http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/ The latest Buying Guide from octane en-GB Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:02:41 +0000 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:02:41 +0000 webmaster.maxim@dennis.co.uk webmaster.maxim@dennis.co.uk http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223101/triumph_tr4_19611967.html Strong, well-priced and fun, a TR4 makes a great road car, but is also perfect for historic racing and rallying Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:44:05 +0000 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/231309/triumph_tr4_checkpoints.html BODYDespite the separate chassis, the bodyshell is partially structural, so ensure the doors, wings, sills and floorpans are in reasonable condition. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:38:02 +0000 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/229869/ford_rs200_19841986.html Deliberately unlike any Ford made before or since, the Group B RS200 rally car is now enjoying a second career as an enthusiast’s track day machine Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:57:58 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/229872/ford_rs200_checkpoints.html ENGINEThere were two types of engine fitted to the RS200: a 1.8-litre unit or a 2.1-litre unit unique to the 20 Evo editions. Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:56:32 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223092/mini_cooper_s_19611971.html You might be surprised to learn that 120,000 Mini Coopers were built over the years – but there are also plenty of fakes, so would-be buyers need to do their homework Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:43:10 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/228261/checkpoints_mini_cooper_s.html EngineMini-Coopers were always bought to be driven hard, although most now enjoy a rather more leisurely life. Whatever their history, there are key issues that can crop up with any Cooper powerplant.    The most likely problems are usually overheating and oil leaks. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:09:07 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223104/triumph_tr4_4a_5_and_6_19611976.html Fast and powerful, the TRs have a strong following Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:44:30 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223113/tvr_vixen_19691973.html Often overlooked in favour of the V8s, a Vixen makes a great sports coupé Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:44:25 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223140/sunbeam_alpine_checkpoints.html EngineThe powerplants fitted to Rootes cars are generallyfamed for their durability thanks to straightforward engineering,although none of them turns the Alpine into a fast car. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:44:19 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223122/tvr_griffith_and_chimaera_19922002.html TVR may be consigned to the history books, but its cars still make a splash. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:44:19 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223137/triumph_tr4_4a_5_and_6_19611976_checkpoints.html EngineThe TR4/TR4A’s 2138cc four-cylinder powerplant issimple, strong and reliable. Derived from the post-war StandardVanguard unit, it’ll cover 100,000 miles before needing significantattention, although oil leaks from the timing chain cover are anexpected part of Triumph ownership. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:44:11 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223707/jaguar_xj_19681992.html Considered one of the best saloons in the world when new, the Jaguar and Daimler XJs are now something of a bargain. Choose wisely, and they can still be utterly rewarding Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:41:03 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223710/jaguar_daimler_xj_19681992_checkpoints.html BodyBecause of inadequate rustproofing, poor quality and low values, bodged XJs abound. Few unrestored cars remain in a good condition, while many renovations aren’t very well done, so be careful.Rot areas include the bottoms of the A-, B- and C-posts, the sills, rear arches and valances. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:34:15 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223134/tvr_griffith_and_chimaera_19922002_checkpoints.html EngineThe Rover V8 may be from the old school, but it’sreliable, easy to tune and dishes up plenty of horses. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:11:37 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223131/tvr_vixen_19691973_checkpoints.html EngineMost Vixens were fitted with a 1599cc Cortina GTengine; it’s the Kent unit that’s familiar to any Ford specialist sothere’s nothing to worry about in terms of parts availability. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:11:26 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223062/daimler_dart.html There’s no shortage of fast British roadsters from which to choose if you’re after a desirable classic. The problem for many is that most decent Brit sportsters are rather predictable, but there are exceptions, and the Daimler SP250 is often overlooked. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:51:45 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223161/ferrari_308_gt4_19731980_checkpoints.html EngineWith its 7600rpm red-line, the GT4’s 2926cc V8 is a gem of an engine as long as it’s in fine fettle. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:05:49 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223158/ferrari_308_gt4_19731980.html It offers everything you could want from a classic car – except, some would say, desirability. But don’t let that put you off considering a 308GT4 for your garage Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:55:31 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223155/daimler_dart_checkpoints.html EngineNot many of the SP250’s rivals could claim to haveeight cylinders under the bonnet – and even fewer of those are nowaffordable. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:42:47 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223152/lotus_elan_19621973_checkpoints.html EngineDon’t listen to those around you who are keen torelate tales of doom about the Elan’s twin-cam four-pot. If problemsoccur it’s because the car hasn’t been properly looked after – and whenthings do go wrong they can be extremely pricey to fix. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:38:00 +0100 http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/octanebuyingguide/223149/porsche_911_19631989_checkpoints.html EngineAll 911s have a flat-six engine, although aflat-four has also been available in the same bodyshell; these cars areknown as 912s, and they’re rare. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:33:34 +0100