Motoring Icons: Five Perfect First Time Classics

Alright, buckle up, folks. We're diving into the world of classic cars, where a car is a story, a musical symphony, and an adrenaline kick rolled into one. We're not here to discuss econoboxes for your daily driver duties. Get ready to meet five classics that will make you feel like James Deane.

Porsche 911:

Starting off strong, the Porsche 911, the sports car equivalent of a Rolex Submariner. Developed in the 1960s, it's got that timeless silhouette – rear-engine, sloping roof – you know the drill.

Make no mistake, the 911 isn't a car; it's a statement. Driving a 911 places you firmly in the upper echelon of road users. It's the kind of car that makes you question the meaning of life as you navigate twisty roads. Flat-six engine, rear-wheel drive – it's a recipe that's been perfected over the decades.

We’d recommend a mid 1980s G-Series 911, as a great starter classic - they’re modern enough that you can use them, but classic enough that you can still maintain and work on them yourself. 

Land Rover Defender:

The Defender, if Chris Eubank was a car, he’d probably be a Defender. Eloquent, well-spoken, but a powerful, capable and tough machine. Developed in the rubble of post war Britain, the original Land Rover, was a rugged, utilitarian machine.

After years of what on the surface would look like minor development, the Defender was born, out of the ashes of the Series Land Rover, and 90 and 110 models before.

As at home on the streets of Mayfair as it is on a green lane, a Defender is one of the most capable off-road vehicles. Like all classics, they have their quirks, like the utter lack of space for your right elbow, but the Defender is unapologetic, and capable.

Want adventure? Choose a Defender

Classic Mini:

The ultimate inner city classic? At less than 10ft long, the Classic Mini is the idle bundle of fun to enjoy in the city. Produced from 1959 until 2000 you have a wide array of choices, but all generations of Mini have commonalities. Great handling, great character and loveable style. 

For the best ride and comfort, we’d recommend a early car with 10” wheels, more sidewall means more comfort, though the wide arched 13” wheel equipped Sports pack models built after 1996 are a great option too, with additional safety features like rear seatbelts and an airbag.

MGB:

Ah, the MGB – the British roadster that screams '60s cool. With its sleek styling and that quintessential British sports car vibe, the MGB is a time capsule on wheels. It's not about breaking speed records; it's about the wind in your hair, the open road, and the thrill of pure driving.

Fancy a coupe however, and you’d be looking for the effortlessly pretty MGB GT, and if you wanted something with a little more poke than the base spec MG, you could look for a rather rare V8. 

VW Beetle:

Last but certainly not least, the VW Beetle – the people's car that became a global phenomenon. Born in the '30s, it's not just a car; it's a cultural icon. That unmistakable rounded shape and the engine in the back – the Beetle is automotive simplicity at its best.

Easy to drive, full of character, and a symbol of a bygone era – the Beetle is the classic that's not just parked in your garage; it's parked in your heart.

There you have it - five classics that aren’t just cars; they’re experiences waiting to be enjoyed. There is a similarity between all of these cars, and that's the support around them. Almost every part for the cars listed above is still available, and the skills and experiences required to maintain them can be found throughout the country thanks to Carhuna’s network of specialist dealers.