Anyone changed a classic for a modern?

[LotusOmega375D]

Have any of you classic car owners ever decided to cash in on your old pride and joy and buy a modern equivalent with the proceeds? By modern I mean say up to about 3 years old. I don't mean being coerced into the decision by family, financial or work commitments, but just you thinking that you've had enough of the old stuff and that you'd like to try something tasty from the new generation. Something that starts every morning and will take you anywhere you choose to go without risk of breakdown, something that doesn't rust or need any fettling, something that has all the modern luxuries and gadgets, as well as a manufacturer's warranty. Sure you'll encounter depreciation in return, but has anyone on here actually done this? If so was it the correct decision for you?

[Yertis]

I always ran classics as my only car up until about 1995, when I swapped a Scimitar for a Sierra Sapphire (2.0 GLSi). I have to say that not constantly worrying about overheating, strange electrical issues, and sundry other worries came as some relief.

[deltashad]

Very nearly when the BMW 1m was launched. I was ready to sell the Integrale Evo2 (which is ill), the fancy numberplate on it, the Mercedes CLK and the gay car (mgf) and the misses and the cats.
It was incredibly appealing having the opportunity to buy a limited run car I very much admire brand new.
Needless to say I never went through with it. I stood in the garage looking at the Lancia, drank several beers, sat in her, talked to her and told her I was sorry.

[hesnotthemessiah]

Wash your mouth out!








Just kidding.

Never thought about it......ever.

Couldn't stand all the stupid booping noises every time one so much as farts in the car. And all the gizmos would drive me bonkers. I had a day at Porsche Silverstone last week driving the new 991 Carerra S, yes lovely car but all the driver aids took away all the fun.......errrrrmmm......except for the one which made the exhaust louder.

[Chunkychucky]

My dad keeps threatening to thin down his collection to buy a Porsche Gayman S, although not the end of the world as the first one to bite the dust would be a 28k mile E36 M3 Evo, more a modern classic. However after that went then there may be arguments deciding what went next...

[dmulally]

I did. After years of driving crappy old cars every day (Hillman Imp, P5b, EK Holden etc) I got tired of spending my weekends fixing stuff and wondering what could possibly go wrong next. Now I just have old cars as weekend toys.

I sold my soul a little bit but I dont care where I park anymore and I turn the key and it starts.

[spoodler]

A few years back both my parents died and (separately) my other half nearly lost her leg in a 'bike accident. Old cars and 'bikes just seemed like too much trouble with everything else going on so I decided a Smart Roadster would offer affordable, simple fun - "Like a modern Frog Eye" said the journo's. And a Forester would be ideal for the hospital run (twice a week from Swindon to Stoke Mandeville). I needed to get rid of the Spitfire as it was now useless to us and I needed a car that I could rely on a hundred per cent.
After hiring a few cars it quickly dawned that most had lousy ride quality, sacrificed presumably for sporty credentials and as said above the constant binging and bonging couldn't be tolerated or switched off - I don't wish to be reminded that the fuel level is low etc.
We ended up with a Triumph 2000 auto' as it was about the most comfortable car we could find, wide doors, comfy seats, smooth ride etc. ideal for the missus whilst she was recovering and almost totally reliable over a year of three hundred miles per week hospital commutes.
As for the Smart Roadster - the journos lied and I never did buy one.
On occasion I do get the bug to buy a modern but the equivalents to the old cars that I like are no longer simple - I don't place any value on NCAP ratings, air bags, sat-nav, bluetooth, traction control, electric seats and windows, and would much rather be able to buy a car without. I know I can't because the world has changed and so has legislation...
For interest's sake, I'm forty seven years old not as old as the above probably makes me sound.

[Setch993]

[quote=deltashad]
Needless to say I never went through with it. I stood in the garage looking at the Lancia, drank several beers, sat in her, talked to her and told her I was sorry.

[/quote

were you forgiven, did she coo and tell you everything was ok ?
I had the same experience with my evo 1 grale when she through her cambelt on the floor and spat bent valves at me. Time in the Walkers hospital saw her right though. My pocket still hurts and I havn't quite forgiven her yet.