£3,000 30th Birthday present challenge

[1984a]

I'm 30 early next year and want to buy myself a present.

Criteria-

A classic that is at least 30 years old. I've thought about looking for a car registered the same year I was born (1984), but nothing of that vintage particularly grabs my attention.

NOT a convertible- I can't be doing with the leaky roofs, cracked plastic screens etc etc. The fact we only have about a week of sunshine a year also means it lacks appeal.

I have a dry, secure garage for storing the vehicle. It is quite long but not particularly wide, so not looking for a BMW or Jag sized car. I've had a BMW Mini Cooper S in there ok previously. The garage doesn't have power.

My mechanical skills do not currently extend beyond topping up fluid or changing a wheel, I am however keen to learn and try the basics myself. All major maintenance would be passed to a local specialist.

I have a company car for main use, so this would be a weekend and fair weather car. It does however need to have the ability to do motorway crushing speeds fairly comfortably as we would use it for weekends away, shows etc. bit of space for a couple of overnight bags is also a necessity. Classic mini therefore not suitable (have previously owned one anyway, so something different).

I'm thinking something along the lines of an MG BGT (with overdrive)? Any other suggestions?

Must be road worthy, sound bodywork and preferably not messed with. Would want to keep it as original as possible. Budget is ~£3,000. Will I get something decent for that?

[The Surveyor]

Here's some suggestions as alternatives to an MGB GT :-

Lancia Beta Coupe http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C319457

944 S2 http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C349674

Scimitar GTE (Princess Anne has one you know!) http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C370111

Or something Lotus http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C375849

Paul

[digger the goat]

Toyota Celica Supra 2.8

[occrj]

Triumph Vitesse 2 litre saloon (with o/d) ?

RJ

[1984a]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Not keen on the scimitar look. Lotus Eclat definitely too big, I like the Élan coupe but a decent one is probably way off my budget. Celica is not really the look I'm after, it's just too 80's.

Vitesse is a good shout, I'll have a read up. My mum drove a Herald when I was growing up.

Did look at 944's, but I'm concerned there's a lot of electrics etc. that could be quite costly to put right if they decide to play up.

[PoshTwit]

1984a said:

Not keen on the scimitar look.

How about going older and looking at an earlier Scimitar. SE5/a are smaller, tighter, and in my opinion a sportscar to the SE6's Grand Tourer.

£3k will net you a very good example, but prices are on the up as they become more popular.

[dockertrigger]

My wife gave me a lump of money she had saved for my 30th birthday to spend on a classic car, It was a little less then 3k, just under £2000 in fact but I ended up buying this BMW 1602 Lux for £1800 and would recommend another.

It was very easy to drive, quick enough to keep up with the modern traffic and most parts were available from Jaymac, for £3000 you should be able to get a 2002 with has the even quicker 2.0 engine instead of the 1600cc mine had.

They are MUCH cooler then a boring MGB which everyone has and more practical too IMHO, the hardest part is finding a good one without too much rust.


1975 BMW 1602 Lux by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr

[sawman]

that bmw looks fab!

I was going to suggest a 2cv, as they are reliable, few bits to go wrong, narrow, and huge fun but remembered the budget - not a chance....

[1984a]

That BMW is gorgeous Thanks, will have a look what is around.

[Rapierdave]

Hi
How about this modified 1976 Opel Manta SR (up for sale soon)

[TegTypeR]

I wouldn't worry about the 944 and the electrics. They are all pretty simple and easy to maintain.

Unfortunately a 1984 model won't be an S2, it will probably be a 2.5 square dash model, which still aren't bad just not as modern as the later cars.

Alternatively, you could find a really good Porsche 924 Turbo which, if kept nicely, will only go up in value.

[truck71]

1602 is a great shout. How about a GTI from the eighties- not quite the year you were born but close.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...

Alternatively the Scirroco GTI of the same period- maybe better value as well?

[quiraing]

Capri 2.8i with a lsd.

Edit - Rover 3500 V8 Vitesse, preferably twin-plenum but can do lots with an old SD1 V8.

Edited by quiraing on Saturday 6th April 18:01

Edited by quiraing on Sunday 7th April 18:36

[quiraing]

Capri 2.8i with a lsd.

Edit - Rover 3500 V8 Vitesse, preferably twin-plenum but can do lots with an old SD1 V8.

Edited by quiraing on Sunday 7th April 18:36

[gforceg]

For rarity value and Abarth "halo" effect...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...

For chest-wig charioteering...ok, it doesn't actually meet the brief.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

For, blimey, really? I thought they were expensive...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

Good luck with the search.

Edited by gforceg on Sunday 7th April 08:40

[plasticpig]

Seem to be quite a few decent classic Saab's about for your budget.

]http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

[smiffy220]

Opel Manta is a good shout, but I would be biased there. How about an A series model to give you a slightly older but very good look?
I like the BMW, they were nice cars those.

Some nice cars on carandclassic sales. Lots of nice looking Triumph Dolomites for that money, and a smart looking Humber Sceptre just caught my eye.

[pacoryan]

I like the Excel call - it's considerably narrower than the MINI you used to keep in the same place, a bit longer but you said the garage was ok for length but narrow?

I briefly thought GT6 until I saw how much they are - cripes.

BMW 1602 a good call too, something a bit different, so how about a Lancia Beta if you can find one, or Citroen CX if you want long and thin!

[varsas]

Rover P6 or Triumph 2000/2500? They aren't as big as they look, I'm sure they're both narrower then your MINI but might be worth checking.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C378956

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C373783

Lovely...
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C334906

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C378981

[1984a]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your input. I've been having a good look around online at different possibilities but keep coming back to the MG BGT.

Went to look at one today and whilst it wasn't the right car for me, it has reaffirmed the desire for British and sporty coupe. With the GT6 out of range and the nostalgic factor of growing up within an MG loving family, it seems almost inevitable.

If anyone spots a nice example up to £3k with an MOT and no bodywork required please give me a shout!