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I (finally) passed my test the other day - a little late in life, I know. Anyhow, the time has come to get on the road, and I need a suitable ride. Any petrolheads here able to offer any advice? (I'm not sure this is suitable for the hardware forum)
Just as an idea of the sort of thing I like, the most interesting options so far are a 1973 Triumph Spitfire MkIV, a 1966 Austin Healey Sprint MkII and a 1966 MG Midget.
SE
Seeing as the only British sports car I've owned is my current '77 MGB I'll give you the advice that it's a good car to learn how to work on a car and requires regular maintenance. Of your choices I know I'd go with the Triumph, it's a cooler looking car (in my humble opinion). There's a lot of reproduced parts available for all the cars you've listed : http://www.victoriabritish.com/ http://www.mossmotors.com/ so that together with junk yards will help you WHEN it breaks down and WHEN something electrical goes out.
They are fun cars though and certainly will turn heads, though I do wish my MGB had a bit more power so that it would be somewhat comparable to higher quality sports cars.
Are you set on a classic British roadster? From what I hear, they'll always break your heart.
I don't know too much about those kinds of cars, but I do follow modern cars and the car industry fairly closely, and could probably give you some advice if you're willing to look at a newer model. The car closest in spirit to the qualities of those that you mentioned is the Mazda MX-5. It has that sweet balance of handling, power, looks, and price that made the cars you mentioned so exciting to drive.
What is your price range?
I don't really want to be spending more than a few grand (I'd like to be able to, but I'm not exactly in a high paying job). If I were getting something modern, I'd have to go for something big and sensible like a saloon of some sort (a nice one mind) - though I'm 2 Labradors and a family short of going for an estate... Planning to buy second hand, obviously.
SE
Well the Midget is certainly the cheapest and there will be a lot of parts available for it. Bear in mind though that with cars that old you will be putting a bit of money in to keep them going. They use leaded fuel so you need to add that to your gas, insurance is usually more expensive and harder to get for "antiques," and some auto shops won't work on older cars like these.
What are you going to use the car for, Somebody Else? A toy/hobby or depend on it to get to work?
If you're a handy mechanic and have access to parts the Midget would be an economical choice.
In the states the opposite is usually true. Just about any vehicle over 25 years old qualifies as a "classic", and the registration & insurance are generally cheaper. One doesn't have to deal with all the stricter "pollution control standards" requirements at the yearly inspection either.Quote:
insurance is usually more expensive and harder to get for "antiques,"
Rather conveniently, I live and work in the same place, so it'll mostly be used for getting around for social things. Though I'm no mechanic, I learn quickly, and there are plenty of people around in my profession who fix things for a living.
Unfortunately, I haven't the foggiest as to how much is reasonable to spend on this sort of thing.
The beauty of the cars from that era was their simplicity compared to the complex computer controlled ones today. Access to parts, tools, a work area, and a little help from mechanically inclined friends should do you nicely. I'm not too familiar with the Triumph or Austin Healey, but back in my teens a highschool chum used to drive an MG Midget Convertible, 1970 model I think. It was a fun car to drive, probably sipped petrol, not that we were concerned with that during the muscle car 70's.Quote:
Originally Posted by Somebody Else
Are these cars you're looking at still being driven or are they stored? I'd talk to some motorheads that are familiar with them and check on parts availibilty, especially things like carburetors, clutches, starters, distributors etc... stuff that wears out and can't be machined if unavailable. Prices will be dictated by how difficult it is to get parts. If it sounds like a deal that is too good to be true, it might be because a crucial part is unavailable and the guy is trying to unload his toy. Take your time and educate yourself a bit first.
My Dad was quite a motorhead and could fix just about anything. We rebuilt everything from lawn mowers to cars & trucks, carburetors, starters, etc... and what we couldn't rebuild he had a machinist friend manufacture for us. Those were the good old days.
Enjoy your new hobby!
Well, personally I would advise against getting an older car, although my experience is mainly US-based. If Toyota produces a diesel version of the Corrola, though (am I correct in thinking that diesel is the main fuel of choice in Europe? Heard that once...) I would really reccoment a new or recent Corrola, as at the moment they are one of the best cars being produced at the moment, with fantastic gas mileage to boot (I generally get 35+ mpg in the city in mine), and they have excellent company service records. Of course, if you are a real auto freak, age and maintinence shouldn't matter too much.
Your dad was a speed freak? Well, I guess it was fine, as long as there were no catalytic converters around at the time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hosakawa Tito
Class Ad, I'd already seen it but still. :smiley:Quote:
Originally Posted by Beskar
Going to go with the MGB Roadster. 1972 vintage, either in green or gold. (The final decision to make!)
SE
CVPI :beam:
Post a pic when you can!:2thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Somebody Else
I recommend you visit the MG Experience forums, there is a wealth of information there. Also congratulations! I'm actually a bit jealous, the 72's still had the SU dual carbs and nice chrome bumpers.
This could be my ride...
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SE
You are still better off with a Crown Victoria, Mini, Thunderbird, or Jag. ~;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Somebody Else
Wow, is that the original paint? Looks to be in very nice shape. If it's as mechanically sound as the body appears to be that is one sweet car.Quote:
Originally Posted by Somebody Else