Classic V8 ownership

[Sexyhaggis]

I’ve always fancied an American V8 and recently noticed that for 10k I could in fact actually own such a thing, I’ve been looking at dodge darts and such and yes they ain’t show cars and I wouldn’t expect as such but the look and sound of an old V8 is something I need in my life so question is...... does anyone have experience or know of anyone who’s owned such a thing and could give me a heads up on what to expect as far as being an imported car and insurance tax mot (even though most are exempt but would they require a check over or anything?)

I don’t care about fuel cost or the fact you have to email the brakes to let them know to start applying pressure just more the possible hidden checks or hassles of having one on the road

 

[alabbasi]

I own a 68 Cadillac Deville convertible and have had a few classic trucks (59 Ford F100, 69 Chevy C10 and 73 GMC Sierra Grand). Expect it to drive and handle like a routemaster bus. Super light steering, plenty of go but not much in the way of handling and give yourself plenty of space to stop. Parts are usually very cheap, check out www.rockauto.com for examples. I believe that they can ship to the UK.

No idea about MOT and insurance as I live in Texas.

Here's my 68 and yes, the fuel prices behind are in gallons.

 

[Tuercas viejas]

I have owned two V8 Yank tanks in the UK & those were in my late teens as a youth !
So a long time ago now, but think 1972 onwards..
The first was a 1957 Ford Fairlane Skyliner, pastel pink over mid grey. Powered by Windsor V8
The second was a 1772 Chrysler Cordoba in white. powered by 318 V8.
I never had any trouble getting them registered, nor getting an MOT test done on them.
Now insurance WAS a hassle , I would have to present it for inspection at renewal time. PITA.
Always considered I was getting ripped off.

As for the underbody, the suspension on these was always on the soft side for my liking and really felt like chewing gum
Brakes were about average but the Chrysler did seems to stop a bit better for a big car .
The Cordoba had the torqueflite transmission in it, whereas the Fairlane had a manual ,with 3 on the tree.
I liked the Ford best because it had a huge front bench seat so you could get 3 chicks in the car up front after a night out the White Hart pub (Rock 'n roll night) in Cinderford.
I remember a Gloucester city smart a$$ed cop asking me if my name was The Fonz!
The other thing is that fellow Brits used to start pi$$ing & moaning about taking up too much parking space especially at the weekends at Gloucestershire pubs!

WheelsAge

en.wheelsage.org

Here's Cordoba :

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Dig those 1970's styles & hair do's
Tuercas viejas
ps
I have rebuilt a '72 Dodge R/T for a customer ,& yes I was never happy with the brakes & suspension.
The big Hemi 440 was just too much for the suspension & brakes but in straight line.!!
A rocket ship.
TV

 

[alabbasi]

The big Hemi 440 was just too much for the suspension & brakes but in straight line.!!

I'm building one of these as we speak. But it's going into a British made car with an Italian styled body.

 

[Tuercas viejas]

I'm building one of these as we speak. But it's going into a British made car with an Italian styled body.

Sounds interesting!!
Cheers TV

 

[Sexyhaggis]

Thanks for the info folk, I’ve driven some old cars and know not to expect any handling or stopping or even speed to be honest as most early V8’s don’t even have 300bhp and weight more than a battleship but I just can’t stop smiling thinking about cruising along with the family with that V8 noise and the added noise of my wife’s screams every time a car is about to skim her side of the car flying towards us , only driven one left hand drive and it was odd to be fair but worth the hassle for an old yank tank

 

[Dickster]

I’ve always loved them especially Corvettes and Mustangs. I got my V8 fix two years ago with my SL so I think that boat has sailed for me.

I would worry about lhd, I’ve had a 911 for 20 years which is lhd and is no problem. Insurance should be ok these days.

good luck

ps my wife has a 1998 Jeep Wrangler for 9 years, I just wished it was a V8

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Scotland's a great place to own such a thing.

Unless you're excellent with the spanners, a few local classic US car dealers / garages is where you should be talking first, then rock up to a Cars and Coffee style "US car owner" meet or cruise. There'll be plenty around now that the Spring's tapping at our door.

Parts and expertise availability are way way easier than they were in the 20th Century.

Top tip must be to start simple with a high volume car. Newer cars will look astounding amongst British cars and will be easier to drive than anything from the 50's or 60's

Imports are easy, but the best prices will still be from private British sellers who are have been trying to sell for an age.

 

[Tuercas viejas]

Well this thread would not be complete without the sound of gutsy big lung American V8's:-

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But I prefer the flat planed crank engine of the Mustang, its pure Americana :-

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Tuercas viejas

 

[Tuercas viejas]

If you have nothing better to do on a Sunday but watch videos then this is recommended.:-

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Tuercas viejas

 

[Notwen]

We have had a few Yanks over the years (excuse to post whore some old images) to the extent it even spawned a small specialist wedding & event hire (before the idiots spoilt it).
Spares via some of the UK suppliers, or places like Rock Auto in the USA can have bits at your door in a couple of days.
Ship has sailed on cheap 60's and a lot of 70's stuff now, the odd gem can still be found.




Genuine 57 Fury, painted in Christine colours






A "what the f' have you bought now?" (it was, or had been a genuine ex BOSS302 "G-Code" Cougar Eliminator)



Completed, but as a 351W powered.

 

[Bellow]

Rock Auto for parts.
Brentacre for insurance.
Americans got it together in the early 1990s with fuel injection and electronic gearboxes. Big leap in power and efficiency without sacrificing the simplicity and ease of working on. It's where the future classics reside. A Buick Roadmaster Wagon or Chevrolet Caprice Wagon would be my pick but only clean unmolested - unless engine repowered to later - relatively easy with SBCs - eg Corvette engine. Wagons tend have bigger engines and stronger transmissions as standard. GM's 350 (5.7l) with a 4L80E is a strong drivetrain.
LHD works better here with a higher seating position.
Once registered here and assigned an age related plate, that 'age' is sets the VED and MOT requirements.

 

[Swotty]

I have 2 very different V8s; a 2001 Jaguar XKR convertible I've had for 16 years and 1988 C4 Corvette I bought at the start of last year. Both very different cars.

The XK has been polybushed, smaller s'charger pulley, larger throttle body and a full sports exhaust. So it's quicker and handles better than stock, with c 450 bhp, loud but comfortable.

The Corvette I bought to scratch the itch for an American V8. It is anything but comfortable and is "of its time" i.e. 1980s digital dash. Feels very quick but only has 250-ish bhp with a few mods before I bought it. It looks and sounds fantastic ... and with a Yank V8 you drive it on the torque, at around 370 ft/lbs. It's a b*gger in the wet, though, and just doesn't feel as capable as the XK but there are much quicker and capable Yanks cars out there.

I bought the 'Vette at auction in the UK and had to pay close to retail (£8,780) as its condition and provenance attracted competition. I've just spent €1000 on roof and door rubbers plus paint refresh + new rear tyres.

Here they are ... both are coincidentally red, but I think the colour suits both.

Can't help with road tax/insurance as I live in France (no road tax here), but I pay €450 p.a. for the XK and €250 p.a. for the 'Vette, fully comp and breakdown from home. Spares for both cars are readily available and not too expensive.

If importing rom the States, I believe you only pay 5 - 10% import duty (No VAT) if the car is 30+ years old, but please do check.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. You only live once ... so don't take the 'Vette out in the wet!

 

[alabbasi]

most early V8’s don’t even have 300bhp

Most early (pre 73) v8's will have 300hp or more. It's the later snogged engines that have reduced compression and restrictive breathing systems to meet the emissions of the time. A friend had 58 olds with tri power and the thing would scoot.

Today, it should be easy to get 1hp per cubic in from any of those V8's after a rebuild

 

[ToeKnee]

Today, it should be easy to get 1hp per cubic in from any of those V8's after a rebuild

I had very close to 500hp out of a 383 sbc on throttle bodies. Picture as is my avatar......

 

[Swotty]

I had very close to 500hp out of a 383 sbc on throttle bodies. Picture as is my avatar......

Crumbs - I dread to think what 500 bhp would be like in my C4. They did a Calloway option of about 350 bhp at the time.

Perhaps I need to change the shocks.

 

[BPD07]

Tempted down this route too. Not for the power, but for the cruise and sound of the v8. Then I remember I’m in my mid 50s and probably should consider growing up. But it’s an itch that needs scratching. Maybe a pick up...

 

[ToeKnee]

This is what my sbc sat in.....

 

[alabbasi]

I’m in my mid 50s and probably should consider growing up

I get it, I've been 17 for the last 30 years.

 

[BPD07]

I get it, I've been 17 for the last 30 years.

My wife says I should consider growing up before I retire. But I think... why risk it?