Which classic/modern classic ?

[roscozs]

I have been wanting to buy a classic/modern classic car for some time now as a hobby. However I still cant make a decision on what to buy. I would be looking to spend roughly £1500 and £2000 maximum. The car must be relatively easy to buy parts for and modify, insurance costs are a big factor due to only being 19. Im a qualified mechanic so anything technical isn't so much an issue.
I have considered:

1600 Cortina Crusader 1982. They are cheap to buy and there are plenty of parts out there however they are soft and not very sporty but have a easily available engine and RWD.

Classic Mini of any age. My Dad has a couple of classic Minis but they seem to be expensive for what they are and most have been modified

Ford XR2 Mk1. Again they are starting to get desirable now and the prices are on the up.

Are there any other cars out there that are quite sporty, cheap to buy and easily modified?

[TheD]

How about a saab 99/900. Loads of parts out there.

[wulmar]

Scimitar

[chard]

Rubber bumper MG Midget

[dirtyboy]

mk2 golf, gti if you can afford the insurance. A 1.8 8v is very simple and easy to maintain, cambelts etc loads of street cred, great fun to drive and loads of bits and bobs about!

[chris7676]

MX-5 or MR2 mk1. But the insurance may be quite high.

[roscozs]

Quite like the idea of the rubber bumper midget for some reason. In brown............ The Mk1 and 2 golfs are another one that could be good. But the MX5 and MR2 don't really do it for me. Needs to be older. Will have to check up on insurance. And was the only engine in the scimitars the 3.0 essex from a Capri?

[roscozs]

TheD said:

How about a saab 99/900. Loads of parts out there.

I like the look of the Saab 900's. Theres a black Carlsson in mint condition just down from where I work. Very nice looking car.

[The Surveyor]

How about a Dolomite or Vauxhall Magnum. My old man had a black 1800 magnum with Rostyle wheels and black vinyl roof... lovely

[80quattro]

Bearing in mind the thread title, I would consider an E30 BMW 3 Series. Lots of choice of model depending upon what rocks your boat regarding performance/running costs, 2 & 4 door, saloon/estate/cab auto/man etc.. loads of parts & easy to access knowledge base. Also, loads of RWD fun Easily buy a very nice one within budget, too.

[forsure]

roscozs said:

And was the only engine in the scimitars the 3.0 essex from a Capri?

The last few hundred had the 2.8 'Cologne' V6, as did the GTC.

[roscozs]

I wouldn't mind a E30 318is or 320. They're quite tempting. Anything BMC or BL appeals to me too. I even considered a Morris Marina TC but quickly talked myself out of that one. However I will consider anything.
Some good suggestions. Cars I've never even thought of looking at.

[hidetheelephants]

Reliant Scimitar SS1; the wedgy wonder handles like a lotus, but the looks are a little challenging. Cheap to buy and insure though.

[Nick Brough]

Hi,

If you can get insurance, try a MK1 MR2, I am into pre war cars and still have one. I never thought I would get anything as new as an MR2, drove a MK1 MR2 and was hooked.

Regards

Nick

[Cecil]

This might sound mad, but you can pick up x300 Jaguar for a song these days, a well maintained one will almost last for ever, parts are not nearly as bad as you may think, maintenance on the inline 6 is do-able at home and clubs like the JEC hire out the big tools. Insurance on a low annual mileage can be found for a few hundred pounds.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1155649.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1152407.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1140153.htm

[A911DOM]

If you're handy with the spanners get yourself a little Triumph Spitfire for a starter, if you get bored with the power on offer have a go at sticking the Dolomite sprint engine in it.

You now have a Sprintfire Good looking little car, parts availability is second to none, easy to work on and something with a bit of performance too.

[aeropilot]

roscozs said:

Anything BMC or BL appeals to me too.

Should actually get a reasonable TR7 for your budget. You've then got the options of later on putting in a Dolly Sprint lump (which the 7 should have had from day one) or even turning it into a TR8

roscozs said:

I even considered a Morris Marina TC but quickly talked myself out of that one.

Very wise.

[braddo]

Here are a few options I like. I'd go for the fixed-head options where available, personally, as old convertibles can be a real drag in the wet (but then if it's a weekend car it doesn't matter as much).

- Triumph Vitesse (option to upgrade to 2.5l six)
- Trimph Spitfire (ditto if you get the GT6, or a dolomite engine like mentioned above)
- Midget (you can eventually go crazy and fit a K-series)

All the above are pretty simple and because they are small and light, can easily be a hoot to drive without needing big power or expensive suspension/brake upgrades. These will also appeal to the fairer sex much more than something like a capri, E30 BMW or MR2!

Brad

[LRdriver II]

BMW 1502,1602 or 2002?

cheap, simple, good parts availability and not discovered yet like the Ford Escort prices but with as much racing heritage.

[roscozs]

Im quite tempted with the Triumphs ect but what are MGBGTS like? Then again after seeing the prices of the BMW's Especially the 2002's. What are GT6's like to own. I love the look of them and the straight six is something that appeals.