Older/Classic Cars

[overherebc]

Don't know if anyone feels the same but I get a bit annoyed when I find an old/classic for sale and it's got a toyota or nissan engine and gearbox fitted and the original train has been binned.

I know that it's a way of getting over the reliabilty and spares situation but to my mind it destroys the value and the enjoyment of owning and running an old classic.

Saying that, any old classic should really be a second car and not for daily use etc, nor should it be locked up and never see the tarmac again.

I've been looking for a while but virtually all the ones I've looked at have the wrong drive train.

OK Rant over

[Topcroc]

I know where you are coming from but several factors should be considered.

From a purist point of view, sure everything should be original.

From a practical point of view everything should be reliable.

The mitigating factor is, how often do you want to use your special car, lie under it smashing the fuel pump with the head of a screwdriver to get the fuel pump ticking etc.

Re powered vehicles with late model Japanese power units or GM L1-6 for example are cheap to convert, the Thais seem experts at it, and most I have seen the workmanship is excellent.

End result is super reliability, an aircon that will freeze a beer and generally a very enjoyable drive as often as you want with NO problems. In a lot of cases the fuel consumption is even better.

[VocalNeal]

As has been said by the infamous Clarkson to be a good car it has to have soul. One could argue that by replacing the the power plant with an Isuzu pickup engine might make the car more fuel efficient but would take away some if not all of the soul. One also has to remember that Asia is all about looks or show so when cruising the average person will not know what engine is in there.

[Kwasaki]

I have seen some very old UK cars Escort Mk1 :-

PB Vauxhall, Mk.II Cortina's, don't know what engines in them, they nearly run me over when I tried to stop them but have seen a Volvo 140 that had the original engine, and an old VW beetle with the flat four engine, also a little 2 cylinder Fiat 500.

I would think parts sourcing would be a bloody nightmare on a lot of models to keep them original.

http://www.classiccarclubphuket.com/CarClubs.html

[overherebc]

As has been said by the infamous Clarkson to be a good car it has to have soul. One could argue that by replacing the the power plant with an Isuzu pickup engine might make the car more fuel efficient but would take away some if not all of the soul. One also has to remember that Asia is all about looks or show so when cruising the average person will not know what engine is in there.

I'm sure it was the infamous Clarkson who also said that " If the car is the only recorded model of it's kind left then it must be restored to original"

For the usual run of classic/old cars I don't have a problem with replacing the seats and updating the interior with more modern and more comfortable parts but I still like to have the original running gear. The engine/gearbox noise is part and parcel of the car. Like the wonderful whine from the first gear in an old 3.8 e-type and the exhaust crackle when you go on over run

[transam]

I know where you are coming from but several factors should be considered.

From a purist point of view, sure everything should be original.

From a practical point of view everything should be reliable.

The mitigating factor is, how often do you want to use your special car, lie under it smashing the fuel pump with the head of a screwdriver to get the fuel pump ticking etc.

Re powered vehicles with late model Japanese power units or GM L1-6 for example are cheap to convert, the Thais seem experts at it, and most I have seen the workmanship is excellent.

End result is super reliability, an aircon that will freeze a beer and generally a very enjoyable drive as often as you want with NO problems. In a lot of cases the fuel consumption is even better.

Your not a classic car guy or a hotrodder eh.

[overherebc]

Can't really imagine a 70's Mach 1 with a whisper quiet toyota V8. Sort of non-alcoholic beer thing.

[transam]

Can't really imagine a 70's Mach 1 with a whisper quiet Toyota V8. Sort of non-alcoholic beer thing.

Any V8 can have the sounds. Lexus or Toyota V8 without the muffler will sound cool, believe me.

[stevenl]

The main thing to consider is that Thais don't have classic cars, only old cars. So anything that keeps it running is fine.

This perception seems to be slowly changing, which is why also the prices of classics are going up.

[overherebc]

The main thing to consider is that Thais don't have classic cars, only old cars. So anything that keeps it running is fine.

This perception seems to be slowly changing, which is why also the prices of classics are going up.

Yes you're right but on the lines of my original post when I go to look at one of the rising price classics they're fitted with a 2005 toyota engine. In my mind it is no longer a classic,,but, in the land of facades it still appears to be and is priced according to what is seen on the classic car market websites in the UK and USA.

If the original engine and gearbox is still available then ok I would be interested. Call me a purist if you like but that's the way I am

I know I'm f-rting against thunder on this subject but everyone is entitled to a good gripe now and then

[Pdaz]

There is a growing classic scene in Thailand. Believe me you would be very suprised at what models are here in Thailand. But it does seem limited to the wealthy middle class with a few more 'grassroots' types thrown in for good measure. They are learning very quickly and being net savvy and educated overseas many have learned to appreciate classics.

The website Bangkokclassiccar.com has a Mothly Sunday morning drive with everything from classic Porsches and Alphas to more modern US V8 muscle cars. 98% Thais, very friendly and knowledgable. Prices are definitely going up and the old cars that they sent out to barn nork for uncle Sonchai to drive are now being brought back and restored. Unfortunately the high price of new cars is reflected in the 'crazy' prices for some less than desirable classics. Even rusted out Austin Allegros and four door MK1 escorts can been seen advetised for 200 -300k baht !!

Once again the net has just about buggered the change of finding a great classic barn find and getting it for a song..

[Pdaz]

There is a growing classic scene in Thailand. Believe me you would be very suprised at what models are here in Thailand. But it does seem limited to the wealthy middle class with a few more 'grassroots' types thrown in for good measure. They are learning very quickly and being net savvy and educated overseas many have learned to appreciate classics.

The website Bangkokclassiccar.com has a Mothly Sunday morning drive with everything from classic Porsches and Alphas to more modern US V8 muscle cars. 98% Thais, very friendly and knowledgable. Prices are definitely going up and the old cars that they sent out to barn nork for uncle Sonchai to drive are now being brought back and restored. Unfortunately the high price of new cars is reflected in the 'crazy' prices for some less than desirable classics. Even rusted out Austin Allegros and four door MK1 escorts can been seen advetised for 200 -300k baht !!

I'm about 2/3 of the way thru restoring this 2002

Edited July 11, 2012 by Pdaz

[Naam]

The main thing to consider is that Thais don't have classic cars, only old cars. So anything that keeps it running is fine.

This perception seems to be slowly changing, which is why also the prices of classics are going up.

i beg to differ and claim Thais do own classic cars. i bought this one recently from a Thai owner.

[stevenl]

The main thing to consider is that Thais don't have classic cars, only old cars. So anything that keeps it running is fine.

This perception seems to be slowly changing, which is why also the prices of classics are going up.

i beg to differ and claim Thais do own classic cars. i bought this one recently from a Thai owner.

Yes, that is what I said, it is slowly growing and becoming more appreciated.

[overherebc]

The main thing to consider is that Thais don't have classic cars, only old cars. So anything that keeps it running is fine.

This perception seems to be slowly changing, which is why also the prices of classics are going up.

i beg to differ and claim Thais do own classic cars. i bought this one recently from a Thai owner.

The ultimate classic car. I can remember when the first ones hit the road and they cost around 3000 sterling.

[Kwasaki]

The main thing to consider is that Thais don't have classic cars, only old cars. So anything that keeps it running is fine.

This perception seems to be slowly changing, which is why also the prices of classics are going up.

i beg to differ and claim Thais do own classic cars. i bought this one recently from a Thai owner.

Made me remember the great day I had a ride in one, a 3.8 one though that's a V12 yes ??

I thought the 2+2 was ugly the convertible was a beaut.

Edited July 12, 2012 by Kwasaki

[overherebc]

Agree, the 4.2 hard top just looked wrong with the windscreen looking far too vertical.

Saying that, if anyone has a 4.2 and now decides they don't like it I do have a garage in the garden that has the ideal free space for it

[transam]

The main thing to consider is that Thais don't have classic cars, only old cars. So anything that keeps it running is fine.

This perception seems to be slowly changing, which is why also the prices of classics are going up.

i beg to differ and claim Thais do own classic cars. i bought this one recently from a Thai owner.

Made me remember the great day I had a ride in one, a 3.8 one though that's a V12 yes ??

I thought the 2+2 was ugly the convertible was a beaut.

No, V12 is 5.3.

[Kwasaki]

The main thing to consider is that Thais don't have classic cars, only old cars. So anything that keeps it running is fine.

This perception seems to be slowly changing, which is why also the prices of classics are going up.

i beg to differ and claim Thais do own classic cars. i bought this one recently from a Thai owner.

Made me remember the great day I had a ride in one, a 3.8 one though that's a V12 yes ??

I thought the 2+2 was ugly the convertible was a beaut.

No, V12 is 5.3.

I know the V12 is 5.3 I was asking " naam " if his is a V12.

I had a 3.4 'S' type inline 6 pot with three SU carbs, super car, luv it but 10-12 UK miles per UK gallon.

Edited July 12, 2012 by Kwasaki

[Naam]

The main thing to consider is that Thais don't have classic cars, only old cars. So anything that keeps it running is fine.

This perception seems to be slowly changing, which is why also the prices of classics are going up.

i beg to differ and claim Thais do own classic cars. i bought this one recently from a Thai owner.

Made me remember the great day I had a ride in one, a 3.8 one though that's a V12 yes ??

I thought the 2+2 was ugly the convertible was a beaut.

it's a 1969, 4.2L, 6 cylinders in a row. i agree that the 2+2 looks like a disease and that the convertible is much more beautiful than the coupé.

when that car was presented in 1961 i was still a schoolboy and ever since then i dreamed owning one. was on the verge of buying one several times but always found a flaw or a reason not to buy. this time it was the Mrs who issued the stern order "you buy this time or else! i don't want to hear you lament another 35 years if only i had bought..."

[Naam]

Agree, the 4.2 hard top just looked wrong with the windscreen looking far too vertical.

Saying that, if anyone has a 4.2 and now decides they don't like it I do have a garage in the garden that has the ideal free space for it

the convertible's windscreen is so low that i look over it when i sit completely upright!

[Naam]

The main thing to consider is that Thais don't have classic cars, only old cars. So anything that keeps it running is fine.

This perception seems to be slowly changing, which is why also the prices of classics are going up.

i beg to differ and claim Thais do own classic cars. i bought this one recently from a Thai owner.

The ultimate classic car. I can remember when the first ones hit the road and they cost around 3000 sterling.

in the U.S. a "number 10" E-type can't be bought for less than 80,000 US-Dollars. some fetch at auctions in excess of 100,000 Dollars and i know of one recent case where the auction price was $120k.

prices in Thailand are of course crazy²! several years ago an E-type in top condition was offered in BKK for Baht 5.5m. i got mine at a lower price because it's a left-hand drive.

fancy prices are also asked for an Austin-Healy 3000.

[transam]

I was at a UK classic car auction a few years back, think 2003/4, and the first production E-Type was up for grabs. Thought, must have a look at this. In a corner was a pile of rust, Noooooooooo car, sub frames and an engine and trans, BUT the VIN numbers were on pieces of rusty metal, it sold for 55,000 UK pounds.

Edited July 12, 2012 by transam

[Cobalt60]

The main thing to consider is that Thais don't have classic cars, only old cars. So anything that keeps it running is fine.

This perception seems to be slowly changing, which is why also the prices of classics are going up.

i beg to differ and claim Thais do own classic cars. i bought this one recently from a Thai owner.

Beautiful, is it British Racing Green? can't quite tell

[transam]

The main thing to consider is that Thais don't have classic cars, only old cars. So anything that keeps it running is fine.

This perception seems to be slowly changing, which is why also the prices of classics are going up.

i beg to differ and claim Thais do own classic cars. i bought this one recently from a Thai owner.

Beautiful, is it British Racing Green? can't quite tell

Think it's black.

[Cobalt60]

Would be nice to see a few more pics of the E Type, looking more at it I can see its more black than BRG, thanks.

[transam]

Some folk in the USA put Chevy V8's in them, hmmmmmmm, now that is a nice thought.

[Cobalt60]

Some folk in the USA put Chevy V8's in them, hmmmmmmm, now that is a nice thought.

Sacrilege to the purist of course, but the sound of a V8 is just sex for the ears. Most exciting car I have been in was an AC Cobra kit with a stinking great US V8 pullining it along.

[rodentwarrior]

I always thought the TR7 was a pretty car, but it had a bloody terrible engine in it.

However, drop a rover V8 3.5 litre engine in it, and then you are talking! They used to do the same thing with the Triumph Stag, for the same reason.

You do also have to uprate the breaks!

[transam]

Some folk in the USA put Chevy V8's in them, hmmmmmmm, now that is a nice thought.

Sacrilege to the purist of course, but the sound of a V8 is just sex for the ears. Most exciting car I have been in was an AC Cobra kit with a stinking great US V8 pullining it along.

Imagine the big guy Cobra with the Ford 427 (7 ltr) shoved in it. Wow, what a ride, think way bak then in did 0-60 MPH in 3.5 seconds. But alas the hi-so's that bought them killed them selves.