Practically Classics Forum

Hi All

newbie here and I probably should go on the intro's page first but I'll do my intro at the same as my first post!

I'm a bit of a car nut having owned over 40 in my 23 years of driving. I've had lots of fords, BMWs and TVRs - plus some oddities like the Scimitar SS1 Turbo. My daily driver is an E46 M3 Convertible Individual and my garaged classic is a 1600E in Amber Gold.

My question is this -

Suppose I have a budget of £7000 (MAX) - and I want to buy a classic DAILY driver that ticks the following boxes:

Tax Exempt
4 seats
22+ mpg (but doesnt need to be 'economical')
Reliable
Sporty to at least some degree (eg not a Triumph Dolomite 1850!)
Preferably got some style - eg a coupe.
Will not cost the earth to run in parts/maintenance (fuel is fine)
Comfortable - eg decent interior and some mod cons like a stereo and maybe aircon.

So I might for example consider an early jag xjs - but that wont give me 22+mpg and I'm not sure its tax exempt?

or some sort of lotus? but thet might be unreliable?

you can see my issue.......

what cars would you experts in all things classic recommend???

THANKS!!!

What about a Rover P6 (I think Rimmers keep quite a bit for them ) or a Volvo Amazon (123 GT) or a BMW 2002 If it's to be a daily driver, I'd suggest somthing with a 5 Star spares rating in PC; I don't have a copy to hand.

Style, Presence, Comfort, Sporty, ?????????

Not too fussed about Fuel?????????????

Rover P5B Coupe.

To be tax exempt it must be pre 1973 - not sure what was around at that time that had aircon and ticks all the other boxes!?

ok drop the aircon! I really mean something that isnt what I'd call a 'bare bones' car eg a basic cortina.

Rover P5 Coupe or praps a P6 V8 is potentially interesting, but would they give 22+ mpg?

Forgot to say I'm not keen on autos - much prefer manuals.

I like old jags, but again fear fuel consumption.

....................?

I'd say a Dolly was pretty sporting!

What about a Triumph 2500Pi? Fabulous looking cars!

How about an SE4 Scimitar,or an early SE5 ?
Should be able to pick up a really nice one for 7K and the mechanicals are pretty easy to come by and of course the body won't rot!
SE4 is my favoured choice.Great looking car



Though this SE5 is stunning

Don't dismiss a 6 cylinder Jaguar XJS as they are capable of mid to high twenties fuel consumption and they certainly tick all your other boxes. I saw a very good one at auction go for just over £4000. What about a Mercedes 280 SL ? Money no object I could be tempted with one ,the only Merc I would have.

not tax exempt but cheap tax, a mazda rx7 fb...a brilliant drive...

P5B and P6 V8s are often more economical than their 4/6-cylinder brethren!