Classic Car choice and why
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Beyond the Blue Horizon
Age: 60
Posts: 869
Classic Car choice and why
Well with all the mentions of Teslas etc on here I thought it would be interesting to find out what classic cars people would like. This was sparked today when I was told that an old friend has finally taken delv of his rebuilt Triumph TR6, and sent me some photos. He is a bit more of a car & bike nut than myself, and has a few of each already. This set me thinking as to what I would like as a classic car, if the opportunity arose, and my own choice would be a Dark Blue / White leather Jensen Interceptor from the early 70,s. Partly because as young boy (12) I was taken to my cousins wedding reception in one driven by his Swedish sister in law, who happened to be wearing Suede miniskirt (it was the early 70,s after all) with suitably tanned gorgeous legs, and she liked to drive quickly. As I say they both left an impression on me, and indeed I am now seriously starting to think about acquiring one - the Jensen that is ! So over to you lot, what would you like to have as a classic car or bike and why ?
Cheers
Mr Mac
Cheers
Mr Mac
Last edited by Mr Mac; 17th Jan 2021 at 15:53.
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 880
Jaguar E Type 4.2 2+2 in Red. The reason? I was offered one by my friend in 1974 for £500. I said who wants an E type when petrol is going up due the problems in the Middle East.
I, instead, bought a Toyota Celica GT which was very new on the U.K. market at that time.
I have regretted that decision many times over the years!
I, instead, bought a Toyota Celica GT which was very new on the U.K. market at that time.
I have regretted that decision many times over the years!
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: moraira,spain-Norfolk, UK
Age: 79
Posts: 372
I have had a few, sold all when I moved to NZ:-
Daimler Dart, good choice.
Austin 7, my father had on as well.
Rochdale Olympic, what that you say? Was my everyday car for a while. even used in NL.
Big Healey (not Austin Healey), was fastest road car in GB at one time.
Daimler DB18, and a spare one.
Large AC coupe, and a spare.
Sunbeam coupe (unfinished project).
Of them all I would have a Dart again.
Daimler Dart, good choice.
Austin 7, my father had on as well.
Rochdale Olympic, what that you say? Was my everyday car for a while. even used in NL.
Big Healey (not Austin Healey), was fastest road car in GB at one time.
Daimler DB18, and a spare one.
Large AC coupe, and a spare.
Sunbeam coupe (unfinished project).
Of them all I would have a Dart again.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Peripatetic
Posts: 11,522
If it had to be one car, and I had somewhere I could take care of it properly - A Jaguar D-type....
”A 1955 model was sold at a Sotheby's auction in 2016 for $19,800,000.
In contrast, these cars were seen as merely obsolete race cars in the 1960s, and commonly changed hands between $3,000 and $5,000”
”A 1955 model was sold at a Sotheby's auction in 2016 for $19,800,000.
In contrast, these cars were seen as merely obsolete race cars in the 1960s, and commonly changed hands between $3,000 and $5,000”
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Somewhere flat
Posts: 130
From Bangers & Cash, series 3 episode 1 I believe. Oct'2020."An Interceptor was the star vehicle as Bangers And Cash (Yesterday) returned. Car dealer Derek Mathewson, whose showroom in Thornton-le-Dale, Yorkshire, is the headquarters for this amiable auto series, found a well-preserved model stored in a barn.
Glamour cars of the Sixties and Seventies have quadrupled in price over the past decade, as investors moved into the vintage car market. Derek reckoned a prime Jensen could fetch £25,000, though this one didn't actually run — a bit of a problem with Interceptors, he said, compared to an E-Type Jaguar, for example....
Derek's soft spot for the Interceptor proved his undoing though. Nobody wanted it.
Never mind the £25k price tag — who can afford to drive a car that does just 11 miles to the gallon?"
Glamour cars of the Sixties and Seventies have quadrupled in price over the past decade, as investors moved into the vintage car market. Derek reckoned a prime Jensen could fetch £25,000, though this one didn't actually run — a bit of a problem with Interceptors, he said, compared to an E-Type Jaguar, for example....
Derek's soft spot for the Interceptor proved his undoing though. Nobody wanted it.
Never mind the £25k price tag — who can afford to drive a car that does just 11 miles to the gallon?"
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 62
humber 16/50 saloon 1929
That's an easy question for me. It is the humber. It was my first car. I was able to ride in it again late last year. Of course this sort of question will evoke memories outside of the characteristics of the car......it will recall good times/ bad times.
But that is definitely not to write that I characterise 2021 as bad times; not with a diversion 900 in the garage.
So my classic car of choice is the comfortable quirky 1929 Humber; and memories of the international travel accomplished with it.
Last edited by rifruffian; 17th Jan 2021 at 16:04.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Beyond the Blue Horizon
Age: 60
Posts: 869
goofer3
The ones I was looking at are rebuilt, and were going at around £70k. There is also totally re built ones with new Cadillac Engine etc, and they are up around £105k plus, and that is after you have given them a car to strip ! You are right re the fuel at 13mpg, though the Cadillac engine ones get up to the mid 20mpg which is comparable Italian / German exotica. I just like the shape and sound of them, and the fact that they are not so common as vintage Jags and AM. Will have to try and sweet talk Mrs Mac , if I am lucky I may get a Dinky one
Cheers
Mr Mac
The ones I was looking at are rebuilt, and were going at around £70k. There is also totally re built ones with new Cadillac Engine etc, and they are up around £105k plus, and that is after you have given them a car to strip ! You are right re the fuel at 13mpg, though the Cadillac engine ones get up to the mid 20mpg which is comparable Italian / German exotica. I just like the shape and sound of them, and the fact that they are not so common as vintage Jags and AM. Will have to try and sweet talk Mrs Mac , if I am lucky I may get a Dinky one
Cheers
Mr Mac
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Southampton
Posts: 738
A classic car would definitely be a labour of love. Most of them were not great to drive (though I don't deny they could be fun) and you used to spend a great deal of time under the bonnet. Maybe that is part of the charm.
At least they used to be easy to get at things, whereas modern cars are a nightmare when you actually have to make repairs.
Makes you think whether modern cars will be considered classics in the future.
Perhaps not a classic, but I do fancy a Jaguar XK.
At least they used to be easy to get at things, whereas modern cars are a nightmare when you actually have to make repairs.
Makes you think whether modern cars will be considered classics in the future.
Perhaps not a classic, but I do fancy a Jaguar XK.
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Europe
Age: 42
Posts: 607
The word "classic" is, by and large, synonymous with "pretty shyte quality, won't work when you need it, requires umpteen hours of work and/or deep pockets, and are between utterly and somewhat crap to drive". Which is why I wouldn't think of owning one, unless I suddenly became very rich. And should that happen, my choice would be a restomod of the highest quality, such as a 911 reimagined by Singer. Then I'd have something that's second-to-none in quality, be as reliable as a new car, won't require endless work and would be gorgeous to drive. But I haven't got half a million USD to spare.
PS
Someone's restomodded a Jensen Interceptor. That's also approaching, if not north of, half a million dollars.
PS
Someone's restomodded a Jensen Interceptor. That's also approaching, if not north of, half a million dollars.
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Here
Posts: 318
Originally Posted by ThorMos
Easy question for me: Model T!
Why? Easy to maintain, cheap to buy, all spare parts available and simply within the Top 3 of relevant cars to automotive history.
Why? Easy to maintain, cheap to buy, all spare parts available and simply within the Top 3 of relevant cars to automotive history.
Thought police antagonist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Where I always have been...firmly in the real world
Posts: 1,114
I know these aren't classics in the sense of this thread, but, at a personal level, they were classics to me.
Mini Countryman Estate with woodwork...and moss
Triumph 1500 Saloon with the "CWP " dial and walnut finish
Ford Cortina 1600 GXL with the square headlights.
Mini Countryman Estate with woodwork...and moss
Triumph 1500 Saloon with the "CWP " dial and walnut finish
Ford Cortina 1600 GXL with the square headlights.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Beyond the Blue Horizon
Age: 60
Posts: 869
SMT Member
I have a wife who shares your views on classics and Porsche, and has a 911GTS (2019) and a Boxster S (2003) both with minimal mile,s the later only 25k from new (says a lot about UK weekend weather to me). I mentioned the Jensen this afternoon, and got short shrift about build quality etc as you pointed out, does not stop the desire though. Work will intervene tomorrow so day dreams will crash into reality again.
KnC
I would disagree they are classics due to their age, and probable rarity now. I am surprised there has not been some RS2000, Golf GTI Mk1,Capri,s, Cosworth etc. I think it maybe a time of life thing especially in these interesting times.
Cheers
Mr Mac
I have a wife who shares your views on classics and Porsche, and has a 911GTS (2019) and a Boxster S (2003) both with minimal mile,s the later only 25k from new (says a lot about UK weekend weather to me). I mentioned the Jensen this afternoon, and got short shrift about build quality etc as you pointed out, does not stop the desire though. Work will intervene tomorrow so day dreams will crash into reality again.
KnC
I would disagree they are classics due to their age, and probable rarity now. I am surprised there has not been some RS2000, Golf GTI Mk1,Capri,s, Cosworth etc. I think it maybe a time of life thing especially in these interesting times.
Cheers
Mr Mac
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: by the seaside
Age: 71
Posts: 992
Bristol V8
Tow hitch fitted and will return between 6 and 8 mpg towing a glider trailer when permitted at 130kph.
Mountain driving to paraglide (wing in the back) twix 14 and 18 mpg. Easily does a ton, drives well if shod with the right rubber, mercedes wheels and anchors to be proud of. Saves on gym time..manual steering.
Large boot for a very comprehensive set of tools when needed!
RSV4 APRC sometimes in garage. 3000km per set of rubber.
Last edited by blind pew; 17th Jan 2021 at 17:39.
Gnome de PPRuNe
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Age: 57
Posts: 8,348
Originally Posted by Krystal n chips
Triumph 1500 Saloon with the "CWP " dial and walnut finish
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Southwold
Age: 69
Posts: 58
When I started dealing in cars ( my first deal was a Mini when I was 16, I sold it eighteen hours later) most of the bread and butter stuff was what are now classics. Now I have an MG Magnette ZB Varitone, two Citroen 2CV's and I'm hoping to take delivery of an Austin Healey 3000. A friend bought the car back in the 90's and it's been in his barn ever since. I recently made a half hearted offer of ten grand for the car without any great hope because he never sells anything and he didn't say no. In fact he has invited me to look it over as soon as he has had his jab, so fingers crossed. It needs a lot of work including an engine rebuild so I will be busy over the summer if it comes off.
