Classic cars to suit every budget

There are many advantages to buying a classic car. For some enthusiasts a classic car poses a great investment opportunity, for others it’s all about the aesthetics; with the look of a vehicle from a bygone era being too tempting a draw.

Then there are those that see a vintage vehicle as a nugget of nostalgia; picking up a favourite from your past that you perhaps couldn’t afford at the time, or were maybe too young to drive. 

Whatever your reason for thinking of picking up a classic car, budget will always come into it.

Fortunately, Motoring Research has you covered with its list of classic cars on offer from Essex Classic Car Auctions (ECCA), to suit every budget…

Under £100,000

Ferrari 308 GTB

A Rosso Corsa Italian stallion is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and sits at the affordable end of the marque’s classic price spectrum. At the ECCA, a 1980 model with 59,000 miles on the clock is estimated to sell for between £75,000 and £85,000 when it goes under the hammer next month.

This 80s’ vintage has steel bodywork and post-dates the shift away from lighter, glass-reinforced plastic. It also has an iconic open-gate manual gearbox and a dry sump for its 3.0-litre V8 engine that hits up to 255hp. Tan leather interiors and a Momo steering wheel finish off this stunning motor.

Not quite perfect, the model has undergone around £10,000 of 

restoration work to bring it to its current state. But more can be done that could add to its value and aesthetic.

Under £50,000

Fiat Dino Coupe

Pitched as a “beast, inside and out” this bright blue vintage has a V6 engine that gets 160bhp. Having recently undergone a full cosmetic restoration, this stunning marque has fresh paint, shiny new chrome, as well as new carpets and trim. A good driver, the engine was rebuilt just 1,500 miles ago. This snazzy retro ride is estimated to sell for £43,000 – £46,000.

Under £25,000

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107)

The successor to the 1960s ‘Pagoda’ SL, this Merc is equally as good to drive – and is making quick gains on the appreciation front.

One of the last to be made, this reliable and stunning-looking 1989 model is massively understated and has handling that’s as smooth as butter. It’s suitable for all weathers, with a both a folding fabric roof and a removable metal hard-top.

With 94,500 miles on the clock, it’s expected to raise £20,000 to £22,500 at auction.

Melling Wildcat 

The V8-powered fluorescent orange sports car made in Rochdale, Greater Manchester is a rare roadster with only a handful ever made. It’s the brainchild of ex-TVR engine designer Al Melling. Wildcat number five has just 860 miles on the clock and an estimated price tag of £19,000 – £22,000.

Under £10,000

VW Beetle

For a bit of fun, and a throwback to the 70s, ECCA has a rather eye-catching 1971 Volkswagen Beetle ready to be sold, complete with a 

fully-custom metallic paint job. A bit rough around the edges, this car could benefit from a little TLC, but with a fresh MOT it is ready to go and has an affordable estimate of £4,000 to £6,000 (No reserve)

Mini 30

 The original version of the Mini – before the name became owned by BMW – is the best-selling British car of all time, selling five million of the mini marques. But while there are many to choose from, finding one in good condition is another matter.

Many have rusted, some have been in accidents and others have succumbed to 30 years of wear and tear. But there is one that has made it through…

An Italian import 1989 Mini Thirty – a special edition that celebrates its 30 years of production. It has cheery Cherry Red paintwork and an “eager” 998cc engine, and although it’s not without its imperfections, its part-leather seats and Cooper-style Minilite alloys make it one to watch at the auction. It’s currently listed with no reserve.

The ECCA sale will get underway on March 25 at 2pm.