Five Under the Radar Classics

The best sub-£10k bargains

When it comes to buying a classic, do you follow the crowd, or do you look around for something cheaper and a little bit different?

Clearly some classics will be more popular than others, but that doesn’t mean to say that those off-the-radar examples are any less competent or enjoyable to own. There are plenty of models that simply haven’t caught buyers’ imaginations as much as others – compare, for example, Sunbeam Alpine ‘Series’ models against MGBs, NSU Ro80s against Mercedes-Benz W114 ‘new generation’ models, or even Hillman Imps against BMC/BL Minis.

The market can be a cruel mistress; some cars see an increase in popularity, which then slips away, while others are ignored by enthusiasts who simply can’t be bothered to look around with a more open mind. But real enthusiasts will do their homework, focusing not just on the car at the top of their wish list, but its potential rivals, too. And that’s where that real enthusiast gets ahead of the game, saving money and owning something that bit different to boot.

The five cars highlighted here offer great value when compared with their rivals. They’re not particularly eccentric and don’t have any attendant problems with spares supply or lack of club support, but they do offer enjoyable classic motoring – and demonstrate that you don’t need to follow the crowd to have an enjoyable classic.