Best Classic Cars to Buy and Own

• Nov 25, 2004

• #1

T

The Mad Hatter

A-List Customer

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321

According to Classic Cars Magazine these are the sixteen best classic cars to buy and own. Because factors such as price, drivability, availability, and access to repairs are important factors, these classics are relatively recent.

These are cars actually to use - not just to collect.

In no particular order, they are as follows

• Triumph Stag
• Porsche 911
• MGB Roadster
• Mazda MX-5
• Triumph TR4/5/6
• Jaguar XJ-S
• Jauguar E-Type
• Morris Minor
• Lotus Elise
• Mini Cooper
• Lotus Elan
• Aston Martin DB4/5/6
• Jaguar Mk2
• Porsche 944
• Mercedes-Benz SL
• Austin-Healy 3000

 

• Nov 26, 2004

• #2

Gershomite

New in Town

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36

Wow. You got me with the Jaguar MKII, probably my all-time favorite atuo. I really like the Aston Martin V8, but would go with the Jag because it is sooo cool.



Gersh

 

• Nov 26, 2004

• #3

B

BogieMcFly

New in Town

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31

Location

Southern California

Now, the Aston Martin DB5 is an awesome car - especially since it was a Bond car... but the car that I'd really, really like... that isn't on that list for who knows what reason... is a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12. Ohhhh! I'd love one of those babies... $35,000.

In Christ,
Shane

 

• Nov 26, 2004

• #4

F

farnham54

A-List Customer

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404

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Guelph, Ontario, Canada

I've got 3 triumph stags sitting at home awaiting resto by me and my dad! I'll let you guys know how they progress.

Cheers,

Craig

 

• Nov 26, 2004

• #5

Retro Grouch

One of the Regulars

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202

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Colorado

Hmm Mine didn't make the list. Then again, it's not a car. I do see an MG in my future, though.

Tom

 

• Nov 26, 2004

• #6

B

Bobbi B.

New in Town

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37

Location

Indianapolis

I already own an MGB, my second one!

Very fun to drive, but I must say that I didn't know very much about cars before buying that first one. It looked cool and the price was right, sooo....

After having owned it for six months, I knew quite a lot about how MGBs worked. It was either learn, or throw over my then boyfriend for an auto mechanic! You really have to take care of them. Most British sports cars of that time were built to be fussed over -- if you do, they are dependable and fun. If you don't, they can be trouble.

That first MGB had many problems, mostly rust; the one that replaced it was better. I drove it every day for several years. It's been garaged for a while now.

If I could have my choice, I would rather have a T-series MG. Very cute, a post-War car with pre-War looks. But it's only a three-season car hereabouts.

BB

 

• Nov 27, 2004

• #7

jamespowers

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Gee, my favorites didn't make the list. I wonder why.
They are the Jaguar XK 120 and the Mercedes Gullwing (300SL).
Oh well, I just wish I had one.

Regards to all,

J

 

• Nov 27, 2004

• #8

F

farnham54

A-List Customer

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404

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Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Beuty of British Sports cars--they are certainly hobbiest cars.

We can thank Lucas Electrics for a lot of that--"Prince of Darkness!"

Cheers,
Craig

 

• Nov 27, 2004

• #9

M

Mycroft

One Too Many

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Florida, U.S.A. for now

Aston Martin DB5 1964 Battleship Grey and Black Interior...Bond's...very nice and should be the top of the list

 

• Nov 29, 2004

• #10

jamespowers

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Originally posted by farnham54
Beauty of British Sports cars--they are certainly hobbiest cars.
We can thank Lucas Electrics for a lot of that--"Prince of Darkness!"

Click to expand...

This is true. It took Ford nearly six months to sort out the electrical engineering mess that was the Jaguar when they bought the company. A rich friend of mine was on the receiving end of many one finger salutes when his brand new Rolls broke down on the Golden Gate Bridge. LOL The car had one problem after another. It was truly a rich man's car because it cost so darned much to keep on the road for a few weeks at a time. They are truly hobbyist cars---hobbyists who just happen to own dealerships.
Isn't there an old joke that says Hell is where the cars are made in France and the food is British? LOL

Regards to all,

J

 

• Nov 29, 2004

• #11

F

farnham54

A-List Customer

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404

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Guelph, Ontario, Canada

I suppose in the defence of the british car industry (which has, by the way, ceased to exist!!) a lot of those old sports cars had class, character, and were just good to drive. Sure, they wobbled about a bit, but really that was what made them what they were. They had character, through and through, something you don't find on the fancy plastic hybrids of today.

Cheers,

Craig

 

• Nov 29, 2004

• #12

jamespowers

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Originally posted by farnham54
I suppose in the defence of the british car industry (which has, by the way, ceased to exist!!) a lot of those old sports cars had class, character, and were just good to drive. Sure, they wobbled about a bit, but really that was what made them what they were. They had character, through and through, something you don't find on the fancy plastic hybrids of today.

Click to expand...

I suppose I can agree with you in the sense that the last time I drove a Rolls it had a fabulous ride and handled fairly well but I really did not put it through its paces (I was afraid it might break down and I didn't want to walk back. LOL ) With those cars it is more a matter of being seen driving it rather than the car being a superb driving machine.
Whatever the case, they are better looking than the plastic hybrids of today and have a bit more room.

Regards to all,

J

 

• Nov 29, 2004

• #13

Matt Deckard

Man of Action

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A devout capitalist in Los Angeles CA.

On the other side off the spectrum

1981 Datsun pickup

 

• Nov 29, 2004

• #14

jamespowers

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Now that is a real...uh...classic. Yeah, that's it.
I love how all of the hub caps are there.
Are you planning to put a V-8 in it and paint it candy apple red or or were you hoping one of us would refer the picture to Pimp My Ride? LOL

Regards to all,

J