Suggestions for a classic...

[Bruce Fielding]

I know a few of us on here also have classic cars - and we're all petrolheads -  so I'd be interested in your opinion and I think you might find this fun...

A mate of mine is looking to buy a his first classic.

We've sort of narrowed it down to a Healey 3 litre Mk3 or something similar. The trouble is that might be a little small for continental touring, but here's the brief:

·        Must be sports car
·        Must be convertible
·        Should be able to take part in classic events (not a deal breaker)
·        Must be able to tour (reasonable space for luggage etc.)
·        Must be reasonably reliable
·        Must be straightforward to drive (i.e. not weird pedal configurations etc.)
·        Must be reasonably impressive (have a ‘wow’ factor)
·        Ideally should either be from mid to late 80’s or a ‘proper’ classic

Money is no object (he already has some modern dancing donkey cars that most of us average Joes only dream about). However, don't let the blank cheque rule out cheaper suggestions.

Thoughts?

[smokin]

Merc 500SL R107 or RR Silver Ghost would tick my boxes and some of his. oh how the other half live 

[reg]

Some suggestions;

- Various TVR's
- 911
- NSX (Targa?)

Would he go American?

[Ben Long]

911 930 Turbo cabriolet - should have the added advantage of bettering money in the bank

[IanG]

I would go for a Ferrari 308/328 Gts
Best of both worlds.

[ross]

Big old Roller would be my choice I think.

[Andrew300]

Triumph Stag with Rover V8 in it

[jpswift]

triumph TR7 

[Ej74]

Lotus Elan - not big on space
Ford Mustang
Karman Ghia
Dodge Viper

[Bruce Fielding]

Good suggestions!

I think the Rollers are probably a bit big...

The Stag might be an option, but doesn't quite have enough 'wow'... It's on the list though

The 308 is a definite contender (poster car for his generation and he has red cars)

The Merc SL gullwing is also on the list - probably a 190 not a 300... I'd need to see how serious he was about the 'no object-ness' of his budget though.

Classic Mustang might be on, but left hooker problems might be tricky...

And nice idea about the Karmann...

I'd love to get him into a TVR but it doesn't have the wow of a Healey and it has just as little space...

[Steve Gibson]

Jensen Interceptor.

Handsoooome.

[Bruce Fielding]

Also on the list... (wouldn't forget your favourite, Steve!)

[IanG]

Also try a Alfa spider

[autobackup]

In 1973 I bought my father's 6.3L 1969 Jensen Interceptor FF company car (he sold it to me very cheaply) which he was 'given' when he retired - as I discovered later his company couldn't wait to be shot of it!!

- which then I ran (off* and on) until late 1980 when I found a sucker willing to pay a reasonable wedge for it 

I was mightily relieved to be shot of it as it was nothing but a nightmare of a car - about 9 miles to the gallon and cheap plastic switches which were continuously breaking!

*Due to it's spectacular unreliability usually more 'off' than 'on'!

[IanG]

Also try a later Jensen SV 8
Poor fit and finish only 30 ish made
Ford Mustang running gear.
My last forage into Manufacturing cars