You can get an awful lot of classic car for the price of a secondhand supermini, if this little lot is anything to go by
Classic cars have gone up a lot in price over the last few years – so much so that you’d be forgiven for thinking they might as well be made from unobtainium and cost more than a bachelor pad in Chelsea.
However, look through the classifieds carefully and there are sorts of great cars you can pick out for not a lot of money – in fact, all of the slightly offbeat choices here can be picked up for less than the price of a secondhand Golf.
From off-the-wall Minis to leather-lined Mercedes, you’re spoilt for choice…
1971 Mini Mk3
Take another look – yes, that really is a standard Mini front end with the be-finned rump of the Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet.
It’s the South African market Mk3 model, although this particular model was shipped over to the UK in 1981, used for a couple of years, and then promptly forgotten about. That’s why this one, despite being a running car with 30,000 miles on the clock, is essentially an unrestored, barn find classic for a shade under £6k.
1978 Ford Transit
Is it a fire engine? Is it a cheaper, more exciting alternative to a motorhome? Is it a curvaceously cool Seventies load lugger? The answers is it’s all of those, and for not a great deal of cash.
This long wheelbase model has only covered 18,000 miles from new, and the seller describes the bodywork as being in excellent condition. Bonus points: all the fire service sirens and lights still work!
1975 AMC Pacer
Perfect if your idea of Friday night fun involves belting out Bohemian Rhapsody alongside your mates and lookingly longingly at electric guitars. Not only is this AMC Pacer yours for less than two grand, it’s also one a handful of the Pacer X – as in right-hand-drive models – in the UK. It’s partially restored, so it’s a perfect car for anyone happy to get stuck in with finishing it off.
1996 Vauxhall Corsa Convertible
We know what you’re thinking. How, in a world of Maserati Ghiblis and Jaguar E-types, can this possibly be considered a classic car?
Look again, though, and ask yourself another question – when was the last time you saw one? Only 100 or so were ever sold in the UK, so whether you love or loathe the idea of a ragtop Corsa, it’s a rare beast. It’s cheap, too; we found this one for just two grand.
1960 Ford Popular
The ideal tonic for any of you repulsed by a Corsa Convertible – a car of such unquestionable classic-ness it’ll get you waved through the gates at just about any historic vehicle event.
This 1960 100E Deluxe model has been owned by the same man for the past 25 years – and has only covered a mere 300 miles in the last five – and the interior, chromework and mechanicals are all in good nick. Yours for less than £6000, if you want a fuss-free car to get into all the shows this summer.
1987 Mercedes-Benz 420 SE
The Eighties iteration of the S-Class is still stupendously good value for money. This 420 SE has full leather, cruise control, air conditioning, electric everything and a silky smooth 4.2-litre V8, and all for less than the price of a secondhand Ford Fiesta. Yes, the mileage might be a little on the high side, but this particular car has all the signs of being well looked after throughout its life.
1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
You read that correctly – you can buy a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow for £7000. It’s not only got the ultimate pub brag factor, but there are few experiences in classic car motoring that can beat whooshing along on its hydraulic, self-levelling (and borrowed from Citroen) suspension system, hearing the gentle purr of its 6.75-litre V8 and looking down a never-ending bonnet to see the Spirit of Ecstacy guiding you in the distance. Wonderful.
What would you buy with a budget of £7000? Let us know by leaving a comment below.