as I don't think you'll find much of a choice at that specification within that budget.

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4236 Location: South Cheshire

Hi Wooster

And welcome to the forum Smile

As an owner of a few Morris 8's I'm a bit biased ! So agree that the series e tourer would make a great car, parts supply is pretty good, hydraulic brakes and a 4 speed box make it a very usable car, although not the quickest of cars , fun to drive Smile

They are quite rare as only in production for around a year (war halted production) . I'd also consider the pre series Morris 8 tourer, a tad prettier than the later version IMHO.

Dave

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22784 Location: UK

Welcome to the forum.

As you've probably noticed, to get anything open-top, four-seat, and pre-war within budget, and in top notch condition, means probably opting for something from one of the main producers of cars at the time in Britain.

The four-seat version of the Morris 8 would be the obvious choice, you'd get a good one within budget.

Stretch the budget and perhaps a "flat nose" Cowley may also be an option (eg
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C452549).

If you'd consider a foreign-built car, would a Model A be achievable? While none of these suggestions are particularly sporty, Model As are a popular choice in vintage trialling so there is a link to competition there, you'd have to accept a less-than-immaculate example though.

How about a vintage Citroen, the four-seat B2 tourer may come in on budget and fit the bill, eg:
http://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/558011747.htm?ca=4_s

RJ
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D4B · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 2083 Location: Hampshire UK

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mikeC · Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 9:43 pm Post subject:

A 10hp model from the mid thirties should be possible with that budget - I'm thinking Austin, Morris, Standard, possibly Vauxhall; trouble is there were very few tourers made by the mid-thirties, so you may be waiting some time for the right car to come on the market. I don't think you'll find a flat-nose Cowley or Model A Ford in tourer form within your budget, but you might find a late twenties car from the less popular manufacturers, Singer Junior, Swift 10, Standard again, or if you are happy with left-hand drive, you should be able to find a Citroen, Peugeot or Renault within budget. I think you can forget anything remotely sporting for that budget!
Good luck, and don't give up!

D4B · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 2083 Location: Hampshire UK

Couldn't find anything pre war in your budget / condition,
but if it were me:

http://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/584804273.htm?ca=12_s

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22784 Location: UK

How about a Model T? You'd get a presentable four-seat tourer for about £10k-11k or so, and while not exactly British (!), many were at least assembled here (Trafford Park).

RJ
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Keith D · Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 11:42 am Post subject:

4DB has a very good suggestion.
While hardly sporty, the Renault 4CV was an extremely rugged and reliable car and very economical to run. Only nasty bit about them was the suicide front doors!

Keith

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22784 Location: UK

kevin2306 · Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 12:07 pm Post subject:

Keith D · Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 2:31 pm Post subject:

You're right, Rick. A much more suitable car and it looks very nice indeed

Keith

pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

One of the thirties Vauxhalls might be worth a look. I used one of these for two years back in the 60s. Dead reliable and a looker.

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Wooster · Joined: 23 Dec 2013 Posts: 43

Thanks for the ideas chaps. Not keen on French cars, although I do like Italian cars (current car is '72 Giulia Coupe). Model T a bit too old for me I think. I have thought about a Vauxhall but they seem a bit 'upright'. Fussy aren't I!? A M8 is looking increasingly likely. My Dad has a '46 saloon. He worked at Cowley for 50 years and our surname is Morris. So I guess it is in the blood. I know the Series E is seen as the inferior model but I prefer the styling over the earlier cars.

Wooster · Joined: 23 Dec 2013 Posts: 43

Just looked up a Swift 10hp. What a handsome thing! I'm shallow enough to be persuaded by looks. That's why I like Alfas!