Spacewagon52

Wow! Yes! They came in the dead of night and did the whole of our cul-de-sac - never happened again. My father had one of those! Memories! The charge notes they plastered to the windscreens were a nightmare to get off I remember.

I bought some Goodyear G800's in the day. After a 500 mile trip, I noticed one had a very large bulge in the side wall - I was lucky it did not blow at motorway speeds.

One drefinition of CLASSIC:- "....judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind" Quite a few classics would not pass this test.

To be fair Linas, I was being a bit flippant, regarding the Rodius. I just think any rare car can gain classic status. The boat Top Gear made from the Rodius, that did have "classic" qualities.

Starting handle? I saw my father use one once but they were becoming rare in the mid 60's. If the points were knackered you can turn that handle and get nothing! I believe there was a technique for holding the handle to prevent a broken wrist from a kickback .... those were the days! H&S would not allow starting handles now me thinks.

Age thing? Do you more mature guys remember most of the neighbours tinkering with their cars on a weekend - bonnets up for hours? Trying to make sure they started on Monday morning! Don't see many modern cars with their bonnets up ....... if you do you assume they are filling the wash bottle. Oh the days of points and rotor arms and duff batteries - always having to charge them as the "thingy" (before alternators) - dynamos - were not very efficient.

"Never been one for sports cars,always preferred 'luxury barges'" Could not agree more!

I appreciate what you mean - no pun intended. Yes, it is the TOP marques that get cult status but my argument is that the LS 400 was the only version available and the FIRST Lexus. I do agree with you, that because they are over-engineered, they will not appreciate in value or rarity as quickly. The SC 430 will be a classic, possibly as it will become a rarer car. It is interesting that what petrol heads might call "crap" cars become classics purely due to their rarity. Trabant? Lada? Allegro? Maxi? Pick a car like the Ssangyong Rodius, put it away for 30 years and see what happens???????????

Keeps my 13 week Labrador happy!

Pedals the wrong way? Can't you change them round?!!!! LOL! Yes, you would hgave to be very careful at junctions!

A work colleague had a yellow one, my favourite colour. Also liked the dark brown metallic.

This is an original advert for the USA I think.

Thanks Paul! Yes, I still drool! I saw one for sale recently but they wanted £10,000! Panels are not easy to source I understand and the tin worm is a real worry. It might not be too expensive to maintain mechanically - but I am useless with a spanner and need to rely on trusted garages. I believe classic cars are affordable if you are capable of fettling your own car. I am a person who loves cars but knows very little about how they are put together. I am in awe of peeps on here who do their own servicing and repairs. To a certain extent I have my heart in my mouth whenever I drive the Lexus, worried something very expensive will go wrong. To be honest, what is the worst that can happen? The car is scrapped, and I have lost the present value, which is under £3000 probably. We should be more worried if we pay a great deal more for a car (£20,000 +) as if that goes wrong you have little choice but to pay to have it repaired. I understand the logic when people take out the extended Lexus warranty - it is basically an insurance against a potential money pit. I would have to disagree with Linus, I believe they will be a classic, as the LS 400 broke the mould for luxury saloons. They are very much over engineered and that has been shown by how little they age. I went to the local Classic car show - not one Lexus, but there will be a 20 year old LS 400 there next year! (I hope!). A trio or more of ISF's would also be treat!

The first Celica would be my choice for CRAVE = the 2.0 litre ST or 1.6 - not fussy. They rusted well and are now quite rare and expensive for a good one. I agree with MikeyV - it would not be about value but love for the car. The Celica compared with my LS would probably be horrid to travel in .... but it was a car I nearly bought in the 1970's. I would stil love one ... just for its looks and sentimental reasons. My 2nd choice:- LS400 MkIV - wow! I have won the lottery!

What a lovely looking car! That is a keeper! Any problems with obtaining parts?

Yes - photos please ....... sounds a beaut!

I know the feeling when I went to Scotland! Never again ... but never say never????

Not sure of the date but the 06 ones are top tax, as are the RX350's I believe.

The Lancashire oned does look really good for the money ..........if I were interested ........STOP! STOP! The kids have bubbled me to the wife! "Turn that computer off!"

Sorry! Left out the photo!

Thought I swould just post it again!

Does not inspire confidence .... but hope it all works out. Provided no one was injured that is the main thing - cars can be repaired or replaced.

Brilliant! Thanks Paul - will visit that while we are in Bristol.

Had you turned and hit him, you would have been to blame! Cyclists also are not always considerate.

Where was that photo taken please? Near Bristol? Would like to visit that garden centre!