Been thinking more and more about getting a classic car for the weekends. About 80% looking at a TR3. Classic Mini is still a choice (especially after seeing the woodies at M-tec). Also thinking about an older 911/912 or an E-type. E-types IMHO are one of the cleanest cars ever built but only the last generation 12 cylinder 2+2's are in my budget. So, anybody have any experience with these cars? Comments? Ideas?

Oh yeah, one thing all of these have in common is some form of back seat for the kiddo.

 

man... it must be nice to be looking for hobby cars.

 

It is. Now I just have to convince the wife Should keep me out of trouble.

 

Just tell her any of those cars will keep you off the streets.

 

It depends on how much you have to spend up front and down the road-the 911 and the E-type can (and probably will) get very expensive. 12 cylinder E-types are very prone to overheating so there might be some nasty surprises under that beautiful bonnet. A 912 is harder to find and can be less expensive to keep-bot not much. Go for an 69 if you can find one-classic 911 body with the 356 engine,my brother in law had one. The later 912's while attractive had some issues and are pretty slow. Old triumphs can be maintained for less $$ but you will become either a good mechanic or a very frustrated person owning one of these. I love old british roadsters but they can be oh so British! (I'm also not really sure I'd call that a back seat in the TR-3) Be very careful with this purchase and spend the most you can on the car as going for the "deal" can often bite back. Ever thought about a 60's mustang? Plenty of them around, easy to work on, lots of parts sources at good prices and a good size back seat, if you get a 289 you also get that wonderful V8 grunt.

 

Of the ones you've listed I think the TR3 would be the easiest & cheapest to keep running. The only thing that would worry me about it would be having a child in the rear seat. Not safe enough for your child I think.

Whatever you buy.....Buy the BEST one you can afford.

 

Well after taking the Mini down some back roads to find some soldiers in the field and having a pepper white Mini when I got back I think I might have another idea or two. Maybe an old GMC truck or Toyota Land Cruiser. Not sexy fast but would save the Mini from some things.

 

yah, some offroading gear might be better. plus, you can use it to
go camping with your kids.

 

Now a 4x4 is a better catagory for a weekend toy- an old Land Cruiser is a great choice-and nearly indestructible. If you want the top down option-a Jeep CJ or Wrangler, shop around for these but there are plenty around. Maybe even stay British with a Series I or II Land Rover(watch for rust!) All of the above are pretty easy to keep up and maintain-the Landy can get pricey for some items but there are a lot of sources and active clubs for all.