what is the oldest CAR that is modern day practical? NGC

[wymple]

"I distinctly remember when 50-70,000 miles was a LOT for a car."

Jeezuz, you're as old as I am!  BTW, I drive a 2002 Saturn, single overhead cam. It goes as fast as I want to, doesn't sweat it. Gets 42mpg on the highway and I average 38mpg. All you need do is keep the oil changed & don't let that cam chain get too old. It's not that expensive. Car cost me 800 without rust or damage.

[PhilB]

Based on the long wish list, I would recommend a 2012 Toyota Corolla. The idea that an ancient car could perform to today's standards is wildly unrealistic. I distinctly remember when 50-70,000 miles was a LOT for a car.

Having said all of that, I think a good 240 would do fine. Very solid engineering and a fine 2.4L engine. Easy to work on and parts quality was good.

Well, that's a long time ago.  The first car that has an expected lifespan of over 100K miles was the 1936 Plymouth, and by the 1960's pretty much anything would do that with basic maintenance.  My family were Alfa Romeo nuts, and we drove *six* Alfas to 150K to 200K each -- 3 1960's Giulia sedans, a 1967 Gt Jr., a 1973 Berlina, and a 1981 GVT6.

With a decent budget and a good line of supply for parts, I wouldn't hesitate to do a daily on, say, a 1967 Giulia Super sedan (or wagon, even better but they only made 19 of those).  One of those would be fully capable of anything needed.

PhilB

[fallguy]

Everyone has their favorites, and I am no different. I have a 1968 Mustang that is very reliable. Easy to work on if needed, and its not needed that much. New cars are great with all their advancements, but it also creates problems that the typical person cannot tackle. My '68 is very, very easy to do anything to. So many places to get parts for it, you can replace anything on it. I have driven it from where I live in TN to SC, NC, MD, FL, KY, GA, and a few more in between.

Does it get great mpg? No, but I dont really care about that. I have driven this thing all over and has been great. It had AC in it, but I took it out. Has crank windows, and even a foot pedal yo operate the windshield wiper fluid. All of that can be more modernized though. Mustangs are one of the few cars that have a large enough following, online catalogs, and shops that work on them. Oh, and insurance is pretty cheap too. If you are looking for a car 40ish years old, that or something similar is a good pick imo.

I am not rich by any means. I do have this Mustang that is very build and runs great, I have a 2014 Maserati, I have a 2016 BMW X6M, and a Moto Guizzi MGX-21. Being completely honest, I get the most joy driving my Mustang than anything. Get the most looks too. But a close second to that, is my Guzzi.

My Mustang and I have history though, so it makes it easier to enjoy it the most.

[oldbike54]

Based on the long wish list, I would recommend a 2012 Toyota Corolla. The idea that an ancient car could perform to today's standards is wildly unrealistic. I distinctly remember when 50-70,000 miles was a LOT for a car.

Having said all of that, I think a good 240 would do fine. Very solid engineering and a fine 2.4L engine. Easy to work on and parts quality was good.

 The earlier Datsun Fairlady 2000 roadster would also work . With very little work the engine can produce 160 HP , and the brakes and handling are good .

 Dusty

[jdgretz]

Reliable - it's a small block Chevy - easy to work on, ample parts available, roomy, reasonably comfortable, especially with Vintage Air installed.  Runs along at freeway speeds for as long as your wallet holds out (actually better mileage than my 2002 SL500 when I installed the Holly Economaster carb and matching intake manifold a number of years ago).  Stops pretty good (front disc brakes - rears one of these days).

It's the wife's car, but she sometimes lets me drive it.  It's insured as a daily driver - no mileage restrictions or any of that other collectible car stuff.  She drives her Prius most of the time as she likes the mileage better, but there are days when nothing but the '57 will do.




jdg

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Responses in this thread and the "oldest bike" thread are some of funniest $hit I've read in a very long time. 

[Lannis]

Responses in this thread and the "oldest bike" thread are some of funniest $hit I've read in a very long time. 

Hmm ... "funny" because there's a lot of BS that isn't real or .....

Tommy

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

In so many ways it's almost impossible to list them all...

[Lannis]

Reliable - it's a small block Chevy - easy to work on, ample parts available, roomy, reasonably comfortable, especially with Vintage Air installed.  Runs along at freeway speeds for as long as your wallet holds out (actually better mileage than my 2002 SL500 when I installed the Holly Economaster carb and matching intake manifold a number of years ago).  Stops pretty good (front disc brakes - rears one of these days).

It's the wife's car, but she sometimes lets me drive it.  It's insured as a daily driver - no mileage restrictions or any of that other collectible car stuff.  She drives her Prius most of the time as she likes the mileage better, but there are days when nothing but the '57 will do.




jdg

I have the world's greatest wife, but if SHE wanted to drive a car like that, it would just be a bonus!   

I'd even buy her a Prius to go along with it!!!

Lannis