Classic V8 ownership

[Swotty]

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

I told Mrs Swotty I was in my second childhood when I bought the 'Vette.

She said I'd never left my first.

 

[alabbasi]

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

View attachment 111636

Shouldn't that have a Ford V8? There's a bloke with a girl's name turning in his grave

 

[Tuercas viejas]

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

One thing about us guys.
We move from one stage of boyhood to another throughout our lives.
Once asked what hobbies do I have? I stated my wife and my family are my real hobby .
And, with all that stated there are some things that stir the phagocytes.
They usually revolves around machinery like cars or women.

To emphasize this simple fact of life I was in Mexico last year buying parts for an obsolete Hyundai truck at a dealership in Zacatecas .
Full of customers at the parts counter I gave my list of requirements to the parts guy, and he scurried off to bring what was needed. Stood nearby was was an elderly or mature woman with her husband, she said Oh you speak Spanish are you from Argentina?
No I replied I am British .
Where did learns to speak like that?
I learned it in school in my youth like French, it was rammed down my throat. I hated it!
Well what changed she asked?
Well we got a new young teacher from Spain "Una Cholita" (Mexican for a hot shapely chick)
Uh! You men you are all the same!
Yes we are, we never stop looking at women and cars , because if we do we are are DEAD!
Mexican macho guys hearing this conversation erupt in guffaws of laughter.

So having a car/motorcycle hobby interest is much "safer"than the "women" alternative ''cos that is RrrREALLY dangerous.
And the hubris of youth has usually gone by the time you have reached 60 odd years of age anyway .
Tuercas viejas

 

[ToeKnee]

Shouldn't that have a Ford V8? There's a bloke with a girl's name turning in his grave

Well, Shelby did want to use a Chevy engine initially......

 

[grober]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[SW18]

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

One of my neighbours owns this and keeps it parked on the street outside his house - in South London! Even then insurance costs are not high. So insurance must certainly be reasonable for you in Scotland (unless perhaps you live in Leith or Govan).

Mechanically these are super-simple cars, I’d imagine any decent local garage would be delighted to work on such an analogue car if you don’t go in for spannering yourself.

Just be sure to have a good look underneath for rust and maybe go round knocking on the panels to check for excessive filler hiding surprises. It’s always said that shabby interiors are the costly part to remedy on 70’s yank cars, rather than the oily bits.

 

[SW18]

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.

View attachment 111616
View attachment 111617

Genuine 57 Fury, painted in Christine colours
View attachment 111618

View attachment 111620

View attachment 111621

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

View attachment 111622

Completed, but as a 351W powered.

View attachment 111624

View attachment 111625

View attachment 111626

What a great selection of cars! I’m curious about your comment on the ‘idiots spoilt it’ as I’ve had occasional idle imaginings of starting a yank classic hire business. I see there are one or two places offering self-drive Mustangs and Corvettes for about £350-450 per day, which seems a good income to buy and maintain a US classic.

 

[Sexyhaggis]

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...

I like when my wife says “act your age” and I get her to try explain exactly what every person my age does that is exactly the same which warrants the need for conformity, she usually shakes her head and takes my unicorn teddy off me, I’m only 38 but still make random people laugh in the shops and on the phone and can’t see myself ever changing, the world needs humour and fun and I can be serious when it’s required so as Bob Dylan once said may you stay forever young

So insurance must certainly be reasonable for you in Scotland (unless perhaps you live in Leith or Govan).

last place I stayed in Edinburgh (my birth city) was leith even worse I was brought up in niddrie left Edinburgh 10 years ago following work, I already checked insurance and it’s stupid cheap which I don’t understand, even my uncles 1983 Ford Capri is £63 a year fully comp for me and a Dodge Dart sport 318ci was £108 fully comp for the year, I pay £465 for my Subaru and £612 for my W211 E320 (with no NCB as it’s on the Subaru)

 

[Notwen]

What a great selection of cars! I’m curious about your comment on the ‘idiots spoilt it’ as I’ve had occasional idle imaginings of starting a yank classic hire business. I see there are one or two places offering self-drive Mustangs and Corvettes for about £350-450 per day, which seems a good income to buy and maintain a US classic.

We didn't do self drive hire, only chauffeured events. The law may have changed now and my recollection of some points fuzzy..., but at the time Weddings (and funerals) were exempt from any hire and reward legislation, that's why many classic car policies had Wedding hire coverage too.
School Proms were taking off and (appeared) legally a grey area. Trying to do the right thing, we spoke with our local council at the time and they were happy for us to operate providing we had Hire & Reward vehicle insurance, Public Liability Insurance and CRB/DBS driver check for convictions, all of which we were happy to carry out. Speaking to other operators around the UK at the time, some were coming down harder claiming they needed to be plated Private Hire (which was probably right in hindsight).
Unfortunately, there are always some to try and maximise an opportunity for the least outlay and there were some pretty shoddy old Lincoln Towncar stretch limo's doing the rounds, with unchecked drivers. Taking multiple bookings for the same date, not turning up, breaking down etc.
We started preparing for Private Hire plate on the NYPD and Checker Cab as they were the main 2 for events like this, the council then hit us with they were going to require an SVA type test, including the rolling ball test (a projections on vehicles test, it appeared to eradicate the old Lincoln's), the upshot was, the Checker could never pass that test, being shaped like a brick on wheels and the NYPD could if we took off all the gear. We decided to wind it down and sell off the NYPD with the remaining diary of bookings. We kept the Checker for another year or so as it was such a fun, feel good kind of car.

 

[oldguy57]

I've had classic Yanks for 40 years. Not much that can't be repaired with a 1/2 or 9/16 spanner, or if it's electrical with a bit of wire! Simplicity rules. There's a massive industry for repro parts and it's not dear cw with the likes of MB either. Actually I prefer lhd, although some seem to think it's a nightmare. Rust can be an issue so check carefully and with values on the increase, look out for tarted up filler laden junk.

 

[SW18]

School Proms were taking off and (appeared) legally a grey area. Trying to do the right thing, we spoke with our local council at the time and they were happy for us to operate providing we had Hire & Reward vehicle insurance, Public Liability Insurance and CRB/DBS driver check for convictions, all of which we were happy to carry out. Speaking to other operators around the UK at the time, some were coming down harder claiming they needed to be plated Private Hire (which was probably right in hindsight).
Unfortunately, there are always some to try and maximise an opportunity for the least outlay and there were some pretty shoddy old Lincoln Towncar stretch limo's doing the rounds, with unchecked drivers. Taking multiple bookings for the same date, not turning up, breaking down etc.
We started preparing for Private Hire plate on the NYPD and Checker Cab as they were the main 2 for events like this, the council then hit us with they were going to require an SVA type test, including the rolling ball test (a projections on vehicles test, it appeared to eradicate the old Lincoln's), the upshot was, the Checker could never pass that test, being shaped like a brick on wheels and the NYPD could if we took off all the gear. We decided to wind it down and sell off the NYPD with the remaining diary of bookings. We kept the Checker for another year or so as it was such a fun, feel good kind of car.

Thanks for sharing - interesting stuff. I’d noticed that there were no longer numerous aged stretch limos around, now I know why!