whats most reliable classic sportscar
Discussion
DBSV8 said:Volvo Amazon, VW Beetle or any Mercedes Benz (preferably diesel) come to mind. But they can be reliable only if diligently and well maintained. If maintenance is neglected, the most reliable classics will soon become heaps like any other old car.
Heres one What in your opinion , with experience has been the most reliable classic sportcar car.
Must be pre 1973 tax exempt., monies no object.
or classic car for everyday use.
I agree with what he said, any car will be reliable if maintained correctly.
I would decide what i liked, and buy the best I could, and look after it.
I have run MG midgets as reliable cars for years in the past, my last one covered 180k miles of which I did 110k it only let me down once, bits did wear out though.
I would decide what i liked, and buy the best I could, and look after it.
I have run MG midgets as reliable cars for years in the past, my last one covered 180k miles of which I did 110k it only let me down once, bits did wear out though.
DBSV8 said:
...most reliable classic sportscar.
tr3a said:
Volvo Amazon, VW Beetle or any Mercedes Benz (preferably diesel)
I'd second MG's as a good choice though - either Midget or B. They are both simple, robust cars, if you keep on top of the corrosion. I reckon parts supply is at least as important as reliability, though and the MG's score very highly on this...doesn't matter if your car is reliable if the one time it does break down it takes 6 months to find the part you need to fix it!
Another good choice on this basis would be a Triumph TR (preferably a 4 cylinder, carburated version rather than a 6 cyl. PI).
Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur by HJ Mulliner. Absolutely wonderful, not really a sports car but who cares, it's beautiful, and it works. I have seen one that was a regular client of P&A Wood (I used to work there)that had 500,000 miles on the clock. Daily driver and one owner from 1962. So yes it's reliable.
Sam_68 said:Hmmm, yeah, you're right, should have paid better attention.
...most reliable classic sportscar.tr3a said:
Volvo Amazon, VW Beetle or any Mercedes Benz (preferably diesel)
Sam_68 said:On that basis, any 'mainstream' Brit classic sportscar will do, like Jaguar E-type and Austin Healey. Not super-reliable, but always easy to get parts for.
I'd second MG's as a good choice though - either Midget or B. They are both simple, robust cars, if you keep on top of the corrosion. I reckon parts supply is at least as important as reliability, though and the MG's score very highly on this...doesn't matter if your car is reliable if the one time it does break down it takes 6 months to find the part you need to fix it!
Sam_68 said:As a happy TRactor owner, I cannot agree more.
Another good choice on this basis would be a Triumph TR (preferably a 4 cylinder, carburated version rather than a 6 cyl. PI).
Some sense . . . MGB hands down. In novembers C&SC they tested a handfull britcars and although the MGB may look a bit dull it still is a great value for money every day sportscar . . . 1.8 with a nice set of carbs and you'll have all the nice enginemusic in an easy to maintain car. MGC for me BTW. Sebring trim 
But that's a bit more green . . .
But that's a bit more green . . .m.lovell said:
But MONEY NO OBJECT you would chose a 4 cylinder TR ???????
Money no object, I wouldn't worry about it being reliable, cos you can keep a modern in the garage for when it breaks down...if you're willing to pay £3/4 million for a D-type, an extra £20 for a Golf GTi isn't going to bother you.
If it needs to be reliable cos it's an only car, then yeah, I reckon a TR would be a reasonable compromise!
>> Edited by Sam_68 on Wednesday 15th February 18:02
I’d never have a classic as everyday transport again, I’ve got too used to comfort, safety and lots of toys etc to want to drive an uncomfortable, drafty sports car everyday.
So, it's a weekend toy, and a sports car, money no object, and preferably that has a good specialist network with reasonably good parts availability.
No contest......427 Cobra
However, alternatives could be a 396 or 427 Stingray, Aston DB4 or 5, and maybe a Gullwing Merc. A Ferrari Daytona could be a reasonable bet as well.
But, if money was a bit more critical, then yes, Jag XK or E-Type would fit the bill, but I’d rather have a MkII than an XK or E.
You couldn’t pay me to own/drive a MG or TR....
Only British sports car of that era in the MG/TR price range that I would consider, and which would meet the criteria (maybe apart from reliable bit
) would be an Elan Sprint.
So, it's a weekend toy, and a sports car, money no object, and preferably that has a good specialist network with reasonably good parts availability.
No contest......427 Cobra
However, alternatives could be a 396 or 427 Stingray, Aston DB4 or 5, and maybe a Gullwing Merc. A Ferrari Daytona could be a reasonable bet as well.
But, if money was a bit more critical, then yes, Jag XK or E-Type would fit the bill, but I’d rather have a MkII than an XK or E.
You couldn’t pay me to own/drive a MG or TR....
Only British sports car of that era in the MG/TR price range that I would consider, and which would meet the criteria (maybe apart from reliable bit
) would be an Elan Sprint. 
Mmm Gordon Keeble's are lovely. Only 90 survive (out of 100), but there is one for sale on the owners club website for £29K. American V8, so should be reliable.
www.gordonkeeble.com/
www.gordonkeeble.com/
in fact it's my dream garage 
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