To go 'off topic' a bit I have two motorbikes, a classic and a new one.
My classic (a '76 Honda CB750K) was traded as a 'part ex' against my Samuri. I was fed up with no garage space so I thought that to be a great idea - I like tinkering. My Honda was a non-runner but I really enjoyed sorting and improving everything (full 4 carb strip and tune, wiring, rear wheel rebuild, brake rebuild etc etc) . When it was all finished I though 'I ought to be riding this' so I booked a refresher riding session for a couple of hours. I hadn't ridden for 40 years. I loved it and it gives me access to weekly meets where I have made so many new friends.
I have since bought a Triumph Tiger 660.
On dry days I go to my meets on the Honda, if I ride with my son I go on the Tiger.
The Tiger does everything better than the Honda (especially braking) but the Honda has character. The Honda is worth more but why? Like the Z these bikes are 'talked up' and if you own a very early one (sandcast engine casings) they are worth twice mine but they are no better.
It's all hype, nostalgia and character. Times have moved on but we like to live in the past.
That rusty Mexico that sold last weekend for £33k was considered a sporty car in the early 70s but they are quite slow and basic now. 85bhp 0-60 12s etc 4 speed 165 tyres. People from my era say 'ooh there's a Mexico' but they wouldn't say that about a modern 'shopping' car that has superior performance and can be bought brand new with a warranty for far less. Drive it in winter, half the fuel consumption etc etc
It's such an interesting topic to me. Don't get me wrong I love the Datsun Z cars - they are beautiful with bags of character but the valuations are hard to understand. That's all I've been trying to get across. Why do I like that TR7 Rally Car? Something in my brain is telling me it's special and sporty (only 160bhp) and it's history is interesting - madness?
TECHNICAL SPECS
Model tested:
Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost Hybrid Active X
Price:
£26,355
Engine:
3 cyls in line, 999cc, turbocharged, petrol
Power
123bhp at 6000rpm
0-62mph
9.6sec
Top speed
124mph
Fuel economy
50.4-53.3mpg
Have a good look at ALL the pictures and description (engine?). 'Lovely little car sir, it just needs a bit of tlc - engine? you can have that one over there in bits it's not correct for the car but so what it's bigger!
www.pistonheads.com
