I'm gonna do it! I'm going to buy a classic car. It's going to be a long process, as I am very indecisive (almost fickle) and because I still have to find a place to store it. At the earliest, I will get it in about a year's time. But I thought I would chronicle my journey, from research to test drives to purchase. I hope you enjoy this series and learn from my mistakes (which I am sure will result).
So the first question is, what am I looking for? First, in the span of fifteen minutes, I came up with a list of cars within my price range-- $5,000 to $10,000. My list is as follows:
- Alfa Romeo GTV
- Alfa Romeo Milano
- Alfa Romeo Spider
- Audi ur-Quattro
- BMW E24 6 Series
- BMW E30 M3
- Chevrolet Camaro (1967-69)
- Citroen CX wagon
- Citroen XM
- Datsun 240Z
- Ford Mustang LX (with trunk)
- Isuzu Impulse (first generation)
- Maserati BiTurbo
- Mazda Miata
- Mazda RX-7 (FD)
- Mercedes R107 450SL
- Mercedes W124 500E
- Mercedes W126 560SEC
- Merkur XR4Ti
- Mini Cooper (original)
- Nissan 300ZX (last generation)
- Peugeot 504
- Peugeot 505
- Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (late 1970s)
- Porsche 928
- Porsche 944
- VW Scirocco
I know, some of these are not technically classic cars. Plus, some of these may not be available for under $10,000. But it's my list, so there.
My second step is to figure out my priorities. I want, in no particular order, the following characteristics in my car:
- easy to work on,
- easy to find parts,
- reliable,
- safe,
- good looking,
- sporty (two doors), and
- significant number of local shops that have experience working on the car.
Preliminarily, and this is very preliminary, I have chosen the Mercedes-Benz 450SL. I don't know how easy it is to work on, but I see one of these at least once or twice a week on the road. They are reliable, as my folks' W116 450SEL ran like a champ for over twenty years. It is relatively safe, although the lack of a top may be an issue. I think it will be a classic in five to ten years, if it isn't one already. A quick Craigslist search revealed a handful of superficially decent examples for $5,000 to $8,000.
A little background on the American 450SL: In 1972, it was called the 350SL, although it had a 4.5 liter V8. It was called the 450SL from '73 through '80. It produced approximately 185 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. I'm not too crazy about the fact that it only comes with a 3-speed auto.
I will obviously have to do more research. This involves surfing the net, buying a few guidebooks, and chatting it up with the local independent Mercedes shops.
If I do get one, I will immediately change the headlights and bumpers so that they have the original, European look. Plus, any aftermarket/modern head unit will be tossed in favor of the original Becker Mexico tuner. Wish me luck!
5 comments:
The Mazda Miata is probably the runaway favorite in terms of price, parts, labor, etc.
I also at some point will be taking a plunge and getting a weekend car. Lately I've been looking at 2nd generation Toyota MR2's.
Congrats on a good decision! Looking forward to seeing what you end up buying.
@F1O: You're of course right. The Miata definitely makes the most sense. But I have delusions of grandeur and want to enter some low-key classic drives and they often have a 25 to 30 year age requirement. The Miata is still a bit new.
The SL is definitely not a sports car that was meant to be driven hard through corners. It is more of a feat of engineering and evidence of what Germans could do before cost-cutting was their mantra. Plus, it was such a great symbol of 1970s/1980s American material culture.
@Edvin: As I've said, I'm fickle. I could very well end up with a Citroen XM or a 1980s base model Ford Mustang 5.0 when all of this is said and done.
Of those on the list that I know of, first thoughts...
Porsche 944: If you can find a well-maintained one. Stay away from the very early ones. Later ones can be really, really good S2 2,7 or 3.0 litre, even a 944S in good condition. My pick.
Porsche 928: Stay away. Heavy coupe, old & complex electrics.
In fact, any large, heavy coupe from the 80's spells trouble, unless very well maintained.
Biturbo: Most of them are dogs I'm afraid, I am also a big fan, but too risky.
Audi Quattro: Despite the huge reputation the interior quality is similar to early 80's Passat, Jetta and Golf. It just doesn't feel special inside.
BMW 6 series: Great feeling of solid quality, be careful again if not well-maintained and complex electronics. Go for manual.
Nissan 300ZX: Very reliable, superfast and cheap. But you won't overcome the image problem.
Scirocco: Pretty, but usually not well-maintained, and is an old Golf inside.
Peugeots: Availability of parts in the US?
BMW E30 M3: I doubt if you will find an unmolested well-maintained one in your price range. The good ones are rising in price fast, will become good investments. I get really anry how these fine cars are modified.
I must say your first choice I think is a fine one. Very classy, beautiful and understated. Those engines are reliable, even if they were a little neglected.
You know of course who will give you the BEST advice our good friend Alex from Geneva. He is likely to reccommend something Enlish, Cooperish or Jaguarish. :-)
All the best,
Etienne
Thanks Etienne for your input.
Speaking of modifications-- I am going to write a piece about what people are doing to 450SLs. I'd like to hear your reaction when you see the pictures.
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