Recomendations for first classic

JohnDigital

I'm looking for some pointers toward the best way to go about researching classics in Ireland. My wife's family are looking to buy a car for my father in law for his 60th. He has always been into cars but never held on to any, but he now has suitable storage after building a very large workshop behind his house.

I know he has a definite hankering after the likes of an Austin 7 or something of that sort, but I think his wife is more in favour of something a bit more recent and practical, that they can actually use frequently for trips around the country. Ideally the car would be currently driveable but needing work, either body or mechanical he's well capable of either.

Budget is in the area of €5,000.

So where do I start?

Thanks,
John

ji

Hi any interest in this??http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/962478

JohnDigital

I think its someting a little more vintage/classic late 30's to early 60's really that they are after. Thanks

charlie1966

First thing I would say is that if I was on the receiving end of a gift like this I would prefer something I want. It is for his birthday not his wifes. Best advice is to try to find out what cars he likes. Some sort of the cuff remark to get a conversation going about classics. You could tell him that you are thinking about getting one(any excuse that gets the conversation going on the subject that you can carry off). Most important is that it should be a car he wants. As a gift it would be hard for him to change it for something else.

This is just how I would feel in this situation. Hope it helps in some small way.

Very nice gesture by the way.

JohnDigital

Thanks Charlie. Yep I'm planning definitely to ensure that its something that he will want and I'll be subtly investigating his tastes further to ensure were on the right track.

I guess what I'm looking for at the moment is the best websites etc to browse around to see what sort of cars fit the budget so that I can then start discussions around that type of car to see what fits the bill.

Past cars of his that he has mentioned fondly include his Ford Cortina 1600E, Austin A40 MkII, Mk1 Golf & Anglia 105e all of which really were daily drivers, but I think now he's looking for something more vintage. Really I see this as the first in a long line of cars that he will be looking to procure in the next few years, given the size of the workshop he built LOL.

charlie1966

Personally I like this site.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/

If you don't mind Importing one.

You may get a good deal on Ebay too, if you have time on your hands.

May be of use too.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/

Not so many really old cars on it though.

JohnDigital

Thanks Charlie

biggus

If you select Ireland or northern Ireland in carandclaissic.co.uk it will make your searches more practicle

e.g
£3250 but in Ireland
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C104557/

Dades

Hardtop or convertible? Coupe or saloon?

He must have a preference for one of these - which should narrow the search somewhat. Also if they're looking to do country-wide trips, they'd enjoy them all the more in something with 5 gears/overdrive (or a good auto).

An old MG might be a blast down country roads roads but would get tiresome soon on a motorway.