Classic car observations

[Kickstart]

Recently drove across the country twice along decent A roads and did not see a single traditional classic car (eg MG, TR, E-type etc) and it did make me think that the traditional classic car is now increasingly only being used for special trips, tours, shows etc. Certainly my own use of classic cars (1969 Marcos) is restricted to racing whereas in years past I have driven a whole variety of old cars on the road regularly.
I do wonder whether increasing value has much to do with this ? In years past I would tend to buy a "classic" car that gave a lot of fun when set against the price paid such as a great Triumph GT6 that cost me £700 and took me all over France. Somehow I think with traditional classics in good condition costing a lot more I would probably buy something more modern that was not imbued with the classic brush and price tag.

What I was pleased to see on my two trips was a number of modern classics or good value second hand cars depending upong your point of view (saw Lotus Elise, MX5, Honda S2000, Porsche 993 and 996, Bentley Turbo R, Ferrari 360)

I would be interested to hear comments about this.

[shouldbworking]

Call me a cynic but I think its due to passing skillsets - not many garages out there are willing to look at something that might take a little bit more time and effort to fix problems / find parts. With my former Lancia the nearest garage that would even look at it was 25 miles away and the nearest marque specialist nearer to 100.

I'd love to see some pictures / hear some info about your Marcos. I test drove a v6 a few years back but could only afford a rough one at the time.

[Alex]

I tend to reserve my Alfa for special trips, as I am terrified of something breaking and many parts are no longer available.

[MGB Boy]

Not sure about people reserving them only for special trips but over the last few weeks I've seen a '63 Stingray, Porsche 914, MGB x2, Alfa Romeo convertible, Ferrari convertible, Alfa Romeo Spider, Ford Capri and a Triumph Stag (to name but a few!)

You live in the wrong place!

[lowdrag]

I speak only of Jaguars, but seemingly the attendance at race events and indeed actually using the cars is much reduced compared to some years back. Some people seem horrified that I actually use one of my cars as a daily driver in summer (and use them in winter if the weather is clement) and that I have a 5,000 mile limit on each car, not 1,500 as most seem to have. It seems to be the same in the motorcycle world with older people who want to relive their youth; they buy a bike far more powerful than was available in their day, use it a bit and then it sits in the garage and is virtually never used.

This year I've tried to arrange trips to Spa for the six hours, placed adverts in all the main classic magazines to create the biggest assembly of Jaguar replicas ever (yes, two replies) and so on. No one is the slightest interested in getting off their backsides and actually driving their cars. Sad.

[sawman]

Ive driven 10k miles in my 21 year old morgan over the last 7 months and seen precisely 4 others on the road in that time. Now I know many owners keep their morgans for high days and holidays which is fair enough I suppose, but to my mind cars are for using rather than polishing - mine was in for a service recently and there was another morgan there being MOT'd which had done 34 miles since the last MOT

[mgtony]

Are you talking about during the week? I never see much about on a week day but most weekend pass a fair few out in Essex/Herts.
I do agree though, it's surprising how many cars turn up at some of the shows to the amount you see on a regular weekend.

MGB BOY, if the weather is looking okay for tomorrow, I'm heading down to the classic car show in Faversham.

http://www.faversham.org/pages/event_item.aspx?i_P...

[MGB Boy]

mgtony said:

MGB BOY, if the weather is looking okay for tomorrow, I'm heading down to the classic car show in Faversham.

http://www.faversham.org/pages/event_item.aspx?i_P...

Why did I choose a fecking Sunday job?

Where abouts is it in Faversham? (Can't see it on the link) As my Dad may be interested

[mgtony]

MGB Boy said:

mgtony said:

MGB BOY, if the weather is looking okay for tomorrow, I'm heading down to the classic car show in Faversham.

http://www.faversham.org/pages/event_item.aspx?i_P...

Why did I choose a fecking Sunday job?

Where abouts is it in Faversham? (Can't see it on the link) As my Dad may be interested

I did have to e-mail them because the page was lacking the basic info like where it is, what time to arrive etc!
She replied head for the town centre and it will be sign posted, if he's taking a classic car to show, then to arrive nearer to 8.30 than 9.30.
Shame you can't make it, tell your dad to look out for a silver MGB and give me a

[MGB Boy]

He won't be taking my MGB if he does go, The carbs are sat in the workshop