Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

norustplease · Joined: 11 Apr 2011 Posts: 828 Location: Lancashire

I am aiming to retire in around 15 months time, and part of my game plan is to ditch one of the family modern euroboxes and get myself a classic daily driver, the object being to run a car that can be kept on the road in decent fettle, without running into complex electronic nightmare problems in a few years time, as well as gleaning the benefits of cheap classic insurance, zero road tax, etc.
So I am looking for suggestions.
The ideal car will be interesting, reasonably refined, reliable, not require too much upkeep to keep going and be capable in modern traffic.
It's probably going to be a late 60's or 70's car, I would suspect, but a later 'future classic' would be considered. Good spares availability will be essential since I would not want to be off the road for weeks on end, sifting ebay for parts.
So, thinking caps on chaps, lets have your ideas.
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1953 Citroen Traction
1964 Volvo PV544
1957 Austin A55 Mk 1
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peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7219 Location: Edinburgh

So many 60/70s cars just don't survive salted winters so my suggestion is a practical GRP car, Reliant Scimitar GTE.

Simple Ford mechanicals easily capable of modern traffic, reasonably comfortable and capacious.

Downsides: Not very fuel efficient and had a reputation for unreliable electrics.

Peter
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1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

Ellis · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2015 11:03 pm Post subject:

Mark 2 Ford Cortina 1600E!

Stylish, handsome, practical, 30mpg, wood cappings and dashboard, easy and light to drive.
Finding a good one may be a problem and prices are higher now than for some time.
A good one would be a delight.

I like them as I have said many times before.
An ex Malta or Cyprus car may be worth considering.
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1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
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Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7277 Location: Derby

I have thought about your criteria and would suggest an Austin Princess Vanden Plas 1100 or 1300. You sometimes see low mileage examples for sale at a reasonable price.

If you want a bigger car then the "Landcrab" cars are a nice front wheel drive choice.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22829 Location: UK

W123 Merc maybe? an estate if you need to lug things around.

RJ
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kevin2306 · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2015 8:16 am Post subject:

Would have to be a Morris 1000 for me, easy parts availability, go well and easy to work on/maintain.

Kev

mikeC · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2015 9:42 am Post subject:

Morris 1000 or Triumph Herald both have good spares supplies; a Triumph Dolomite would provide slightly more modern motoring at the expense of more difficult spares supplies... or how about an MGB or Mazda MX5 if space is not a major consideration?

baconsdozen · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Under the car.

I'm as biased as hell so my opinion isn't really worth considering. Rover P5 or P5b everytime.
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peppiB · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2015 1:25 pm Post subject:

landcrab (Austin/Morris 1800, Wolseley 18/85)

Easy to maintain, parts available, comfortable, reliable and at the moment very affordable

(again I am biased. had mine 9 years and is my daily driver, other than a burst rad hose it has never failed me)

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7277 Location: Derby

PAUL BEAUMONT · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 1281 Location: Barnsley S. Yorks

It really depends on what you intend doing with the car - are you going to be ferrying grand-kids (so seat belts in the rear essential), doing the occasional tip run, or just popping to the shops for eg. In the latter case then you can't go far wrong with the Minor though I would prefer a Traveller. I guess you are thinking a bit more up market so Bakersdozen's Rovers, but including maybe the P4 or a decent Austin Cambridge/Morris Oxford come to mind, as might the Austin Maxi as a more versatile variant on the Landcrab theme. If you are thinking future classic with the tip run option then what about a Subaru BRAT or even an early Imprezza station wagon.
I do like Ellis thought of looking for an import from the dryer regions of Europe maybe.

Fatbloke · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2015 4:02 pm Post subject:

It's no good asking that sort of question on a forum like this as we're all going to recomend our favourites regardless of your needs and likes.

Your best bet is to get yourself to some of the many multi marque car shows over the summer and have a good look around and chat to the owners and see what takes your fancy.

Very best of luck with both your retirment and you quest for a car.

PS. Trumph Heralds are GREAT!! Cool

Get a Herald!! Very Happy

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Mike,

A Fatbloke in a Herald.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22829 Location: UK

Maybe one of these, with overdrive, would fit the bill?

Or for added rarity value, perhaps:

Keep it in the family!

RJ
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ka · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 600 Location: Orkney.

I think a Merc, or BMW would provide longer legs for distance travel, but for me I would go for either a 70's Astra, or an Escort. Both straight forward to maintain, parts still available and good back up. The FWD Astra probably more economical than the Ford, but as said, a different view from everybody's favourite car.
Best of luck.
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KA

Better three than four.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7277 Location: Derby