Back after 30 years

[Fulhamboy]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say hello, and to explain ‘back after 30 years’,I test drove a 240 yesterday and the last time I drove a Z was a 260 2+2 I owned in 1987.
Ever since then I have had a need to get back into a Z, I loved my old one and only owned it for about 9 months and had to get rid of it due to my daughter being born and despite my protestations that it would be ok to have a child seat in the back I wasn’t allowed to keep it.
I have always kept an eye on the Z scene, I may have been on here before, I have followed Z groups on Facebook and have dreamed about getting one. Well, now I have retired I have the time and money to pursue my dream. The one I test drove yesterday reaffirmed what I thought but as a return to a Z it probably needed just to much work for my skills at this time.
So at the moment I am looking, and searching, probably like everyone else I would like a RHD, but I’m open to LHD like the one I drove yesterday. Part of me would like one that doesn’t need too much doing and I make improvements to over time. Part of me says I’d like to take on a project but that may be a bit too brave, I’ll see where my search takes me.
I’d like something I can use from March to Oct. I want to be able to drive it regularly and experience it, if I have a car and only take it to 5 or 6 shows a year I think I will struggle justifying having it. I am based in Somerset and am keen to learn and find out as much as I can, it was 30 years ago and my memory and knowledge of the car isn’t what it was, but I absolutely love everything about them.

Look forward to chatting with you all
Dave

 

[Mr Tenno]

Welcome to the forum and the club!

There's several members who can help you source a car (RHD or LHD will probably depend on your budget) and there's a wealth of information on the forum about what to look for - check out the restoration threads for some good photos.

Also head over the classifieds discussion section where many of the cars you'll see for sale are 'evaluated' by the members.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[Tahr]

Welcome to the site Dave, I am too a returnee to the Z fold and like you last drove my 240Z in 1987 when the birth of my son meant it was put into storage awaiting my return. I am now starting to get things in place to start a full rebuild of the old girl.

ATB

Kev

 

[SeanDezart]

Welcome back, both of you.

 

[Fulhamboy]

My budget is about £15k for an initial purchase and then see where we go. I don’t know what that buys me ?? RHD or LHD

Are there many RHD left in the country and do many come to market ? Would I have a long wait ?

I’m hoping to get something by March/April next year so I may use it during the summer next year

Dave

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

Have you called vega classics to see what he’s got? Not far away from you.

15k would be a project either way, lhd or rhd, just less of a project in lhd.

 

[SeanDezart]

Is budget your model determinant or.....?

 

[Fulhamboy]

No, not really Sean, I only mentioned 260 as I had one previously.

Vega was who I had my test drive with, he has a blue 240 I took out, it needs paint, new carpets, new leather seats and sponge, door cards, windscreen. I am tempted as I could create the car I want.

He also has a white auto, which if it was red or blue I’d have gone for as it is very useable and doesn’t need much doing to it at all. Chris is looking out for others cars for me.

The blue one is just a bit daunting for a novice who has no contacts and knowledge and not many skills where fixing cars is concerned, but I am keen to learn

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Yes, welcome back Dave and thank you for supporting the Club.

Good luck with finding a car.

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

No, not really Sean, I only mentioned 260 as I had one previously.

Vega was who I had my test drive with, he has a blue 240 I took out, it needs paint, new carpets, new leather seats and sponge, door cards, windscreen. I am tempted as I could create the car I want.

He also has a white auto, which if it was red or blue I’d have gone for as it is very useable and doesn’t need much doing to it at all. Chris is looking out for others cars for me.

The blue one is just a bit daunting for a novice who has no contacts and knowledge and not many skills where fixing cars is concerned, but I am keen to learn

I'm sure Chris/others in the southwest can point you in the right direction.

 

[Jay.]

Welcome!


Fortunately the cars are very easy to work on! So things such as the seats, carpets, etc are pretty easy to do yourself (even as an amateur) but would indeed give you a canvas to create your own idea of what you want.

£15k would get you a LHD model which needs relatively little amount of work, you could look at importing one from the states (like I have) or possibly having someone do it all for you.

The key thing is be patient! If you've waited 30 years, you can wait a few more months and get the right one ;-)

 

[Fulhamboy]

How much does it cost to import Jay ?? And how much was your car, which is cracking looking by the way

 

[Fulhamboy]

Hi all, I just thought I’d pop back in and say hi and explain my lack of involvement. Sadly, after watching the market for 6 months, everything was out of reach of my budget. I do hope one day to get enough money behind me to complete a purchase.
In the meantime I have bought an MGBGT to feed my classic car desire.

Thanks for you help and advice while I was here

Dave

 

[SeanDezart]

Surely not everything ?

Cute car, are you sure you want a Z ?

 

[Fulhamboy]

The 240 I test drove was £14,500, it needed a respray, complete new interior, was left hand drive, wheel refurb and the engine sorting as it wouldnt tick over.
The MGB was £8000, it’s had all the welding done, resprayed, new interior, it needs a new wiring loom and dash which I’m doing shortly, but basically I’m good to go, so yes, I’m going to struggle getting rid of it, I’m really enjoying driving it at the moment