Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[carnocs3m5]

Hi Everyone, my name is Simon and I am 17
I do not have a classic - although soon I hope to buy a nice small one for my first car. I'm thinking of a mini - or a viva - but as of yet have not really decided, but thought being a member on this forum may help me decide
Thanks
Simon

[Rick]

welcome along Simon - is the plan to buy a runner, or a project?

Rick
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[buzzy bee]

Hi

I am fairly young myself, being 23, and had a mini for my first car, I would recomend this, and to buy a decent one to start with, as there will be plenty of things needing doing as time goes on! hehe

Welcome allong!

Cheers

Dave

[bob2]

I've had a mini as my first car too and its still there sitting patiently in the garage under wraps waiting for me to go for an occasional spin, which hasnt happened for the last couple of months!!
It also has opened up a whole world of different minis and then more lately of classic cars in general.
So go out and buy one but try to buy the best example possible as buzzy said.
Rust is the major issue and is quite expensive and complex to repair!!

[PAUL BEAUMONT]

For a first car I reckon a mini is a bit too complicated. The Viva is a good suggestion, but they are getting scarce. I would try to find good Morris Minor. Parts are fairly available and you can get at most things and still have skin on your fingers! Failing that and for a little more exclusivity what about a Herald? From the Ford stable there is always an Anglia or an early Escort. It really depends on what takes your fancy and how technically capable you are. BMC cars with the gearbox in the sump are definitely something you should graduate to IMHO

[bob2]

Paul true that the gearbox is most probably the weakest point in a mini but if you are leaving the car standard no problems should occure!!
Rust repairs are a bit complex thats why I suggested finding the best example but mechanically they are fairly simple to work on although its true that space is limited!!
But driving one makes you forget all the above!!

[Richard H]

Hi Simon, I'm 18, and had an Austin A35 when I was 17. If you don't mind the leisurely performance and weekly maintenance then I can recommend them. They're a bit rarer than Morris Minors and most of the engine and gearbox bits are the same.
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Richard Hughes