Owning a classic

[hash tag]

I know my Alfa is not a classic in the true sense of the word, but hey, I'm learning.
She is a sound car, mechanics and body if a little neglected in parts, but she could turn into a money pit. Do I maintain her or "restore" her.
I've managed to blah an original radio/ cassette for just a few quid which is great. I've also had a quote to recover the front seats.... I think that we be a wee step too far without a lottery win

 

[Griff]

Owned quite a few over the years:

MG B GT x 2
MG B GT V8 x 2
Rover P5 B Coupe (Worst car ever but looked lovely)
Volvo 1800S (Daily driver for years and loved it)
Jag XJ6
Jag XJS x2
Volkswagen Beetle 1600 GT
TVR Vixen (Cost a fortune over twenty years and sold it as a project )
TVR S2
TVR Chimaera 500 (Still own)

It's generally worth joining the owners' clubs to find out the specialists and hard to source bits.

Also it's worth finding old school mechanics in your area who can work on older cars.

Try to use them often too, old cars don't really like sitting around.

Enjoy it while you stil can.

 

[hash tag]

I've got a great one man band Alfa owner, a totally committed Alfa man, who I have used for 10 years or more, quite local too.

 

[DownwardDog]

Try to use them often too, old cars don't really like sitting around.

This is excellent advice.

I'd also add, if space and funds permit, get a second example of the same car. It doesn't have to be a runner but it's invaluable for nicking parts off and seeing how it goes together when you've taken it apart and forgotten.