Advice on classic cars needed

[Clownshoe]

Zulu has a red e24 project he is looking to sell.

 

[Sith]

A nice E12, like an M535i. :rollsmile:

 

[Carbon]

I would say a 2002 would be the most fun choice. I bought mine when I was 18 and all the chicks digg it(still do), and it is THE BEST "drive in car" if you know that i mean. :=):

But there are some drawbacks, its a bit heavy on fuel. I get about 10km/L if I drive conservatively, although I doesn't happen often 'cause a 2002 is just too much fun. You could swap in an M42 for easy/reliable/economic power but to me the cost outweighs the gains. The 2002 also has good tuning potential, and it handles great stock and even better with a few bolt on mods. It can even hold its own on a track against new BMW's if set up well. Parts are relatively easily found but can get expensive through a BMW dealer, but the M10 engine is almost bullet-proof, so if you find a good one it will last you a long time.

But your biggest problem might be finding one in a decent condition, and don't buy a "modded" one for your first car, you will only run into trouble. I searched for a 2002 for 2 years before I found one that was in a good condition. So finding one is hard, but look in junkmail/gumtree/autotrader. They do come up for sale every now and then.

I would say my second vote would be an E30, still relatively light and fun to chuck around, I actually prefer the 320i to the bigger 6 cylinders as you have a crisper turn in and less understeer with the lighter engine, and it is easy enough to move the back around with 320i. I also prefer stock tires and wheels(if you don't mod the engine) as the angle can be adjusted mid corner with a bit of practice. But then again, I suspect I am in the minority in this matter.

I would recommend getting a 4 cylinder car first time, it is cheaper to repair(if needed) and still loads of fun.

Some inspiration:

Regards
Jacques

---

This is the best car review I have ever read. Written by the late David E. Davis from Car and Driver. Read it, you will enjoy it.

C&D BMW 2002 Review

Regards
Jacques

 

[zaleonardz]

Not that I'm trying to steer you away from a classic BMW with an e32 or e34 on the top of the list, but you can pick up old chevs and stuff for like 30k

Try www.africanmusclecars.com for some prices,

 

[Sith]

Jacques, you are not necessarily in the minority. I agree, the 2002 would be a great choice and, Leonard, some old American muscle is also a good suggestion. Choices, choices.

 

[Fordkoppie]

If you want to restore a car, go for something like a 2002 BMW, Datsun, Escort, Mini or RX2 to name just a few. You will regret trying to restore a more modern BMW. $$$$$

 

[Luis Malhou]

I need to add my 2 cents worth here. Must agree with Cyclone. 2002 is the better way to go with a first start BMW. Perhaps a E12 (535 or 530).
Classic list on BMW is not big, consider that only really M cars are collectibles and a model here an there in between. E28 have no value unless you pick up a E28 M5 (Good Luck finding one).
6'iz are all nice, 633, 635, and they do come around now and then at a good price, saw one on Gum for 35K not long ago. Not all are valuable but very nice looking and I would still want one for my collection.

Dont make a mistake of valuating a car on overseas prices or demand, SA prices don't reach real values anywhere near overseas prices. The market is small here and you need to have a real well finished restoration to get a local buyers attention.

A good restoration on a 2002 will be a minimum of 50k depending on paintjob etc. Rubber kits cost around 12k and a good restoration will require that all are replaced.

Decide what you want to build, a fun car to enjoy where you can change and finish the car with personal mods, which ultimately may devalue the finished classic but that wont bother you. OR a detailed restoration which wont allow you to do personalized mods but which will be more valued as a good restoration job. To restore a classic is to bring it back to OEM as it left the factory, only allowing for period mods or factory additions.Too many guys do a classic restoration (or so they think) add ing all kinds of non OEM parts or parts not period correct.

I recently saw a 60' Corvette, looked beautiful on the showroom floor and a tag of 900k. Closer inspection the car had a new version 5.7l chev motor, modern interior and all electronic clocks and so forth only thing original was the chassis. The saleman approached me and commented on the cars beautiful restoration, my response was its not restored.. its been butchered!!! and not worth your price tag.

Find what you like, can afford and enjoy the build.. the best part is ultimately driving the car and enjoying it.

 

[dyllindd]

I need to add my 2 cents worth here. Must agree with Cyclone. 2002 is the better way to go with a first start BMW. Perhaps a E12 (535 or 530).
Classic list on BMW is not big, consider that only really M cars are collectibles and a model here an there in between. E28 have no value unless you pick up a E28 M5 (Good Luck finding one).
6'iz are all nice, 633, 635, and they do come around now and then at a good price, saw one on Gum for 35K not long ago. Not all are valuable but very nice looking and I would still want one for my collection.

Dont make a mistake of valuating a car on overseas prices or demand, SA prices don't reach real values anywhere near overseas prices. The market is small here and you need to have a real well finished restoration to get a local buyers attention.

A good restoration on a 2002 will be a minimum of 50k depending on paintjob etc. Rubber kits cost around 12k and a good restoration will require that all are replaced.

Decide what you want to build, a fun car to enjoy where you can change and finish the car with personal mods, which ultimately may devalue the finished classic but that wont bother you. OR a detailed restoration which wont allow you to do personalized mods but which will be more valued as a good restoration job. To restore a classic is to bring it back to OEM as it left the factory, only allowing for period mods or factory additions.Too many guys do a classic restoration (or so they think) add ing all kinds of non OEM parts or parts not period correct.

I recently saw a 60' Corvette, looked beautiful on the showroom floor and a tag of 900k. Closer inspection the car had a new version 5.7l chev motor, modern interior and all electronic clocks and so forth only thing original was the chassis. The saleman approached me and commented on the cars beautiful restoration, my response was its not restored.. its been butchered!!! and not worth your price tag.

Find what you like, can afford and enjoy the build.. the best part is ultimately driving the car and enjoying it.

Well I think I might either go for the 2002 or E24 or for an South African muscle car seeing that guys charge a fortune for the american muscles. My dream car is the 1964 to 1968 Ford Mustang but even projects are expensive. Saw a project on Gumtrre and the guy wanted R150000 for it.