Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[PACresta]

Wishing you all a Happy New Year, anyone planning any major changes for the new year?

I am on the verge of selling the old Cresta, i have owned it 6 years in all and feel its time for a change. Have been pondering on the idea for about 6 months now, quite agonising.
The plan would be to get something like an early MX5, just feel like a total change.

[Ray the rocker]

I`d be sick as a pig knowing all the effort and finance that has gone into one great car and is going to be substituted by a totally fairly new concept that`s in your mind! have you lost the passion for the greatest era in design or has somebody tabled a good offer? If i had the cash available--i would give it first choice as the PA CRESTA is one of the classics of the 20th century..

Cheers---Ray the rocker...

[PACresta]

Hi Ray,
totally agree with your sentiments, but i feel i been there now and done it. We have had great times in the Cresta but its just that we feel the time has come to move on.

Bearing in mind this has been the only car i have ever restored, yes it did take time, effort and cash, i did enjoy the whole process. Probably the car is too good for what we want out of classic / fun motoring. We have had no offers as the car has not been for sale.

[Rick]

I had a similar thing with my Devon, I'd had that for 5.5 years but decided it was time for a change so that went not long ago, in theory replaced by the pre-war Minor (although I bought that prior to the Devon going).

Sometimes a change keeps your interest up. As for MX5s, erindoors had two Mk1 MX5s over the years, one a UK car, the other an imported Eunos. Both great great cars, quite affordable, and a lot of fun - if you're willing to forsake the "classic-ness" you enjoyed while driving the PA. I'm still tempted to get another, possibly a Mk2 this time, as a weekend car.

Both Mk1s were mechanically bomb-proof, things to look for should be rust in the back end of the sills, and while you're at it, check that the electric windows work as the driver's side cables snapped on both of our cars, and they're fiddly as anything to replace.

RJ
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[Keith D]

PACresta,

Think long, hard and deep before you let an important part of your life go! Once gone, that's it!

I have owned my A40 tourer for almost 40 years and every now and again I get a rush of blood to the brain and think I'll sell it! Fortunately sanity returns in time and I realise that it would be like getting rid of the family pet!

My kids can't remember a time when Lady Penelope was not with us and although they're all married and out of the nest now, they always smile at the A40 whenever they visit or see the car. One son borrowed it a couple of months ago to display at his school fete. (He's the deputy principal!)

Why not save your pennies until you can afford another classic and then restore that with the Cresta benignly watching and smiling at you?

Happy New Year to all - Keith

[Richard H]

Yeah I wouldn't fancy an MX5 as they do nothing for me in the slightest. Just too boring to look at, although they are supposed to be a cheaper and better alternative to a Sherpa Coupe (MGB...). If it's Japanese cars you're after, I'd love a MK1 Civic, or early Datsun Sunny, or a Toyota Crown....but the MX5 doesn't do anything for me. IMO my Maestro is much nicer and more "classic" to look at than the MX5.

As for New Year fleet changes, the A35 990 BKN needs to go very quickly (if anyone's interested?) otherwise it'll be the dreaded Ebay and probably an uncertain future in the hands of a numberplate dealer
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Richard Hughes

[Rick]

Agreed MX5s aren't everyone's cup of tea, but if I was looking for an affordable sporty car for say £2k I wouldn't hesitate in buying a rust-free MX5, instead of a tired 'B', Midget or Spitfire for a similar amount, and the ongoing worry of rusting floors and sills. They are like chalk and cheese IMHO, yet still drive like a proper old-style (rwd) car.

Horses for courses I suppose, but I do see the appeal

MGFs however...

RJ
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[PACresta]

Thanks for your input guys, all valid points of view. I am certainly not going to rush into this, the wife has pointed out that it could be just another of my silly spells

In the meantime i appreciate the info on the MX5's Rick, we did go and have a look at one today, a 98 model. Like you pointed out Rick there was rust towards the back of the sill and rear wheel arches.

Will keep you posted as to how things go.