{"id":326,"date":"2019-04-17T09:00:53","date_gmt":"2019-04-17T09:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.co.uk\/magazine\/?p=326"},"modified":"2024-09-12T10:25:14","modified_gmt":"2024-09-12T09:25:14","slug":"five-perfect-starter-classics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/five-perfect-starter-classics\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Perfect Starter Classics"},"content":{"rendered":"

The classic car world is, to say the very least, vast. Filled with cars from every decade, built to suit every possible vehicular need, the choice is overwhelming. And that\u2019s the case if you\u2019re a seasoned classic car owner. If you\u2019re new to the fold, the selection can, frankly, be somewhat off-putting. What do you buy? What is going to be the best classic to start out with? Which particular classic will be relatively easy to maintain? Which one has a supportive, active following? There are so many questions at play. <\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t panic though, and don\u2019t succumb to the overwhelming numbers, Car & Classic is here to help. We\u2019ve been trawling through the thousands of cars for sale in an effort to come up with this list of five cars that would be absolutely perfect for you, the first-time classic buyer. <\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve factored in all the important stuff, too. Is there a big following? Are they easy to maintain? What are they like to drive? We\u2019ve covered it all. And we\u2019ve also made sure that you can buy each car on our list for less than five grand. All you have to do now is choose your steed and then immerse yourself in the wonderful world of classic cars. <\/span><\/p>\n

1) Austin Mini<\/a> \u2013 From \u00a31,500<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mini,<\/a><\/p>\n

The original 1959 Mini is not just a classic car, it\u2019s also a pop culture icon, and there aren\u2019t many cars that can claim that. Originally penned on a napkin by Morris Minor designer, Sir Alec Issigonis, the Mini was pitched as being a revolution in personal motoring. It was small, but it was also more than capable of swallowing a family of four and some luggage. It was clever, too. The Mini was the first mass-produced car to feature a front-wheel drive transverse engine with the gearbox mated to the side. This made the Mini\u2019s means of propulsion small, meaning more space for passengers. <\/span><\/p>\n

As a first classic, the Mini is as near to perfect as you can get. It has a massive following, which in turn means that parts availability is excellent, with many parts being reproduced to satisfy the market. And despite the fact millions of Minis were produced, there are so many ways you can customise them that you won\u2019t struggle to make yours unique. <\/span><\/p>\n

Then of course, there is the way the Mini drives. With a wheel at each corner this is proper \u2018go kart\u2019 motoring. The steering is direct and responsive, the brakes are well balanced and because the Mini is a featherweight, even an 850cc engine can be an absolute riot. If you buy a Mini, you\u2019ll fall in love. We guarantee it. <\/span><\/p>\n

When buying, look out for:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n