Which classic to start with? Six models that are simple and well supplied with parts

This list answers one question: which classic is the easiest to start with if it is your first. It is not about the prettiest or fastest models, but about those that forgive a lack of experience. An overview of models at different budgets, including more demanding ones, is in Which classic car to buy, and the process of choosing and buying in Your first classic car in six steps.

What makes a classic easy to start with?

An easy classic is one where a breakdown is a problem for a week, not for six months. Four things decide this:

• Large production — more cars means more parts, donor cars and mechanics who know the model.
• Simple mechanicals — a carburettor or simple fuel injection, little electronics, a design that an ordinary workshop can repair.
• Manufacturer or specialist support — remanufactured parts, clubs, forums, firms specialising in the model.
• Predictable driving — brakes, steering and performance that do not surprise a driver used to a modern car.

All the models below have passed through the MB Classics showroom — the links lead to pages of specific cars in the archive.

Mazda MX-5 NA and NB — the youngest classic on the list

The first-generation Mazda MX-5 (NA) is the easiest roadster to start with in this list, because the manufacturer still supports it with parts. The NA was built from April 1989 to 1997, 431,506 of them, with 1.6- and 1.8-litre engines. In October 2020 Mazda expanded its European restoration parts programme for the first generation: 117 items for left-hand-drive cars and 156 for right-hand-drive cars, chosen after consulting MX-5 clubs and specialists (Inside Mazda, 2020). They include a new fabric hood and Enkei wheels.

What to check: body corrosion, the condition of the hood and signs of modifications (tuning can be hard to reverse). The second generation (NB) meets similar criteria. The MB archive includes the 1990 Mazda MX-5, 1994 Mazda MX-5 and 2003 Mazda MX-5. What drives the price is covered in the post on Mazda MX-5 NA and NB prices.

MG MGB — a British roadster with a parts catalogue

The MGB is easy to start with because you can buy practically everything for it, including a new bodyshell. British Motor Heritage, which owns the original tooling, builds new MGB roadster and GT bodyshells and individual panels; since 1975 it has made more than 6,100 bodyshells for several British models, including the MGB and Mini (MG Car Club, 2021). A specific car's origins can be confirmed with a Heritage Certificate from the British Motor Museum, which holds MG factory records for 1953–1980.

What to check: corrosion and the quality of earlier repairs — for a car with several restorations behind it, ask for their records. Also check that the engine and equipment match the model year. In the MB archive: 1971 MG MGB and 1972 MG MGB GT. More on the model in the MGB guide.

Volkswagen Beetle — the simplest engineering

The Beetle is the simplest car in this list: an air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine at the rear, with no radiator or coolant. Volkswagen built 21,529,464 of them in total; the last one left the line in Puebla, Mexico, on 30 July 2003 (Volkswagen Newsroom). Production on that scale means easy access to parts and a huge body of knowledge in the clubs.

What to check: corrosion of the floor and sills, and whether components come from the right model year — over such a long production run, parts from different versions fit each other easily. Performance and brakes on early cars are 1950s standard, so this is a car for relaxed outings. In the MB archive: 1958 Volkswagen 1200 Beetle.

Volvo Amazon — a family classic for regular use

The Volvo Amazon is a classic for someone who wants to drive often and with the family. It was built from 1956 to 1970 as a two-door, four-door and estate, about 667,000 in total, with simple four-cylinder B16, B18 (from 1962) and B20 (from 1969) engines. It has a rear bench for adults and a full-size boot.

What to check: corrosion of the sills, floor and lower wings, and the quality of any paint restoration. In the MB archive: 1964 Volvo Amazon and 1970 Volvo Amazon.

Mercedes W124 — a youngtimer for everyday driving

The Mercedes W124 is the most practical classic on the list: its 1980s and 1990s engineering and comfort let you drive it like an ordinary car. The series was presented in November 1984, built until 1997, and from 1993 was called the E-Class. It came as a saloon, estate, coupé and cabriolet, with petrol and diesel engines.

What to check: body corrosion, the condition of the wiring and the service history. On well-equipped versions, check that every electrical item works. In the MB archive: 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 E, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 260 E and 1996 Mercedes-Benz E420.

Classic Mini — small, simple and well supplied

The classic Mini is a good start for someone with little garage space who wants a small, nimble car. Launched by BMC in 1959, it was built for about 40 years; the five-millionth car left the Longbridge line in 1986 (BMW Group). British Motor Heritage also makes new bodyshells for the original Mini.

What to check: corrosion (floor, sills, subframes), the quality of restoration and whether the version on the documents (for example a Cooper) matches the car's numbers and equipment. In the MB archive: 1981 Austin Mini, 1994 Rover Mini and 1998 Rover Mini Cooper. More in the post on the history of the classic Mini.

How do these models compare?

Which classics are better not chosen as a first car?

For a first classic it is better to avoid cars whose repair needs rare knowledge or rare parts: those with V12 engines, hydropneumatic suspension, mechanical fuel injection, or built in small numbers. One example is the Jaguar XJS with the V12 — what running one involves is covered in the post on the Jaguar XJS V12 engine. These are cars for someone who already has experience, a trusted mechanic and a budget for unexpected repairs.

The cars currently available are in the MB Classics showroom, and more buyer guides are in the Buying and inspection category.