It’s just after the bank holiday and, if you are like me, you’ll have spent way over your bank holiday budget. Whether spending too long in the pub, gorging on food, exploring the country or, in my case, left with too much time to find a classic needing a new home; your finances are no doubt weeping with regret.
However, don’t panic! If you’ve just used the money set aside for an upcoming classic we have a few here for you – all under £500.
So, to keep your partner from suffering a shock seizure, have a look at some outstanding pieces of yesteryear for less than a decent road bike.
5. Volvo 740
Drivers would look at the Volvo 740 and pass it over as a car for global Victor Meldrews’ and Hyacinth Buckets’. However, the Volvo itself is sturdy, reliable and capable of galactic mileage. Alright, it’s no handler but you’re missing the point – for £500 you could grab a comfortable and safe commuter that holds impressive road stance with fuel consumption that won’t attack your finances or leave you stranded to be eaten by wolves.
4. Ford Granada GL
Most Ford vehicles develop a cult following to rival most religions, think the Ford Escort, Capri or Cosworth. The Granada may have started life in The Sweeney as John Thaw’s police cruiser but by 1985 it was a fuel efficient, spacious family car fending off the Germans and beating Vauxhall at their own game. There is no doubt the Granada’s moment to re-shine will soon be upon us and with numbers thinning drastically over the last few years, resulting in a good one being incredibly difficult to find, this example with a full MoT is too good to pass up.
3. Rover 800
Rover is currently garnished as a failure. After going bankrupt and producing cars the media and keyboard warriors could target, they are nowhere near as immoral as claimed. Yet, because of this reputation you can pick up a rather tidy example for less than a weekend in a Travelodge. Such as this Rover 800, it may have the usual issues of an older car and have had a bump with a bus but with an MoT, tidy bodywork and comfortable interior for £395 – you rarely find a deal as good as this.
2. Fiat Uno
Fiat has often been the small car pacesetter, the Uno was the 1980s practical brain child that even lived on as Moroccan taxis. A tidy 1980’s design that will run and run should it be cared for properly – don’t panic about the fact the Uno is referred to as a ‘Fire’ engine. Fire stands for ‘Fully Integrated Robotised Engine’. Fire extinguisher and terrified demeanour should not be needed.
1. Jaguar XJ40/XJ6
A Jaguar? For £300? No, your eyes don’t deceive you. The days of a £500 XJ-S may be long gone – but if you hunt for long enough you can still find a sleek 140mph saloon for the same money that would get you a bus pass for 6 months.
Spent a fortune over the weekend and think you can’t get your classic? Think again…this Jag is proof.