Owning a Classic Car: The Youngtimer Solution
Owning a classic car is often a simple affair: you rely on a modern vehicle for daily activities like commuting and grocery shopping, while reserving the vintage car for leisure rides. But what if you don’t want to limit your enjoyment to weekends or perfect weather? Perhaps maintaining two vehicles isn’t financially practical for you. The good news is that a variety of youngtimers from the 1980s and ’90s provide enough performance, reliability, and comfort to rival modern cars during your daily commute.
Despite the overall rise in classic car prices, many of these options still remain relatively affordable. Here’s a closer look at some of the best choices:
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1. Alfa Romeo 164
Related to models like the Fiat Croma, Saab 9000, and Lancia Thema, the Alfa Romeo 164 features stylish design by Pininfarina and galvanised body panels that resist corrosion, making it suitable for year-round use. Its lively twin-spark 2.0-litre engine provides ample power, allowing the front-wheel-drive chassis to deliver an exhilarating experience. Prices can start as low as £2,000, and if you’re willing to sacrifice some fuel efficiency, the 230bhp 24-valve Cloverleaf version offers a thrilling ride, reaching speeds up to 155mph.
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2. Lotus Excel
This often-overlooked gem from Lotus’ 1980s lineup is powered by the same all-aluminium 2.2-litre engine found in the S3 Esprit, packaged in a practical 2+2 layout ideal for occasional family use. Its transaxle design ensures perfect 50:50 weight distribution for exceptional handling. However, potential buyers should watch for corrosion in the door bars, which can be a weak point.
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3. Saab 900
Regarded as the last true product of Trollhättan before GM’s involvement diluted its unique charm, the Saab 900, produced from 1978 to 1993, merges distinctive engineering with everyday practicality. Even without a turbocharger, these cars boast respectable performance and can be acquired for a modest sum. However, be cautious of potential rust issues, problematic gearboxes, and sagging headliners that may require attention.
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4. Toyota MR2
Japan’s answer to the Fiat X1/9, the Toyota MR2 is less susceptible to rust and offers more power, making it a dependable choice for daily driving compared to the more widely known Mazda MX-5. The Lotus-tuned chassis provides a balanced and responsive ride, supported by a 16-valve 1.6-litre engine that happily revs past 7000rpm. The Mk2 (W20) even includes a surprisingly spacious boot located behind the engine, perfect for grocery runs.
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5. Mercedes 190
More refined than its BMW E30 3-Series counterpart, the robust and reliable Mercedes 190 is an excellent option for first-time classic car buyers or as a daily driver. Although non-turbo diesel variants are painfully slow, the fuel-injected ‘E’ badged 2.0-litre four-cylinder strikes a balance, offering enough pace to keep up with modern traffic without draining your wallet on maintenance.
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6. Jaguar XJ-S
Driving a V12 XJ-S daily may be impractical due to its notorious fuel consumption, but the 3.6-litre straight-six version could be a more sensible choice for shorter commutes. Available in both coupé and cabriolet forms, it also offers a manual gearbox option, unlike most V12s. Typically, the six-cylinder model is more affordable, with decent examples available for around £10,000 to £15,000.
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7. Austin/Morris 1300
Often dubbed BMC’s larger Mini, the Austin/Morris 1300 shares the same rust-prone nature as its smaller sibling, but its values haven’t skyrocketed yet. This makes it a guilt-free option for daily driving, even in inclement weather. Despite lacking a hatchback design, the interior is surprisingly spacious, and the hydrolastic suspension ensures a smooth ride. For those seeking more power, the twin-carb GT variant provides a performance boost, albeit at a higher price.
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8. MGB GT
Launched in 1965, three years after the MGB roadster, the MGB GT caters to those who appreciate the charm of a ‘B’ while preferring shelter from the elements. The 90bhp 1.8-litre B-series engine’s performance is slightly hampered by the GT’s added weight, but the lower market values—especially for post-1975 rubber-bumper models—compensate for the modest drop in acceleration.
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9. Volvo 145 Estate
Once favored by antique dealers, the rugged Volvo 145—and its slightly less flashy 240 successor—boasts durability to tackle various tasks. Although the 1.8- and 2.1-litre petrol engines aren’t the most fuel-efficient, they excel in long-distance driving. The estate variant is particularly practical, featuring a spacious cargo area with a flat loading floor.
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10. Reliant Scimitar GTE
This underrated British grand tourer combines a fibreglass body, straightforward Ford mechanicals, and a spacious shooting brake design by Tom Ogle, making it a surprisingly sensible choice for everyday use. The 3.0-litre Essex V6’s fuel consumption may be high, but the 2.8-litre Cologne V6 in the SE6B model offers slight improvements. Some have been converted to LPG for better running costs, and solid examples can still be found under £7,000, making it a hidden gem.
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11. Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk2
As classic ’80s hot hatches continue to appreciate, many examples are now preserved for sunny Sundays. However, the Mk2 Volkswagen Golf GTi remains robust enough for reliable daily driving. It offers ample space for families, while the Bosch-injected 1.8-litre engine strikes a balance between performance and economy, with a practical five-door variant available as well.
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12. Porsche 924
Initially seen as overpriced, the Porsche 924 has become one of the most accessible routes to classic Porsche ownership. It’s advisable to steer clear of the later 924S and bulkier 944 models, which come with costly balance-shaft belt replacements. Instead, opt for the straightforward 2.0-litre 924. While it may not be the fastest option, its transaxle layout and sharp steering make it a joy to drive, complemented by a practical large tailgate and boot.
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13. BMW 525e
If you’ve longed for a classic straight-six BMW with iconic sharknose styling but wish to avoid hefty running costs, the 525e could be your ideal match. The ‘e’ stands for ‘Eta,’ Greek for efficiency, reflecting the long-stroke 2.7-litre engine designed for low-revving, fuel-efficient driving. Paired with a relatively advanced four-speed ZF automatic transmission, it can achieve nearly 40mpg on gentle drives, offering diesel-like economy from an era when diesel wasn’t common in executive cars. You can find one for around £5,000.
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14. Subaru Impreza
After surviving the ‘Max Power’ era, Subaru’s legendary rally car is now carving its niche as a sought-after new-era classic. The understated UK-spec Mk1 models produce about 208bhp, available in both saloon and wagon configurations. The market is also teeming with quicker WRX and STi grey imports. If you can find a model free from rust or undesirable modifications, you’ll enjoy an outstanding all-weather performance car that honors its rally heritage.
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15. Triumph Dolomite / Dolomite Sprint
If rising prices make you hesitant to drive a Ford Escort RS2000 or Mexico in winter, consider the Triumph alternative. With its stylish Michelotti design, the Dolomite is sure to attract attention on the road, all while remaining more affordable than the Ford. Even if your budget doesn’t stretch to the Sprint version, the regular 1850 models provide sufficient power to keep you engaged, and they tend to be more reliable too.