Some classic cars are like the Morris Minor and MGB – simple machines with admirable spares availability, keen clubs, and a painless ownership experience. But owning some classics can be the automotive equivalent of a torture chamber; somewhere you’d really rather not find yourself.
And the 10 we’ve lined up here, if you listen to accepted wisdom, are very definitely in the latter category. But if bought cannily, they can be very rewarding indeed. So if you’ve always fancied abandoning your better judgement, read on…
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT
The Bentley Continental GT is a brave buy for two primary reasons. Firstly, their attractive price means some have fallen into the arms of those who skip servicing in favour of flashy addons, and once a car’s maintenance has slipped it will inevitably cost a fortune to make it a nice one again. Secondly, the Continental GT can be a pain to work on owing to its tight engine bay, and even dealers don’t always want the aggravation of having to take the engine out to replace the starter motor or strip the nose to swap a radiator. Even routine work isn’t easy – there’s a reason why spark plug changes can cost in excess of £500. Realistically, major mechanical jobs aren’t a DIY proposition unless you own a garage business, but there’s plenty of scope for the plucky DIY-minded owner to freshen up a tired example.
But there are good ones out there, and the way to buy safely is to buy the right car in the first place and keep it right. Be very wary of anything under £14,000; you might get lucky
