VINTAGE SHOPPER
Car expert picks five classic motors ‘that are sure to turn heads’ for under £10k – including ‘underrated’ Jaguar
Plus, a mini motor described as "the quintessential classic car"
A PETROLHEAD has urged classic car fans to look up five timeless motors that are major head-turners and won't break the bank to buy.
Jonny Brighton, who runs the YouTube channel, ran through the budget bombshells that will have passersby swooning as you cruise past - and may just get you into an enthusiast's car club, too.
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Austin Mini
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Fun to drive, easy to maintain and an evergreen classic that's universally loved - what more could you possibly want from your very own classic car?
The original Mini - described by Jonny as "the quintessential classic car" - was first built in 1959 and lasted until the year 2000 with the Mark VII.
What's more, if you want to show off your retro Mini at classic car shows then you'll be spoiled for choice, as drivers in the UK can happily roll up to multi-marque shows, road rallies and local club meets.
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Jonny added: "For your £10,000, you can get yourself into either an Austin or a Rover Mini, which means you're going for one from the 1980s or 1990s.
"You'll get a really nice one for £10k, but they start at around the £4k-mark.”
Toyota MR2
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The Toyota MR2 is beloved by car fans as one of the first motors to offer sports car-like looks on a friendly budget.
Built between 1984 and 1989, the MR2 is considered an icon of the 1980s and a "modern classic" by enthusiasts - with particular interest surrounding models built from 1986 which packed an impressive super-charged engine.
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Jonny said: "These are currently listed anywhere from around £5,000, so you'll get a pretty nice example for around the £10k-mark with quite high mileage, but it is of course a classic car."
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Fiat 500
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The original Fiat 500 is an adorable motor that's become a big draw at car shows.
The Italian super-mini, which first rolled off production lines in 1957 and lasted until 1975 before being re-born in 2007, is described by Jonny as "the perfect city car for getting around tight and twisty Italian streets."
Designed to be both economical and enormously practical when first released, today they're considered a collectible - making them difficult to buy on a tight budget.
Jonny added: "These are incredibly hard to find for under £10,000... but it is possible."
The car expert reveals they can found on various second-hand car websites such as AutoTrader for £9,000 "with around 40 000 miles on the clock."
MG Midget
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For buyers looking for something small, light and with plenty of oomph, the MG Midget ticks all the boxes for car fans looking for stylish roadster from yesteryear.
Described by The MG Car Club as "a joy to drive as well as easy and inexpensive to buy and repair," these little machines represent the ultimate enthusiasts all rounder.
First built in 1961 and running until 1979, the Midget is synonymous with motorsport - known for racing, rallying, hillclimbing, sprinting, and trialling - and has become the standard for two-door convertibles, even providing inspiration for the Mazda MX-5.
As for price, Jonny said: “For your £10,000, you’ll only get yourself into a Mark III or a 1500 and they start at around the £5k-mark.”
What to know about car auctions:
Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.
Auctions aren't restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.
Here's what you need to know before attending an auction:
- Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.
- Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.
- Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.
- Be realistic: Realise that there won't be a "perfect" car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.
- Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.
Key phrases to look out for:
- ‘No major mechanical faults’ – suggests that there shouldn't be any issues with the car's drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine.
- ‘Specified faults’ – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.
- ‘Sold as seen’ – the vehicle is sold with any and all problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.
- ‘Sold with a warranted mileage’ - The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.
Jaguar XJS
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With its stylish good looks, V12 engine and iconic shape, the Jaguar XJS offers a touch of class on a shoestring budget.
Produced between 1975 and 1996 in various iterations, including coupe, fixed-profile and as a full convertible, the XJS was the British car brand's longest-running model and can be picked up for around £3,000 at the very least.
Jonny said: “It's one of the best looking and underrated cars for the money.
“These are so easy at under £10,000 and have been for a very long time.
“A hugely slept on classic car.”
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Petrolhead's with a taste for style will also be interested in a fancy Ferrari 365 California Spyder - with a cool price-tag of £3.1 million.
Elsewhere, a van lifer has revealed how he turned a 1940s plane into a road legal luxury camper van boasting three bedrooms.
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