After a few years daydreaming about owning an old xc wagon I have now started thinking a bit more practically. I am looking at buying this year my first classic car, and was hoping for some constructiveguidance. I think I have narrowed it down to the 1950 s Ford Consul, but not having driven one, and none currently for sale in my city it's hard to be sure myself that it fits the bill for me, hence me asking you guys. You would politely call me confident lady driver, I like a car that can get up and go. However, thats really only necessary for when I'mon the open roads, road trips and the like, not a prerequisite for day to day use around town Whilst happy to do the basics (oil change etc) I am not mechanically inclined, nor financially flush, so it needs to be relatively reliable, economical to repair when required, with parts easy enough to find. I have a dog, a boxer to be precise, not one of those hand bag things, so it needs to have room for him, and a perhaps a child or two in case that ever happens There are three generations before me of blue blood, I would not dishonor the family name by driving a Holden, so please don't suggest it I am happy to take on a bit of a project, new brakes, replacing a window seal or two, but am not in a position to take on full rust removal, new engine, full seals etc. So, what are you thoughts on the Consul, does it fit the bill, is it a dud, is there another car you could suggest! Or, like my brother who has two old Fords, are you going to tell me not to open that can of worms and still with my personality devoid Japanese import!
biddy6,
Jan 24, 11:34am
Consul s have not got much umph, better with a Zephyr I think.
msigg,
Jan 24, 12:12pm
Old cortina would be good, they go well and are basic.Normally I would say pick something you like and then try look for the best of that model. Go to some car shows and ask the owners feedback. Get one already done up. keep the rust away, don't over rev old mptor and they will serve you well. Good luck.
amber.gumdrop,
Jan 24, 12:37pm
Theres a consul convertible for sale in the petrolhead.
merv4,
Jan 24, 12:43pm
you will get the most pleasure out of a classic if you join a club and go on club events, so find a club in your erea that is strong and active and buy into that club, be it MG or Ford or Sunbeam or what ever
utbwb,
Jan 24, 12:43pm
Petrol head!
utbwb,
Jan 24, 12:47pm
Thank you, may need the luck. I do like the mark 3 cortinas, petered mark 2 but they are out of my price range. Not really too aware of any car shows in Christchurch, will have to look into that.
utbwb,
Jan 24, 12:48pm
That is a great idea, will do a little goggling today! Thank you.
fordmfp,
Jan 24, 1:00pm
I like the idea of the XC Stationwagon! If you want something older why not look at an XR/XT/XW/XY!
thunderbolt,
Jan 24, 1:14pm
Petrolhead is a free magazine, I think Appco on Battersea St still has them available. Someone local should be able to tell you. Early cortina or Escort would be ok for a starter classic. Early falcons are usually well past their best if they are cheap. Good luck.
bellky,
Jan 24, 2:00pm
don't see how a consul is more 'practical' than xc
utbwb,
Jan 24, 2:06pm
Thank you! Much appreciated. I had considered an escort van, Grandad had one, so there's a nice bond there, but don't really like the shape of the sedans. Mum had. Mark 2 cortina, but think the mark 3 is probably a bit too big for me.
smac,
Jan 24, 2:09pm
Can't see how you like the MKIII cortina, but not escort sedans! Personal preference I guess.
When you say you're 'not flush', what kind of annual budget could you put up for running costs and repairs! Oh and what purchase price budget do you have!
poppajn,
Jan 24, 2:14pm
There,s a nice MK1 Consul for sale on Trade me.
utbwb,
Jan 24, 2:21pm
Well, let's just say you don't buy a ride on mower if you only have to mow the council strip. The expense with petrol of an xc, the reality of me driving a tank that big when most if the time it will be used for trips to the supermarket. It's just a waste of a good car. Plus, I think I'd rather cut my teeth on a smaller beast
bellky,
Jan 24, 2:23pm
fair enough mate
ceedoubleyou,
Jan 24, 7:07pm
i went USA and I have never looked back. parts are easy to source. Californian cars are generally rust free and did I mention, parts are easy to come by. I read the article in NZ Classic Cars about the GTR XU1 and the trouble he had sourcing parts for that, it's only a Holden for chr**t sake, he went to swap meets in NSW from here in NZ to find parts. And I have a big soft spot for XU1s.
mucchu,
Jan 24, 7:10pm
i'vegot a 63 zodiac, first time i drove it was hard, forgot what no power steering was like, but it builts up the arms and old cars are a lot bigger than new ones even if they don't look it so be careful were you park
mustangsally2,
Jan 24, 7:14pm
Anything with the oval badge Ford is good.
mustangsally2,
Jan 24, 7:14pm
Anything with the oval badge FORDis The BEST
bwg11,
Jan 24, 8:24pm
IMHO, I think you would be disapointed with the Consul. Undergeared and underpowered. A Zephyr would be a much better daily drive.
elect70,
Jan 24, 8:44pm
Needfat cheque book for doing up any old classic , just when you think you have finnishedyou find anotherjob on it that needs doing . Keeps you outof the pub on weekends .
woody1946,
Jan 24, 10:03pm
Make sure you have buckets of money for any unrestored old car, as you will find that even keeping them up to WOF standard is a real battle. If you have never driven an old car with no power steering you are in for a surprise. As for something with get up and go, I think you will be disappointed with a 1950s Consul.My advise would be to buy this---auction #442852625---and daydream for a few more years
utbwb,
Jan 25, 3:02am
Woody, you make me laugh , possibly cos you're too close to the truth.
granada,
Jan 25, 6:44am
These were always a lot of fun, maual, v6. 426634356
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