What would be a good classic daily driver???, if such a thing exist Options

[rhodyguy]

the 510s are cool cars but they're just a bad a ruster as the 914. maybe worse.

k

[obscurity]

Call me a wuss but I always feel safer in snow with front drive

I wouln't worry about rear wheel drive in the snow if you have a rear engine. I had a lot more control driving my VW bug in the snow than my VW Rabbit.

[elwood-914]

[quote name='drewvw' date='Apr 14 2006, 06:28 AM' post='658365']
I always liked Opel GTs, but never rode in one. Parts might be a concern?


I had one in High School. Parts were a bitch to get back then and no one really made any after market stuff or it. Some guy did come in with a fuel injected V-6 once. The stock muffler set up was a pain, supported by rubber donuts.....which cracked and fell apart due to the heat........bouncing muffler always hitting the underside or the street.......wish I still had it though (IMG:style_emoticons/default/spank.gif)

Oh mine had many electrical problems and fires also........great first car!!

[drewvw]

I have the perfect car for you.. both Front Wheel Drive, and Classic.. and Cheaper than a Mini..

1970 Honda 600 (as in 600cc vertical twin 2 stroke motorcyle engine-powered "runabout").

there is a guy who runs around where i live with one that looks just like that. It is loud as hell! Pretty sweet...

[bondo]

I've got an Opel GT, which I'm slowly converting to electric. They're fun cars, but there are some tricks.

Late ones are better, I think 72 and up.. The early ones have weaker rear wheel bearings and last I checked the early bearings were not available. I ended up getting a late rear end and transplanting because it's gonna weigh around 3000 lbs with batteries. Late ones also have pop-out opening rear windows, which is kinda nice.

The u-joints are insterted into the driveline at the factory and are locked in with some kind of incjected plastic. I took mine to a driveline shop and they said "uh, sorry.. can't fix that". They eventually found me a good used driveline. When the used ones dry up, custom will probably be the only option.

There's a rubber donut that supports the shaft inside the torque tube.. hard to get to, and when they fail they make a terrible racket.

The main parts sources I know of are Opels Unlimited (they recently had a WCC-like event for opels) and Opel GT Source. There is also a classicopels yahoo group.

That said, I don't think I'd reccomend using one as a daily driver... despite the fact that I intend to use my electric one as shared daily driver use. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (all of my cars are daily drivers, or will be someday, except the van)

Have you considered datsun Z cars? Cheap and plentiful, yet fun.

[jasons]

I'd get an old Bronco, Scout, or Landcruiser. You can go to Home Depot with them, drive in the snow, and they are classic.

Of course, gas is another story. My Scout gets about 9 MPG, but theres always megasquirt.

[drewvw]

or along those lines...one of those old school aluminum bodied land rovers. Love those things.

Z cars are a great option too. We have a non-operational 71 240Z sitting in the garage that my dad bought new. Its only non-operational because it got hit by a Frito Lay Truck (loooong story).

I grew up riding in the car. Still runs and the only thing that ever gave us trouble was the tranny. Fun engine...

[Leo Imperial]

86 - 88 VW syncro wagen (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

[TROJANMAN]

El CaMINO........

[anthony]

I guess it depends on how classic you want to go. As much as I love BMW 2002s I think you'd kill one in short order with northeast winter driving. For a BMW, an '84 to '91 2nd generation 3 series would be much more reliable if you could find a clean one. They are also cheap. A clean one usually goes for no more than $4K. Most often they are selling for $2-3K.

[Rand]

I'm kinda leaning towards a 510 or a 2002 though. 510 is probably gonna be cheaper to work on. This one is kinda sparked my interest (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I've had a couple 510s and loved them. Sorry to stray off topic, but if you want something to spark your interest in a 510, have fun exploring this: Bryan Feldman's Yellow Fever

(IMG:http://www.bryanf.com/510/images/rsusp2s.jpg)

[hollandhill]

eVER THOUGHT ABOUT A 944?? A non turbo can be had for less then 10 g's. Lots of carring space, good support and fun to drive.

[echocanyons]

How about a SAAB sonnet, they are quirky like the 914 and underpriced, usually if you can find one.

Never driven one though.

[STL914]

Here's a BMW most of you should recognize. Great fuel economy, fun to drive, easy to park
and all the hot chicks will drool over it and you:

[Andyrew]

eVER THOUGHT ABOUT A 944?? A non turbo can be had for less then 10 g's. Lots of carring space, good support and fun to drive.

actually, a non turbo can be had for under 5k and a turbo for under 10k. Both very very nice examples.

I would NOT want a 944 turbo in the snow though. In the rain its bad enough, but I would definately NOT get a LSD, the rear will fly from behind unexpectedly you faster than any car you've own.

But for CA. the 944 turbo is the best daily driver Porsche I know of that you can take to the track on the weekends and lay the B@tch slap on 911's and anything else...


I would opt for quatro or other flavor car of that sort.. (4wd would be good... turbo optional...)

Andrew

Keep in mind, that if you were to get a turbo car, you can always turn off the boost with a boost controler for the snow...

[grantsfo]

I have been looking for the perfect 3.0 CSL or perhaps this version of the 3.0. I have always thought that the 3.0 CSL is the best looking BWM sedan ever made. Its amazing that they can still be found for relatively affordable prices.

(IMG:http://www.cs-zone.com/images/3.0cslbatmobile.grijs.jpg)

[VaccaRabite]

Of course, there is always the VW Bug. Its a classic now, it rocks in the snow, get great milage, and everyone knows how to fix them.

Other then that, the 240Z was my dream car back when I was young. And the 510 and 2002 are both cars that I considered before I bought my 914. When I see a nice 2002 I still have doubts that I made the right purchase....

Zach

[Seagrave]

I'd also vote for the BMW630 coupe. A very esthetically pleasing design. On the other end of the beauty spectrum but high on the cool factor (and likely much less expensive) you could go with the Volvo 544 or 122S.

[Brian Mifsud]

Here's a BMW most of you should recognize. Great fuel economy, fun to drive, easy to park
and all the hot chicks will drool over it and you:

I thought those were SWIRLS in the paint.. but it makes perfect sense now.. it's hot chick drool......... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

If you ARE in NY like your sig says and there is road salt on a long term basis....a Classic would be the last thing "I" would use on a daily driver during the winter months.....a Ricer front wheel drive beater with a stick would be my choice...

This is EXCELLENT advice! Our biggest source of customers are those from the east coast looking for body parts, particularly to replace their rusted out rockers (before anyone does it, I will): (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)