hi all

[dazzaessexuk]

so i can hit the wall faster you mean i think i will start with something i can restore to original im ok with mig but thinking of taking a short tig course and plasma cutting course so it will be sort of a learn as you go with both the restoration and techniques involved . if i can find something complete would be good so at least i know what im looking at when taking it apart . as info seems harder to find than parts

[TerryG]

I suppose your biggest problem is everyone you speak to will suggest their car as the ideal starter classic.
If you are more in to bodywork than mechanical restoration then you can look at cheaper cars which need more love, if you are more in to waving spanners then finding something more expensive but solid is the way to go.
Regardless good parts availability means a quicker restoration. In that regard an MG B or Midget would be at the top of the parts tree. BMC cars all seem to be pretty well served for parts, imported cars with the possible exception of VW less well.

Grab a copy of PC and have a look in the classified section or go on to ebay motors and flick through the classic cars sorted by distance. Find something that pulls as your heart strings and buy it. You buy a classic with your heart, leave your head to picking your next daily driver.

[dazzaessexuk]

thanks buddy will deffo take a look at the mg mgb

[rich.]

i had several mgbs both soft & hard top.. they cost me a fortune to rebuild & were a bit disapointing to drive..wifeys diesel daily was faster & better in the corners & b roads to drive.. recently i had a toyota mr2 mk 2 in mint condition bought for less than a grand.. have a look at the mx5 too

[3xpendable]

i had several mgbs both soft & hard top.. they cost me a fortune to rebuild & were a bit disapointing to drive..wifeys diesel daily was faster & better in the corners & b roads to drive.

You can't compare a modern daily driver to a car designed in 1961/2 Rich! I love MGB's, especially the GT but yes the 1800 is considered sedate by today's standards and being into 80's Ford's I expect you want more ooopmh. How new are you looking? I had the same dilemma recently wanting something I could enjoy while my MG is being restored but didn't want something I'd be working on all the time. I looked at MR2's, MX5's and even Smart roadsters and then I remembered I really liked Ford Puma's when they came out, so got one! They are dirt cheap at the moment and are only going to increase in value. Put it this way, I'm currently selling my Puma 1.7 and bearing in mind I bought it from the original owner last year, it has been garaged all its life, has just 43,000 miles with a full service history and 4 new tyres, it's for sale for £1100. You try and find an 80's Ford for that money that you don't have to sweep up and put in a bag.



In 1700 form they are an absolute hoot to drive, handle well and the engine is great! The 1.7 had a Yamaha designed head and VVT, puts out 123bhp. If you aren't bothered about repairing rusty rear arches you can put up later models for £500-£700.

[Young Farmer]

If you are in the motor trade or one of your mates is you could pick up a bargain that is being traded in . My son was offered a Maxi last year which I bought for less than £200 . It was a good one as well. the following month he took in a Rover216 auto which could have been mine for same money as the Maxi. When the customer brought it in for exchange there was a huge history file with it.Recently was offered an MGF for £400 with full Mot and had just had a modified head gasket fitted. Dealerships don't want old cars and will often scrap them rather than have comebacks,plus a lot of younger fitters haven't got a clue how to set up a distributer or carb.

[rich.]

i had several mgbs both soft & hard top.. they cost me a fortune to rebuild & were a bit disapointing to drive..wifeys diesel daily was faster & better in the corners & b roads to drive.

wifeys car was a 92 nissan sunny diesel 150 000 on the clock.. hardly the mini cooper

[JPB]

92 nissan sunny diesel

[rich.]

92 nissan sunny diesel

oh yes a red one too, best car ever made, id love another

[JPB]

a red one

I now need to visit the bathroom..