Another newbie thread (Ford Mustang)

Eoin

Hi guys,

Sorry in advance for the lengthy post!

I posted here about a year ago about getting a classic, but put all my plans on hold until we moved house. Now I have a wedding to do first, but after that, I'm definitely getting a classic! It will be next year, but I want to start doing as much research now, and putting a few quid away here and there.

I don't know if this would be a big issue or not but I don't have a garage - the car would be parked outside 24/7. It's a quiet neighbourhood though, so I wouldn't be too concerned about scrotes getting at it, just the elements. Obviously the type of car will determine how suitable this is, but off the top of your head(s), would this be an immediate no-no?

I was 99% certain I was going to go for a convertible, and there are loads of MGs around, a lot of which are under the 10K mark which I think would be my budget. But I have my heart set on the Ford Mustang. I would definitely go without a drop top if I could get my hands on one of these. This is the only one I have seen for 10K. This one is going for just under 12K.

I know that the petrol costs would probably be horrendous, but that's a given. I'd be more concerned about how easy it is to get parts, and how expensive it would be to get them fitted (I'm not mechanically minded, and don't have an area I could work on it). Would this type of car be a bad idea as a first classic?

Edit: There were a few others that sort of grabbed my attention (but nowhere near as much as the Mustang) - the Triumph TR6 and the Volvo P1800 coupe. Would any of these be a better compromise?

Thanks in advance,

Eoin

camarobill

parts are as easy to get as for a new car,from the states or uk,with catalogs for 1000s of parts for the mustang,its never a good idea to leave a classic car off this value out all the time,you can change headers and carbs,either for good mpg[ v8 20-30 mpg ] or for go 7 to 12 mpg,they are very easy to work on,with plenty off on line help,clubs,web sites,and part depots,buying a good car from the start always saves you grive in the long run,and dont forget to join our club AAAI,there about 11 mustangs in it already,OR JUST GO TO A SHOW AND TALK TO THE LADS,they love talking about there cars:D

mustang68

eoin_s wrote:

I don't know if this would be a big issue or not but I don't have a garage - the car would be parked outside 24/7. It's a quiet neighbourhood though, so I wouldn't be too concerned about scrotes getting at it, just the elements. Obviously the type of car will determine how suitable this is, but off the top of your head(s), would this be an immediate no-no?

Its a bit heart breaking to see your car sitting outside in the wind and the rain, but its not a show stopper, there are things you can do to reduce the effects of the elements.

eoin_s wrote:

I was 99% certain I was going to go for a convertible,

Not if your going to leave it outside! or use it in the summer, or park it anywhere or..... (as you can see I don't think they are a good idea)

eoin_s wrote:

I would definitely go without a drop top if I could get my hands on one of these. This is the only one I have seen for 10K. This one is going for just under 12K.

First one looks like a straight six, not the most exciting car, but economical. The second looks a bit suspicious, its a bit cheap and the photos are different resolutions.

eoin_s wrote:

I'd be more concerned about how easy it is to get parts, and how expensive it would be to get them fitted (I'm not mechanically minded, and don't have an area I could work on it). Would this type of car be a bad idea as a first classic?

Parts are so easy to get, if you have mastered the art of the screwdriver and the spanner, you'll be ok and can learn (like I'm doing).

Eoin

Great stuff, lots for me to go on. Thanks for the replies guys.

I know the V8 would probably be a lot more desirable than the first car I linked to there, but I don't think it would be a deal breaker for me. From what I could see online, I'd probably be looking at closer to €15+ easily for a decent V8.

This may stretch the budget unless I sell my daily car and get something a little cheaper. Preferably I don't want to do that as I have put quite a lot of cash into it....

daveball

What about a spitfire, I have a mark 3 1967 fully restored taht I am selling for 7 k ono, its a minter

Eoin

daveball wrote:

What about a spitfire, I have a mark 3 1967 fully restored taht I am selling for 7 k ono, its a minter

If you mean something like this, I don't know if I have the space! I think I have seen one around Wicklow a few times, a very nice car. Do you have pictures?

Edit: I won't be buying this year by the way, what with wedding and honeymoon to pay for.