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The market in classic cars is booming like never before. Paul Hardiman, a former deputy editor of Classic & Sports Car magazine and one of the sector's most experienced journalists, picks five of the very best Click to view Top 5 Classic Cars.
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Best on a Budget (MGB) |
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 If you're after a classic on a budget – even to use as your only car – look no further than the MGB, either hard or soft top. It's run close by more chic fare such as Fiat's 124 Spider – but the MG’s basic toughness, reliability and spares supply means it's the logical choice if you've got miles to cover, rain or shine. |
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| Okay, a modern microhatch will run rings round one, but don't think this quintessential Brit roadster is dull to drive: a throaty exhaust note and a rear-drive chassis offering entertaining but forgiving handling make every trip memorable. There are plenty of tweaks and upgrades on the market to make them even more modern-road friendly. |
Half a million made |
 MG made close to half a million Bs between 1962 and 1980, so you'll find one to suit you. Early roadsters are the most sought-after, with hoods that can be removed completely from the car and stowed unseen in the boot, though there’s a big following for the fully-enclosed GT, which offers hatchback practicality. The "rubber-bumper" cars made from 1975-1980 are the least loved, but they are the cheapest, and also the newest. |
Use it for the daily commute |
 Martin Port, art editor and occasional feature writer on Classic & Sports Car magazine, has owned both GT and roadster, which he uses on a daily 110-mile round trip commute. "When I first considered an MGB as an everyday car I was nervous … but my GT constantly amazed me over two years of ownership. The rear deck was perfect for changing nappies on; you could squeeze 6ft lengths of wood between tailgate and passenger footwell; and it coped more than admirably with a 70-mile-a-day commute.
"Swapping to a roadster meant few changes – losing much of the boot to the spare wheel just meant that the shelf behind the front seats is used instead; the soft top doesn't retain as much heat in the cabin as the GT so you put on an extra jumper; and losing the weight of the GT's roof introduces a liveliness to the back end around corners. More fun. Oh, at the same time my commute increased to 110 miles a day – which the MG lapped up and motored with ease. The engine copes quite happily in motorway traffic – an overdrive gearbox and a Kenlowe fan make this more pleasurable – and the tiniest bit of modification will easily propel the B to hot hatch territory."
Downsides? Unless you modify the throttle pedal – an easy bolt-on conversion – you can't "heel-and-toe". Like most classics, the sheet metal does rot if neglected (remember, even the youngest cars are 26 years old), but complete new bodyshells are available and many cars on the market have been rebuilt. |
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Pros - Plenty to choose from; Serves well as practical everyday transport
Cons - Beware of body rot |
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Typical Prices - £1,500-£8,000
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