• Hi Guest!
    If you appreciate British Car Forum and our 25 years of supporting British car enthusiasts with technical and anicdotal information, collected from our thousands of great members, please support us with a low-cost subscription. You can become a supporting member for less than the dues of most car clubs.
    There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Subscribers don't see this gawd-aweful banner
Tips
Tips

Suggestion for a practical classic.

Share this page

Simon TR4a

Simon TR4a

Jedi Knight
Offline
What would you suggest for a retired couple with one modern car looking for a classic for general driving around and longer trips involving highway driving.

Here are the requirements:
1) Not too expensive to buy in "turnkey" condition, say $5000-$8000 dollars.
2) Must have overdrive or 5 speed for long trips.
3) Must be easy home maintenance, cheap insurance and parts.
4) Not too low or too small, (bad backs!)
5) A roof is practical because it extends the season, and keeps contents safer.

A V6 Mustang had been considered but they are all automatics, Alfa GTV considered but there is concern about maintenance costs.
It doesn't have to be a sportscar, so a Cortina might be o.k., but I think a TR7 or MGB GT.

What other soggestions do you guys have?
Simon.
 
Simon, I feel gutted after the "It doesn't have to be a sportscar, so a Cortina might be o.k." comment. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif Have you ever driven one? Cortina's are a large part of the classic sporting Fords. Just ribbin' ya there. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

Seriously, with those requirements I think your right on in your thinking with MGB GT or TR7. With that price range a great example of either should be possible so that only regular maintenance is needed along with regular driving. TR7's are amazing comfortable and quite capable of stretching their legs over long distances. Important if a lot of long distance driving is in the plans. The TR7's can also break into the mid 30mpg range on the highway as well.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Corvair Corsa, or Monza maybe

Heresy comitted, flame suit on

Jesse
 
Sorry, Shawn!
I didn't say that in the most complimentary way, but the reason I put that car down as possible is because they are nice to drive, great gearbox especially.
I think the GT6 is too small and low, and the BMW potentially expensive to repair, though a great car. Same for Jag S types, though also wonderful.
The Stag might also be a bit complicated, though I like that idea! Hard to find?
Simon.
 
As I recall you can get MGB GT's with air. Not sure about Triumphs?

Other possibilities - MGB or other with hardtop

all kinds of Jags? Daimler?

depending on the length of the trip you could even get into a small Bentley or a Princess (there was one in Hamilton for about $7500 that needed freshening last time I looked)
 
Many may wince at some of the cars I'm going to list, but I see a lot of these as modern classics in North America ...with the emphasis on *practical*.

A Suzuki Swift GTi ( great car!):

https://stedix.com/swiftgti/image/sohailbig.jpg

Or a VW Rabbit / Golf GTI (also great to drive, but quality can be spotty):

https://www.webalice.it/vkanna/motori70_addon/images/Volkswagen%20Golf%20GTi.jpg

An early, Yamaha-powered (5-speed) Taurus SHO (an under appreciated car if there ever was one)

Ford 24 Valve, 5 speed Contour SVT (quite fast!)

https://kaneo666.tripod.com/1998_contour_svt/svt_covers_fp.jpg

Porsche 944 or 924 (if you get a good one and keep up with the timing belt...a tatty one will drain your wallet):

https://www.caradisiac.com/media/images/le_mag/mag231/porsche-944-turbo-1.jpg

Early 90s Ford Escort GT 16 valve, 5-speed (I own one...with the Mazda engine, it's a better car than many would guess).

https://pics.hoobly.com/full/1cb0e7027456b3ebd00a4bfaedd7f35b.jpg
 
Since you are not adverse to American cars, may I suggest a mid 80's Corvette. These are available with a stick or automatic, convertible or coupe, and under your price limit. These cars are mostly well cared for and have low miles. Parts are plentiful and cheap and they have big doors and very comfortable seats. I just saw one a few minutes ago in MI auto trader, an '85 convertible with asking price of $7900. I have seen cheaper but I just saw that one a few minutes ago.

Have a nice day
Steve
 
[ QUOTE ]
The Stag might also be a bit complicated, though I like that idea! Hard to find?
Simon.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not really hard to find, but it would take time. Totally original models command premium prices, but a well done conversion will ease maintenance concerns. My wife has a '73 with GM V6/Auto and loves it.
 
I have a Stag with a Ford 289 V8 and overdrive transmission. It is a wonderful and comfortable car to drive on the highway.
The steel hardtop makes it a year round car too. A well done conversion is the way to go. The Stag club president has one with a Rover V8 and takes it all over the country.
 

Attachments

  • 265133-leftfront.jpg
    265133-leftfront.jpg
    46.9 KB · Views: 114
I think the Alfa GTV would be a good one... parts aren't "that" high. Find one without much or any rust, and your golden. Spiders are nice too, and can be had with removable hardtops - get one with a carb conversion, and you've elimenated most of the fussy bits.
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif Now, I wouldn't *MGB* want to try and *MGB* influence anyone about *MGB* which make or *MGB* model to purchase as *MGB a "Practical Classic" transporter *MGB* but there's only one I can *MGB* think of that is as reliable *MGB* as a house brick. Redily available parts supply, reliable and economical...

An MGB, actually. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif
 
yup. There's a good reason why MGB was made for 18 years and sold half a million copies.
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif

[ QUOTE ]
It doesn't have to be a sportscar, so a ... MGB GT.

[/ QUOTE ] /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

Reasonably practical, affordable and not too difficult to find parts or service....

An excellent "starter" LBC....
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, I will pass them along.
Personally, I'm inclined to be influenced by the repetitive insistence of a certain person!
I do like the removable top of the Stag, though, best of both worlds.
Thanks again, Simon.
 
My BGT has proven to be a very reliable and practical car. But it's a small car, much smaller than a Stag or similar vehicle. I can fit a suprisingly large amount of cargo inside despite it's size though. Parts are cheap and easy to come by and maintanance is simple. There are lots of aftermarket items if you want to modernize it. A/C is available but keep in mind it will rob power from an already underpowered engine and will create more load / heat in the engine bay. Properly set up they work just fine from what I've seen.

I would certainly recommend a BGT if the small size is not a problem. With overdrive they make a fantastic sports touring car. Other than excessive of wind noise they are very pleasant and well-mannered on the highway.
 
Simon: A ~removable~ hardtop is available (with some searching) for the mmm... MGB! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif
 
I am partial to the MGB suggestion as well. A good choice, whether it B a convertible or coupe.

For an out of left field suggestion, might I add a first or second generation Mazda RX-7 to the list? If you want to stay on the continent, I think an early BMW 3-series (the boxy eighties ones) might make a good choice. The beaters have mostly been run into the ground so they're easy to avoid. If you want to stay on the island, maybe a Capri? Tough as old boots, from what I understand, and I don't think they're that pricey.

-Wm.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I am partial to the MGB suggestion as well. A good choice, whether it B a convertible or coupe.


[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I'd say a GT would be the way to go, with a V6...
Like the one I have, not for sale...

[ QUOTE ]
If you want to stay on the island, maybe a Capri? Tough as old boots, from what I understand, and I don't think they're that pricey.

-Wm.

[/ QUOTE ]

True, I've got some, the trouble is the parts are getting
harder to come by, and getting them can be somewhat drawn
out, like a week or more for a clutch, inner front wheel
bearings can't be had off anyones shelf...

SteveL
 
Back
Top