Whether you're staving off that inevitable midlife crisis or, well, you've just always yearned for one, a classic sports car is always thrilling to drive, and buying a dream vintage sports car needn't break the bank.
Drive a British Classic Sports Car
You can buy small, classic British sports cars in excellent condition for less than the price of a dull family runabout. If you're fed up with the monotony of driving that standard family hatchback or coupe, then why not snap up a restored and renovated classic sports car.
Getting behind the wheel of a classic sports car is real, proper driving. You won't find your relationship with the road hampered by power-steering, ABS, air-conditioning or any of the other technical fripperies that make driving modern cars so boring.
Many enthusiasts buy classic sports cars that have seen better days with the express intention of restoring them to sell. It gives them pleasure to rescue a classic sports car, on the verge of a one-way trip to the junkyard, and restore it to its full glory.
Good Reasons to Buy a British Classic Sports Car
Compelling reasons to invest in a classic British sports car:
- They aren't too expensive, you should be able to pick up a restored British classic for under £8,000, less than the price of new family car.
- If you live in Britain, you won't have to pay Road Tax on your classic sports car, if it's more than 25-years-old.
- A classic sports car will hold its value, or increase in value, providing you maintain and service it. It's an investment.
- British classic sports cars are now rare enough to be real talking points, as well as head turners.
- Most importantly, driving a classic British sports car is huge fun.
Now that you've decided to buy a classic British sports car, you need to find a suitable car to buy, set a budget, and plan the purchase.
Decide which classic British sports car to buy. MGs are always popular, particularly the MG MGB series from the late 1960s and early 1970s, and aren't too difficult to find. It's okay to decide with your heart rather than your head. Remember, you're not buying a dull, modern car here so practicality should not necessarily overly concern you.
The best places to find classic British sports cars for sale include classic car magazine, classic car auctions, specialist car dealers, or classic car clubs. You could try classified ad sites such as Craigslist or local newspapers. To find these, Google is your friend.
How to Buy a British Classic Sports Car
Guide to buying a classic British sports car:
- Never buy a classic sports car without seeing it first. Take along a mechanic friend or arrange for the vehicle to undergo a proper pre-purchase vehicle check. In the United Kingdom, both the main motoring organisations carry out or arrange vehicle checks.
- Be realistic when you get the vehicle check results back. However great the car looks, any older classic sports car will have some mechanical imperfections. Providing the car is safe, legal, and free of major problems, don't let the check deter you.
- If you decide to check the sports car yourself, examine the four key areas of the interior, the engine, the bodywork, and the paperwork. It's vital to check that the car has a valid V5 vehicle registration document and current MOT roadworthiness certificate. Don't buy the car if the seller can't show the papers.
- Always test drive the car to get a feel for its overall handling and performance. Let the seller accompany you so that he can answer any questions.
- Fund the purchase of your British classic sports car with a personal loan or, if you have savings, consider using them to fund the purchase as an investment. If you buy from a dealer, paying by credit card will give you added protection. However, putting the purchase on a credit card may cost you more as most dealers charge an additional fee for credit card transactions.
Once you have bought your British classic sports car, take time to enjoy it. Plan a few leisure drives, picnics and days out to make the most of your new pride and enjoy.
Sources
- The Automobile Association: Vehicle Inspections (Accessed January 19, 2011)
- Royal Automobile Club: Car Data Checks (Accessed January 19, 2011)
- Old Classic Car: Where to Buy A Classic Car (Accessed January 19, 2011)
Adrian Grahams - Adrian currently writes for several online and offline publications and specializes in communications, technology, business, media, ...
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