Classic/Antique Car Repair: Rookie, ford falcons, overdrive transmission

Question
My wife and I are tinking on getting and old car. I have no experience at all in mechanics, I'll try with a book or directions. DO you think that an old MGB 1971 is a good prospect for us?

Other cars that we have in mind are: ford falcon62-65, Datsun 260z, mercedez.  

Answer
Hi Taemok,
The 71 MGB is a good sports car. Very good handling and since it is a "CB" (chrome bumper)as they are refered to. It is prized car to restore. So it will maintain it's value. Easy to maintain due to no high tech components and just about every part is still available for it. Condition determins the price of this car. Most major cities have MG specialists for repairs if it is something you can't handle with a service manual. If it is an "Overdrive" transmission, it will cruise with traffic on any expressway. However, the std. 4 speed is mainly designed for two lane back roads.

Beware of the early Ford Falcons as they had a very poorly designed and poorly built front suspension and can be very dangerous to drive. When they put the V-8 in the Falcon they corrected the front suspension.

The 240 & 260 Z car are nice street sports cars if you can find one with little rust. More expensive to maintain than an MG but like the MG, they do maintain their value if you keep after the rust.

Old MBZs are very expensive to maintain unless you are a MBZ mechanic with good parts connections.

I hope this helps,
Howard