Classic Car - Daily Driver

I'm currently in the process of buying a new (used car). I've mostly owned 1980 and newer vehicles with the exception of my 1964 Cadillac deVille (in very good condition). I think I would like to have a classic car as a daily driver. I really like the way my older car runs and drives as well as the styling and features. I especially like the fact that it is fairly simple to work on.

I need some suggestions on what to look into. I've looked at just about every classic car there is and have narrowed it down somewhat but any suggestions or advice would be helpful.

Here are some of the ones I think would be good and the reasons for choosing them:
1. 1963 Cadillac Sedan deVille - good styling, nice ride, pretty simple, ahve some knowledge about them from my 64 but do I really want two of them?

2. 1967-1972 Buick Skylark 2dr - Always liked the styling (I like all the body styles from these years), simple, parts are common and easy to find. I let a cherry 72 slip through my fingers last month.

3. 1968-1969 Ford Torino 2dr hardtop - Like the styling, simple, abundant mech parts sources, cheaper than the fastbacks, rare.

4. 1960-1965 Ford Falcon - economical, easy on gas, unique, very simple, decent styling.

5. 1978-1983 - Chevy Malibu 2dr - Simple little 2 doors with cheap parts and some style. I would put some mags and dual exhaust but I wouldn't go nuts like some people do on mods for these cars.

Any insight into these models or into any other classic car you think would make a good daily driver, I'm all ears. My budget is about $5000 for which I know I can get a very nice ride. It may not be the most sought after classic but I don't care.

Andy

Well in my opinion GM made solid cars back then and the parts are definatly around. I use my '77 T/A as a daily driver and I'm restoring it as I go along. The fact that they're easy to work on is definatly a plus; If you get a pre mid 70's one they'll not have all the emmissions equipment so that's a plus for fuel economy and performance; even though the probably werent made with any for of fuel economy in mind. A helping factor is that these cars run great on plain old '87 and American V8s take miles like nothing. If you live in a city; beware you bumpers will be chipped and dented if you park on the streets alot. I'd suggest that whichever car you get; try and get it with as little miles as possible; but definatly not so it was sitting around unused for years in some barn; that way the mechanics are good to go.

Edit: Depending on where you live: remeber; if you get a RWD with a a lot of torq you will not enjoy driving in the snow without chains. Not a major problem here in NYC, but I couldnt use my car the first few days of the blizzard. 9" wide wheels and ~350 ft-lbs of torque.

^^good advice^^

Generally, I think a popular GM body style (like the Skylark and any other A body car) is easiest to live with, because all the mechanical parts are very easy to find and most interior and body parts are avail NOS or reproduction.
Fords are fine too, but the Torinos and Falcons don't quite have the body and interior parts availability.

Certainly the old ones are easy and cheap to maintain. In some ways they are more maintenance intensive, suck as tune ups every 10,000 miles or so requiring plugs, points condensor and timing (although that could be eliminated with an electronic ignition conversion for about $100-200.

Front suspensions do not seem to last as long as a more modern car. Most older cars I have had don't seem to get more than 50,000 - 75,000 miles to a set of front end ball joints. Shocks can go in as little as 20 - 30 K. At least they are cheap and easy to fix.

The cars do seem to be a bit more fragile. Often the seat and interior vinyl is not as durable as modern cloth seats, and some interior items, like the front kick panels and package tray liner are often just cardboard. On the outside the slim chrome bumpers can be vulnerble to damage in the slightest low speed collision, compared to a new car.

Also, there are some safety issues. Few cars made before 1968 had shoulder seat belts, dual circuit braking systems, front disc brakes or collapsable steering columns (Although the first two usually can be retrofitted, and there are often disc brake conversion options.)

Regarding the brakes - I hear alot of talk about old cars having poor braking systems. Granted disc brakes are better and manual braking sytems w/ no proportioning valves are scary. I think many times people are scared of old car braking systems because they are poorly maintained. My 64 Cadillac had the brakes rebuilt about 2500 miles ago and they stop very well considering they are dealing 5000 pounds of steel.

I have a line on a 63 Cadillac in very good shape - daily driver status - and would love to take it. However, I know from experience when I need mechanical bits for my 64, I sometimes have to order them. I can always find what I need but sometimes it takes a week or two. I'm afraid I will run into problems if I have to rely on a 63 Cadillac if I need something. What sticks in the back of my mind though is that if worse comes to worse, I'll just pull the 64 out to take over daily driving until I get the parts I need or I'll buy a $500-$1000 beater to handle the duties.

The Buicks I mentioned are attractive because a lot of them came with a 350 and the body, interior and mechanical parts are widely available and cheap. I'm kicking myself for letting a 72 Skylark 2dr hardtop with 56,000 original miles for $3500 slip away but I guess you cant dwell on it. Buicks are also attractive because they are cheaper than their Chevy counterparts and still have all the style.

I love classic cars and their style and desire to own and drive a couple of them before gas gets so outragously expensive that it doesn't make sense to operate them (which will take a huge increase in prices per gallon for me).

Please keep the suggestions coming.

The Falcons are good on gas, reliable, and easy to work on. I wouldn't reccommend any of the big cars you listed though, and the Malibu's quality is a little lacking (built in the era that gave us reasons to want to own foreign cars).
Not having disc brakes is not a problem - drums stop every bit as well, unless you're going to be racing around curves for 13 hours. In fact, I remember that 1970's Subarus used drums on all fours and stopped better than plenty of other cars fitted with front discs.

I definately like the simplicity of the Falcons and have always liked the body style. The fact that they were a pretty popular car back in the 60's makes them relatively easy to find (easier than a 63-64 Cadillac). I've considered the Comets as well but they seem to be much more rare making body and trim pieces difficult to locate if needed.

I'm still on the lookout for something and will keep you informed. Let me know if anyone runs accross a decent classic they think would make a good daily driver.

I had a black 1960 Falcon with a straight six, stick shift. It ran great and very little maintenance. I had a lot of fun with it.


AutoPro

Mustangs are great since there were so many sold. That means that there are a TON of parts for them, and they have great styling. They are fairly cheap too. Can't beat that! :biggrin: