Volkswagen Beetle

It wouldn't be fair not to include a trusty Volkswagen Beetle in this list. Just like the Mini, the Beetle carries loads of character and is a very easy Classic to restore and run. Parts are still being manufactured with reasonable prices and restoring one is a breeze.

Just like the Mini, this German car that was unfortunately commissioned by Adolf Hitler also had it share of silver screen outings. Count Walt Disney's The Love Bug from the late sixties among them.

You can drive one home for about RM6,000, but for that price, it'll definitely need a lot of work. But RM6,000 for a ticket in the scene isn't bad at all. Although the Mini's handling is superior, the 'Bug' offers a more supple ride quality and fuel consumption is also at the lower end of the spectrum.

M-B W123 E-class

A Mercedes E-Class in this list? It may sound a little crazy but its a fact.

The W123 E-Class (below), especially the one featuring the older 'white engine' model is a cheap classic to buy right now and is not-too-expensive to own as well. With RM6,000, you can get one which is probably in better shape than an RM6,000 Mini or Beetle.

The W123, which was once a top-of-line executive motor, is a simple car to restore.

However parts, especially non-mechanical parts can be a little pricey, depending on where you shop.

The other down side of this E-Class is that the fuel consumption is nothing to shout about. It is a drinker but not as bad as the Mercedes W116 which is the S-Class of it's time.

Nevertheless the W123 is one comfortable car to ride in and unlike the two cars above, this German cruiser offers more than enough passenger and luggage space.

This means that compared to the top two examples, the W123, which comes standard with air conditioning and power steering, is a car that can be used as a practical everyday car.

It can cope well with modern traffic.

These three classics come highly recommended for first timers. Owning such cars can become an easier affair especially you join local classic car clubs such as the MSVCR or the Malaysia Singapore Vintage and Classic Car Register.

This club is made up by a mix of classic and vintage cars and fellow owners of the same type of vehicle can help show you the way on where to get things done such as obtaining parts and recommending a good workshop.

- The Star/Asia News Network