Dear DT: Classic For the Herald of Honk
Dear DT,
I recently retired from 35 year career as a Car Horn Composer for General Motors and I am in the market for a classic car for the weekends. I want something that won’t break the bank (less than $15k) but will make a splash and isn’t common. No Mustangs or Corvettes or 57 Chevys. I’d prefer a manual transmission and something that looks fast even when sitting still. But I don’t mind if it isn’t super fast, but it would be great it if cornered nicely.
Thanks,
The Herald of Honk
Dear Herald,
You are asking a lot for a classic car in 2023. A few years ago, I would have had a ton of cars that offer performance looks for less than $15k, but these days it is few and far between. However, if you want a car that looks fast, but isn’t…I can’t imagine anything better than this 1969 Fiat 850 Sport Spider offered for $12,500 via ebay. It’ll turn heads as you struggle to keep up with traffic.
Cheers,
DT
Got your own automotive needs? Send us a request. The worst thing we can do is give you some advice. tips@dailyturismo.com
Fiat 850 v Prelude? Fiat 850 v. Prelude? What’s the difference? Answer: the amount of time you will spend standing next to the car on the side of the road.
1990 Prelude $14,500.
https://www.hagerty.com/drivers-club/my-garage/f1elu7fe/musclecarjr/6b960032-bc2a-40e7-8308-d736c5fa206d
One of my favorite engine swap series on Youtube, from 47hp to 160hp.
The 1st episode of 11: https://youtu.be/J1mVgabA3Ws
A summary of all episodes: https://youtu.be/gV_V0Oum2mI
Can we first pause for a moment on ‘car horn composer’? I think this was the most important line in that email, no? And looks fast and not fast is every single kit car ever posted here? Maybe 85% of all cars posted to DT? Lots of questions here and no answers. I cant get past car horn composer. I am picturing someone excited to be stuck on a cross street in Manhattan because some schmuck in a moving truck has gotten jammed sideways. A true car horn symphony.
When I retire from composing car horns, and have some time to tinker with an old car, I think an MGB will be a good option. I don’t need something with unobtanium parts; I need a good parts network and good support, both irl and online.
This would possibly be a good starting point, for example. Low cost of entry, seems to be a decent runner, and leaves money in the budget to tinker with and make it mine.
https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1972-mg-b-182740
Aren’t those the Miura taillights?
A BMW Z3 would be a fun option in that price range that would offer much sportier and modern performance than an MGB or a TR-6. Good user network and ready parts supply a plus.