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[YZ250]

Its not really for sale. He puts that advert up to entice people to the showroom to look and eventually sells them something else. About three years ago it was only £50,000

I'm not sure a 150 grand car would entice me to his showroom Keith, he needs to aim a bit lower to get me in there. 

[Broomies Mate]

I know the price is for the classic status of the Lotus Carlton but it shows how times have changed performance wise. The BMW Alpina D5 Bi-Turbo from the same seller (garage) would hang on to that, and do 48mpg on a decent run. Just saying like....... 
The reality is, anything is only worth what people will pay.

I'd put a decent wedge of money on the D5 Bi-Turbo beating the LC in every measurable way (performance).

It would be reasonably close on a 3mile runway, but as soon as you add a couple of corners, the BMW would be in a different league.

[Viral_Jim]

For me, that hits on the point/problem with classic cars. There has to be something beyond performance that makes them attractive. In a world where hot hatches have 300bhp and 450bhp can be had for £10k on the used market, classic cars need to have something more than whatever passed for performance when they were new.

Maybe because I didn't have a GM childhood/introduction to cars, but the LC just doesn't have much to offer. Especially at a ludicrous price.

[Broomies Mate]

For me, that hits on the point/problem with classic cars. There has to be something beyond performance that makes them attractive. In a world where hot hatches have 300bhp and 450bhp can be had for £10k on the used market, classic cars need to have something more than whatever passed for performance when they were new.

Maybe because I didn't have a GM childhood/introduction to cars, but the LC just doesn't have much to offer. Especially at a ludicrous price.

But that's exactly thing thing the Lotus Carlton was 'famed' for...... being the fastest 4door saloon on the planet.  I do understand it's attraction, as that is quit an accolade, but it was just a fast Carlton.

The 'Classic Car' stuff I don't understand are the many thousands who take pleasure in owning (and maintaining) cars like a MG Midget, or Hillman Imp.  Notable for practically nothing.

I am the soft side of 40yrs old, though.

[Viral_Jim]

I think a lot of older men like something to tinker with, and the very thing that would make older cars annoying as daily drivers (the constant need to fettle) makes them perfect for that role. I think a lot of people also hanker after the car they could never afford. Even if that car was modest for its day, it holds greater significance because you weren't able to have it.

Also there's the whole 'recapturing your youth' thing, which I don't think I'm old enough to understand yet. I still also own my first car, so in that sense, I never let my youth escape

[Andy B]

.....
 or Hillman Imp.  Notable for practically nothing.

 .....

Silly camber angle at the back ... weren't they at a silly height to comply with light heights somewhere abroad? (USA?)
Vacuum throttle on early car very quickly removed for a conventional throttle
Industrial unrest in Scotland where they were first made
All ally (pump) engine that was a bit before its time ... also used in the Bond 875
Better than a Mini 

[Broomies Mate]

.....
 or Hillman Imp.  Notable for practically nothing.

 .....

Silly camber angle at the back ... weren't they at a silly height to comply with light heights somewhere abroad? (USA?)
Vacuum throttle on early car very quickly removed for a conventional throttle
Industrial unrest in Scotland where they were first made
All ally (pump) engine that was a bit before its time ... also used in the Bond 875
Better than a Mini 

I'll rephrase;

Notable for nothing practical! 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I think a lot of older men like something to tinker with, and the very thing that would make older cars annoying as daily drivers (the constant need to fettle) makes them perfect for that role. I think a lot of people also hanker after the car they could never afford. Even if that car was modest for its day, it holds greater significance because you weren't able to have it.

Also there's the whole 'recapturing your youth' thing, which I don't think I'm old enough to understand yet. I still also own my first car, so in that sense, I never let my youth escape

Which is why I want a Lotus Cortina with a green stripe.

I know it would be shit slow and handle like a dog on polished lino but it would look great when parked outside a nice country pub.

[78bex]

Just supposing I won 40 odd million on the lottery, would I buy it  Hell yer
Then I`d enter it in a classic car race & it`s nice to dream occasionally 
I really dream of a race prepared Austin A35  & taking her up to the Goodwood circuit.

[Sir Tigger QC]

£150,000!    There are places that you can buy 3 houses for that! 

[Andy B]

£150,000!    There are places that you can buy 3 houses for that! 

 ... and get change! 

[Doctor Gollum]

£150,000!    There are places that you can buy 3 houses for that! 

Or one really nice house somewhere else 

[Andy B]

£150,000!    There are places that you can buy 3 houses for that! 

Or one really nice house somewhere else 

maybe an 'OK' house 

[Doctor Gollum]

£150,000!    There are places that you can buy 3 houses for that! 

Or one really nice house somewhere else 

maybe an 'OK' house 

$200,000 will get you something nice a stones throw from any city in the Southern US... €165,000 will buy you a nice apartment or Finca anywhere in Spain/France /Italy.

[Andy B]

£150,000!    There are places that you can buy 3 houses for that! 

Or one really nice house somewhere else 

maybe an 'OK' house 

$200,000 will get you something nice a stones throw from any city in the Southern US... €165,000 will buy you a nice apartment or Finca anywhere in Spain/France /Italy.

I didn't realise we were including over seas