Discussion: Owning a new car Vs Resto-moding

[Sayyaaf]

Hey all,

I have this question bugging me for years now. I have owned several cars over the past 10 years or so. All were brand new and I really enjoyed some, missed some and hated others. I don't know about people looking toward owning their dream car but that desire of mine has faded over time. I always find my self attracted toward certain childhood dreams, desirable/collectible cars more than modern stuff.

I love new cars with all the gadgets and techno-revolution but this seems more deteriorating from the true driving experience. I think everyone may have had such questions in his life specially true motor heads. What makes you feel better ? A vintage racer or a brand new sport car that is detaching you from the experience ?

Restomod: I believe this is where I started getting American hotrods and I envy you guys living in the states. You got great heritage that is now almost accessible and reliable more than ever. Restomod gives a car that enhances over time compared to your new sports car acquisition. Newer cars are expensive to modify or customize. Some even difficult/impossible to break the ECU and retune.

Anyone else started to change his mind ?

New sport cars have more creature comfort which I think some are obsessed with. But that is not the point of a sport car. It should give you the satisfaction and engagement. Track times are great as a benchmark but that's about it. a Benchmark not a measure of happiness. Sorry for being philosophical here & I hope my point was clear.

 

[KiwiRob]

I love the idea of restomodding a car, but I would go with a 1960/70's US muscle car, I much prefer the Singer 911, Eagle E-Type, or my current favourite the Frontline Developments LE-50 MGB.

 

[Giannis]

@Sayyaaf

I only saw this thread yesterday and decided to take a day and think about it.

I believe that if I had a KWE re-engineered Jaguar XJ or XJS, or one of those Jensen Interceptors with the LS7 Corvette engines and new electronics and brakes, I would be the most happy man in the automotive world.

Call me old fashioned, stupid, grumpy or fanboy, but I really like older cars. I don't know if I find in them something special, or I'm just paranoid, or lack experience. I just feel that the newer the car, the less the connection you have to the road - at least in those that I can afford.

Old, new or re-worked classic? I'd love to drive an old XJS V12 Coupe or an Interceptor. Any of those cars would make a difference in my everyday routine, but it would be far from perfect. A re-worked version with updated electronics and mechanical reliability is what most of those cars miss.

Then again, Ι drive around in a 25 years old french crap-bucket and I like it. No drive-by-wire, no assisted steering, no sophisticated manual or automatic 'box. Just a simple car. It makes me feel 20 years old every damn day, and yet I know that its engine has the energy of a 85yo with arthritis, the bodywork is in as a pristine condition as Hiroshima after the nuclear bomb and the suspension parts as new as the Parthenon. Honestly, I can't explain it, but it puts a smile on my face every morning.

That said, leaving the emotional connection with the aforementioned 4-wheeled whatthef#ckery, I believe that I could easily live with quite many older cars! I'd love my daily driver to be a Lancia Fulvia, or a Beta Coupe, an old Alfa Giulietta or a BMW 2002i. As a matter of fact, only last week I almost bought a descent MB W114 for 4000€. If sense and reality didn't kick in the last possible moment, I'd have my first classic german car in my garage now. In that regard, I really hope that I had some thousand € to spare now that the used car market in Greece is collapsed.

As far as the modern cars are concerned, well, it's a matter of convenience. Proper infotainment systems, light controls, assisted everything and the availability of power compared to 20-30 years ago, just make your life easier. I may enjoy driving my old Clio because driving with 80 km/h feels like going to war, but 9 our of 10 times I have to drive out of town, I'll do so with my second car, because I'll travel relaxed enough, I have enough power to overtake and I'll travel with all modern electronic amenities.

In the end, I admit it that I can't choose. I'd love to have one of everything.

 

[Sunny]

I would love to restore an older 911 at some point... but the way the prices are going, I doubt it.

 

[Centurion]

Hey Sayyaaf. Great to hear that you've got a thing for oldies If you have space on the drive way, and money to spend on tools then you should absolutely get yourself a project car. The extent of the work needing done should be equivalent to the network of friends and garages you know can give you a hand.

Although older cars are generally easier to work on, spare parts can be a challenge for some cars, so get something sensible to begin with. I am lucky that the 2nd hand market in the UK is brimming with cheap cars, and one thing that's on top of my list for my next house move, is space for two cars and tools.

 

[sanpt7777]

Oh the list is long.

I'd love an old fintail Mercedes or a 300 SEL. I would restomod either if they were not in good shape. A 964 or a Porsche 912 would also be amazing. The other one that comes to mind would be an S30 Z or a '65 Mustang Fastback. All of them in Black. Maybe the Z the Porsches and the mustang I could have them in British racing green with brown interiors. Or black with red seat belts.

I made a similar thread about what would be your perfect car (resto modded, hot rod) but no one answered haha

I thought you guys were not into this kind of cars.

Same as Giannis, I'd prefer to always have a second and third car in my garage. A brand new 328i, M3 or W205.
As a third I would own a rally inspired machine (First gen STI, EVO VI) or an R34 GT-R. But I'm just dreaming.

First I have to bring my POS Volvo back on the street for summer haha