Old School Muscle or New School Cool - Your advice please?

[tch911]

So, am in the fortunate position of working abroad, money seems to be ticking in and I thought I would buy a car to keep in the garage in the UK for use when I come back three times a year. The car will be garaged on a trickle charger and used monthly to prevent it dying.

The idea with this car is not to provide practicality but I think a Caterham or an Atom might be a little impractical. It needs to excite but preferably not depreciate as it'll be driven not more than a 1,000 miles a year.

The budget is around 35,000 - 45,000

The first thought was always going to be a 550 Maranello or a 993 Carrera 4S. Both make a fantastic sound, drive spectacularly and have more than likely appreciation curves. This then set me looking at other cars along the lines of the following - Vanquish, Noble, 355, 360, Sagaris, etc...

Then I thought about a Classic as I have lots in the past. Something with a bit of investment potential like an 80's Aston Martin V8 Vantage/ 70's DBS Vantage or a Ferrari Testarossa. Maybe even something obscene like a really good Mustang or Camaro Fastback.

The last option is a very stupid idea....240Z, I have had three of them, one of which had the running gear from a TVR Chimaera and no sound deadening (it's on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IxcUQQbPP0). I rather fancy a really stunning one custom built either with a V8 or an RB26TT engine. I know that this would lose ALOT of money when sold.

Would love any advice on what to buy and clever Insurance/storage for this kind of car as I want to keep costs sensible although understand the requirement for annual oil changes, cambelts when required.

Thanks,

TOM (Singapore/Wiltshire!!)

[Leigh996tt]

As a Porsche nut I would suggest for that budget a 996 GT3 Mk 2, maybe squeezing into an RS one. Won't lose a lot and a pretty safe place for your hard earned.

[tch911]

This is where I get a toasting. I just don't think that a 996 has enough visual oomph to get me excited enough. Maybe just because when I lived in London, they were fairly prevalent.

[Gruber]

OP - if I was in your position, I'd be very tempted by this:



http://www.4starclassics.com/bmw-3l-CSL-e9-For-Sal...

And my guess is that they'd probably look after it for you when you're out of the country.

[magpie21]

Personally I'd go for a TVR Sagaris.

They don't appear to be losing value and over the last 18 months I'd say have actually increased.

[Leigh996tt]

tch911 said:

This is where I get a toasting. I just don't think that a 996 has enough visual oomph to get me excited enough. Maybe just because when I lived in London, they were fairly prevalent.

Well, one mans meat is anothers poison an' all that but they do, in my eyes, carry more visual impact than a standard one in spades. Never driven one myself but hear they are a fantastic drive.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

[R11ysf]

I think if you really are going to use it 3 times a year then join a car club and get to enjoy a variety of cars. My Tuscan is in dehumidified storage for winter at circa 120GBP per month, so then ad on insurance, tax for each month you use it and servicing then I'd be surprised if you'll get away for less than 3k a year. More likely closer to 4 or 5k. Personally I think a car club would suit better for less than 1000 miles a year as the fixed costs are the same.

[Stitch]

In your situation, I think I would go for something pre-1973. That way you will avoid RFL, have no issue getting classic car insurance and will have fewer electrical issues from lack of use (draining down the battery on a modern car really messes the ECU).

Mustang would be good.

How about an E Type?

Or if you want to combine English cool with Yank muscle, a Jensen Interceptor.

[Mr Roper]

How about an E Type, budget should see you into a nice series II or maybe a 60's Stingray??

Maybe not exciting enough ( I've never driven one) but Bentley Conti GT??
Plenty of oomph and it's the Z06??

but if it was my money then it would be a toss between the 328 and the 355 and the 993. I could pick a winner from a hat a not be disappointed.

[kambites]

I think my money would go on a series-1 or series-2 E-type DHC.

Edited by kambites on Tuesday 4th January 11:24

[NiceCupOfTea]

Love the Datsun!

What a fantastic choice to have to make! Nothing constructive to add other than I really wouldn't be worrying about VED if I was spending 25-45k on a car!

[tch911]

R11ysf said:

I think if you really are going to use it 3 times a year then join a car club and get to enjoy a variety of cars. My Tuscan is in dehumidified storage for winter at circa 120GBP per month, so then ad on insurance, tax for each month you use it and servicing then I'd be surprised if you'll get away for less than 3k a year. More likely closer to 4 or 5k. Personally I think a car club would suit better for less than 1000 miles a year as the fixed costs are the same.

Storage would be at a private address with my father driving the car. Insurance on a 550 is coming out at 750 pounds so add in servicing at 2k per year. I would be happy to have my own 550 for 3k a year. The car club is good but with me only being in the UK for max three weeks a year, I would struggle to use the points, burn 8k a year and never own the car. The 550 should go up in value. Plus it's that excitement of walking through the airport terminal knowing that MY 550 is being slowly lowered off a covered trailer outside the airport!!

[tch911]

Gruber said:

OP - if I was in your position, I'd be very tempted by this:

[http://www.4starclassics.com/bmw-3l-CSL-e9-For-Sale

And my guess is that they'd probably look after it for you when you're out of the country.

Absolutely stunning and definitely a contender. My father owned an original so there'd be no worry about him wanting to drive it. One of my great friends has also just bought an ultra-rare Alpina version as well so....looking strong!

[tch911]

Stitch said:

In your situation, I think I would go for something pre-1973. That way you will avoid RFL, have no issue getting classic car insurance and will have fewer electrical issues from lack of use (draining down the battery on a modern car really messes the ECU).

Mustang would be good.

How about an E Type?

Or if you want to combine English cool with Yank muscle, a Jensen Interceptor.

Aged 25 I had a Jensen Interceptor. Not sure how that happened actually, only cost 6k and the Insurance was tiny. The most glorious car I have ever owned. opulence and that soundtrack. 9mpg or less is ruinous though. Mind you, I was a student at the time!! Nope, move onwards and upwards.

PS - If anyone wants an Interceptor with just 14,000 on the clock, only on it's second owner, the original dealer that sold it....let me know!

[VladD]

I'd go for a Jalpa.

Jalpa

[R11ysf]

tch911 said:

R11ysf said:

I think if you really are going to use it 3 times a year then join a car club and get to enjoy a variety of cars. My Tuscan is in dehumidified storage for winter at circa 120GBP per month, so then ad on insurance, tax for each month you use it and servicing then I'd be surprised if you'll get away for less than 3k a year. More likely closer to 4 or 5k. Personally I think a car club would suit better for less than 1000 miles a year as the fixed costs are the same.

Storage would be at a private address with my father driving the car. Insurance on a 550 is coming out at 750 pounds so add in servicing at 2k per year. I would be happy to have my own 550 for 3k a year. The car club is good but with me only being in the UK for max three weeks a year, I would struggle to use the points, burn 8k a year and never own the car. The 550 should go up in value. Plus it's that excitement of walking through the airport terminal knowing that MY 550 is being slowly lowered off a covered trailer outside the airport!!

Yeah fair enough. The cost is fairly irrelevant, I just like the idea of getting to use loads of new toys when they are new and running as they were intended. With only three weeks a year to use it you don't want to have it in the garage or breakdown at the only time you get with it. A ten year old Ferrari which isn't in regular use can be a headache, but as long as you are aware of that then go for it.

On a side note, I think the 575 is a much better car and probably more likely to hold value better. Make sure you get the Fiorano Handling Pack though.

[marcosgt]

R11ysf said:

tch911 said:

R11ysf said:

I think if you really are going to use it 3 times a year then join a car club and get to enjoy a variety of cars. My Tuscan is in dehumidified storage for winter at circa 120GBP per month, so then ad on insurance, tax for each month you use it and servicing then I'd be surprised if you'll get away for less than 3k a year. More likely closer to 4 or 5k. Personally I think a car club would suit better for less than 1000 miles a year as the fixed costs are the same.

Storage would be at a private address with my father driving the car. Insurance on a 550 is coming out at 750 pounds so add in servicing at 2k per year. I would be happy to have my own 550 for 3k a year. The car club is good but with me only being in the UK for max three weeks a year, I would struggle to use the points, burn 8k a year and never own the car. The 550 should go up in value. Plus it's that excitement of walking through the airport terminal knowing that MY 550 is being slowly lowered off a covered trailer outside the airport!!

Yeah fair enough. The cost is fairly irrelevant, I just like the idea of getting to use loads of new toys when they are new and running as they were intended. With only three weeks a year to use it you don't want to have it in the garage or breakdown at the only time you get with it. A ten year old Ferrari which isn't in regular use can be a headache, but as long as you are aware of that then go for it.

On a side note, I think the 575 is a much better car and probably more likely to hold value better. Make sure you get the Fiorano Handling Pack though.

I took my first close look at a 550 on New Year's day - If I was you, I'd be buying one now (although I'd consider the very similar 575 as well as I've heard it's better too, but it'll probably cost you more as a result).

M

[tch911]

VladD said:

I'd go for a Jalpa.

Jalpa

Now we're talking, this is VERY much down the right street! Surely appreciative. Wonder if it makes a good noise?!!

[Otto]

For a more usable E-Type, check this beauty out with a Getrag 5spd conversion. The original 'box is a little bit of a handful. I've seen this car in the flesh and it is truly stunning.



http://www.murrayscott-nelson.com/images/other_mar...

[VladD]

tch911 said:

VladD said:

I'd go for a Jalpa.

Jalpa

Now we're talking, this is VERY much down the right street! Surely appreciative. Wonder if it makes a good noise?!!

It's a V8 as opposed to a V12, but it's a Lambo, it has to sound good. It's a Targa roof too, so will be nice for the summer.