32 The big story
Small cars, big thrills
How powerful does a classic have to be before it can be deemed to be ‘fun’? Some say nothing less than a big-block Corvette or Mustang will offer the maximum fun factor, but is that really the case?
Plenty of enthusiasts aren’t impressed by multi-cylinder engines developing enough power to light a small town – in fact, some feel that there’s more driving pleasure to be had from a small engine in a car that’s almost rowed along by deft use of the gearbox and little application of the brakes.
It’s worth noting that an almostunderground following developed in late-50s and early-60s America for ‘etceterinis’ – small-engined Italian cars such as Morettis and Stanguellinis – almost in rebellion against the much larger engines used by most US manufacturers.
The sub-one-litre capacity sees plenty of cars of all ages and types offering two-, three- and fourcylinder classic motoring, from a 1930 Austin 7 (cheaper than older VSCC-eligible models) to earlier Morris Minors, Citroën 2CVs and Fiat 500s right through to the lunacy of 1980s Daihatsu triples, there is proof everywhere that a big engine might not put the biggest smile onto a driver’s face.
The beauty of the sub-litre segment is that many cars are as affordable as their engines are small – there are exceptions, as would-be Fiat 500 owners can attest, but the 126 that replaced it offers as much fun in something less clichéd and more affordable.
Minis remain relatively affordable, but it’s a case of shopping around because late 1980s 1000cc models are seeing value
hikes as early cars (and late- Sixties MkIIs) increasingly grab buyers’ imaginations. But it is still possible to make a reasonable buy – this week’s Brightwells’ review includes a 1968 Morris Mini Traveller that sold for £3080. The same sale also featured a 1937 Austin 7 special that achieved £9680.
It is still possible to buy a fourdoor sub-1000cc classic, from a Renault 4CV and 4 to the Citroën 2CV and Blighty-born Morris Minor and Austin A30/A35, at sensible levels, even if they can no longer be considered cheap. Back in March a very smart 1955 Austin A30 fourdoor made £6050.
It is possible to buy something rare, interesting and sporting, without the necessity to resort to something British. May’s Historics’ sale saw a 1965 Fiat 850 Sport in 2/2+ order make £10,754. Rare, Italian, rear-engined and affordable – why would anyone want to go large?