sportier classic

Paul (MN) · 21-01-2005 2:26pm #1

Hi all,

As some of you may know I have a 1984 Merc W123 T (estate), which I like alot.

Anyway I'm pretty much hooked on the idea of buying older cars (not necessarily classics over 30) for not much money.

I'm thinking ahead to my next car and have a short list so far of:

- W114/W115 version of my current car, saloon i.e. pre 75 merc saloon
- a 230 or 208 coupe of the W123

I have a feeling that I would like somethingmaybe a bit "sportier", but not necessarily a sports car.

The reason I like the Merc is that it looks like a classic, is in good condition (I'm mechanically inept) and is fairly cheap to run.

Any ideas on a "sportier" car I could go for that would be have similar characteristics. I'm looking for a fairly painless ownership experience.

I'm thinking along the lines of a coupe something or other. I can't go for real classic sports cars for budget reasons.

I've always liked the Audi Quattro, but these are probably rare. I need something that can be put back on the road cheaply and quickly if something goes worng.

Any ideas that I can statr researching/thinking about?

Interceptor · 21-01-2005 2:41pm

Triumph Stag? Jag MkII? Daimler Dart SP250? Give more info - are you going to use it every day and do you need to carry kids and dogs? What is your budget - Fiat X1/9 or Lamborghini Espada? The Audi Quattro isn't that rare, but it isn't that 'classic' either - the Pug 205gti is often featured in classic mags but I don't think it has earned that place yet. I have a really nice '83 Corolla hatchback I can sell you for cheap...

'c

AlienGav · 21-01-2005 2:56pm

I've always liked the old MGs, a fairly cheap classic, and dam shexay too!

http://www.classic-british-cars.com/mg-midget-pictures.html

Paul (MN) · 21-01-2005 3:14pm

Yes I use the Merc as a daily driver. About 12k/year.

I don't need much space but it would have to be a 2+2 as a minimum for the odd time.

Budget, at a guess next time round it might be to spend 5-7k. I can import a mice W114/W115 merc from the continent for that, in good condition.

It doesn't have to be a "classic".

I don't know if I have the resources/time/money to get something that would need constant work, major money injection if something went wrong.

The Merc 230/280 CE is ideal. Easy mechanicals, reliable, it's coupe but cheap enough to run.

I guess I'm wondering is there anything else similar?

I nearly bought an MGB GT once, but I've kindof gone off them as they are really cramped for the +2. I would like to be able to carry the fam in occasionally.

bazz26 · 21-01-2005 3:28pm

Ford Capri Ghia...

alastair · 21-01-2005 3:29pm

A BMW 2002?

Paul (MN) · 21-01-2005 3:32pm

both excellent suggestions, and both cars I have had in the back of my mind for a while.

I have a slight problem with the image of a Capri.

Does anyone have any experiece of running a 2002. I really am looking for something reliable, and with reasonably low running costs.

unkel · 21-01-2005 4:13pm

Paul (MN) wrote:

The Merc 230/280 CE is ideal. Easy mechanicals, reliable, it's coupe but cheap enough to run.

Hard to find and very expensive to buy. How about a 635CSI?

Paul (MN) · 21-01-2005 4:32pm

unkel,

there seems to be a good supply of cars from the continent. I dont' mind a LHD as I'm on dual-lane most of the time.

I would love to have a 635 car, or similar but I suspect we are talking large purchse price and high running costs.

The aim is to have something different, and nice, while minimising expenditure

I don't want to buy something, and have to spend 1-2k to keep it on the road after a year. I would prefer to pay for something in good condition in the first place.

This means my relatively low budget of 5-7k, will not stretch to exotica.

I would consider a 635 to be exotic? no?

ambro25 · 21-01-2005 5:54pm

I always said I wouldn't have another, but it's not for me, so...

If you don't mind LHD, want classic looks, cheap to buy & run: FIAT 124 Coupe Sport (blue one, 'BA 124' reg, below).

Fiat%20124%20coupe%20and%20Alfa%202600.JPG.jpg

Fiat%20124%20coupe%20and%20Alfa%202600.JPG.jpg

You'd have to make sure it's this late-60s model with the round headlights, not the later one which all squarish and horrible. Also, with these, it's a bit like the UK MGs with chrome vs the US MGs with plastic, the early ones have chrome bumpers, wheeltrims etc.

My dad had one for 3-4 years, had it resprayed Ferrari red - gorgeous thing, with walnut dash & wheel, piqued black leather seats...

mike65 · 21-01-2005 5:57pm

Steer well clear of an old 6 series. Not that they arent great (I'd love one!) but a good example will set you back prolly 10,000-12,000 and with at least a 2.8 engine the road tax is a bugger too. A cheap one ie 2-3000 would be a sleek money pit.

I think you're already one the rights lines vis a vis the Merc, that said a gleaming late period Rover p6 V8 (elderly owner since new) with classic tax might be nice.

Or if you fancy a slight risk (mainly rust and electrics) a lateish Rover SD1 3500 but high tax.

Mike.

Alfasudcrazy · 21-01-2005 8:34pm

The BMW 2002 would be my recommendation as well

BrianD3 · 21-01-2005 8:51pm

It's quite a difficult question to answer actually. As you're probably well aware, most people who are into old cars will do some/a lot of mechanical work on the cars themselves and it's all part of the fun. But if you're mechanically inept and have to bring the car to a garage everytime something small needs fixing it's not fun at all.

TBH I'd say you may have been "spoiled" by your Merc W123. These cars are legendary for their reliability and longevity. Your car probably gives about the same amount of trouble as a 2 year old Corolla. This certainly wouldn't be the case for most 20 year old cars!

So knowing this, I'd say your on the right track to be considering the Merc W114/115 or W123 CE. Also what about the W116 S-class. IIRC these can suffer from suspension/steering problems and are more prone to rust than other Mercs. But if you sought out a nice one it could be a good bet. Choice of engines from 2.8 litre six pot to 6.9 :eek::D litre V8

BrianD3

lomb · 21-01-2005 9:16pm

def stear clear of the very old s classes. total money pits. suspension can cause hugh grief.
if u want a nice car go for a 97 s320 but hardly a classic and u wont run one on hay peannies

stratos · 21-01-2005 10:42pm

Yes I'd have to say the 2002, though like a macdonalds floor, slippery when wet. An unusual choice might the Opel manta s , The manta ray version. Very reliable. can be sourced in U.K. and very rare In Ireland. It's not like the big tail sliding manta derived from the rep mobiles. In my experience a lot of the british sports cars whilst great fun, need a lot of attention. Or how about Triumph herald, or Dolomite sprint. FinallyReliant Scimitar gte, they are reliable sporting and a hatchback to boot (pun intended).

unkel · 21-01-2005 11:07pm

Paul (MN) wrote:

there seems to be a good supply of cars from the continent

Ah missed that the first time, in that case a CE (W123) is a good choice

Take BrianD3's advice though about not doing any work yourself. For this reason I wouldn't touch anything British either

Kinda cool as well a CE and a T on your drive :cool:

Or how about this, have you a garage? If so then pay next to nothing for tax and insurance, never go to the nct and get an appreciating asset like this beaut

unkel · 21-01-2005 11:21pm

Feck just saw this

£2980 + about €1000 in VRT. RHD so easy to sell again

linkylink

Alfasudcrazy · 21-01-2005 11:44pm

WOW - thats an amazing Merc 280 - does not say what year though - is it old enough for classic car tax? :eek:

shagman · 22-01-2005 12:17am

I was in a fairly similar position to you minus the mechanically inept bit.
I allready have a classic '79 Chevy G30 campervan that I'm busy restoring / customising as a 70's passion wagon style custom van

.
My daily driver was my Dads Toyota Crapolla :mad: so I needed a daily driver that would be reliable yet not make me want to retch (that means a classic in my mind).
I went for a Reliant Scimitar GTE overdrive, fireglass body less rust to worry about ,ford essex 3 litre engine simple to work on and was a common engine in it's day ..capri ,granada etc any decent mechanic can fix it I'd say. Sporty OH YES INDEED , practical - it's an estate, relatively good fuel economy with overdrive 25-30 mpg. Bad points: as with any classic you have to know what to look for to buy a good one. You seem to like mercs and bmws so might not be your taste . I'd recommend starting to buy "practical classics" magazine from Easons or elsewhere you'll get plenty of info there on the type of machine you're after. Good Luck hope you find a gem!

lomb · 22-01-2005 12:19am

how much is the blue merc unkel? SEXY

shagman · 22-01-2005 12:21am

Oh Yeah a photo might be handy...

unkel · 22-01-2005 1:08am

Alfasudcrazy wrote:

WOW - thats an amazing Merc 280 - does not say what year though - is it old enough for classic car tax? :eek:

Which one? The W123 one for sale is probably around the 1980 mark, not old enough yet for classic tax afaik (is it 30 years?)

lomb wrote:

how much is the blue merc unkel? SEXY

Saw it on some Japanese website. I don't think it's for sale. Indeed stunning beautiful car in unbelievable condition

stratos · 22-01-2005 2:19am

Shagman those pictures bring back some good memories.

. Those motoring posters circa the 70's wer'e way out there weren't they. I personaly love the B.L. , Triumph, Rover ones. Blondes aircraft beaches, rockets.

bazz26 · 22-01-2005 3:14am

stratos · 22-01-2005 3:25am

One or 2 nice things in there Bazz. I can't help think most of the prices are way off. You could buy 'em dirt cheap in U.K. Well not all of them.

stratos · 22-01-2005 3:29am

My classic cost me 1300 stg and 750e vrt lets call that 3000e. An Identical model (same colour even) is for sale here for 8000 e. I find some of the prices here just way off classic or not.

BrianD3 · 22-01-2005 1:09pm

Another one to consider could be a nice SAAB 900 turbo.

BrianD3

AlienGav · 22-01-2005 1:22pm

What about a triumph herald??

http://www.linzgt6.demon.co.uk/triumphherald.htm

My dadd had one years ago, thought it was the mutt's nuts

lomb · 22-01-2005 2:54pm

stratos wrote:

My classic cost me 1300 stg and 750e vrt lets call that 3000e. An Identical model (same colour even) is for sale here for 8000 e. I find some of the prices here just way off classic or not.

prices are way off. i reakon though many sellers only want to sell if they can achieve a 'certain' price which is usually 25% more than its worth regardless of anything

lomb · 22-01-2005 2:56pm

shagman wrote:

Oh Yeah a photo might be handy...

nice ad makes me want to just go out and buy one. are they any good though?

stratos · 22-01-2005 3:34pm

They did have a propensity for going on fire. Princess anne had one !

sportier classic

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