02 Ford Model T

In part due to the effort and compromises involved in driving them, cars from the dawn of motoring always appear to represent good value in comparison with later, more user-friendly models. Nonetheless, it seems remarkable that something as iconic –and important – as the Model T remains so affordable.

But then, it’s not as if they are rare… plenty have been driven into the ground over the past century or so, but more than 14 million of this mass-production pioneer were built from 1908 to 1927, so there’s still a fair few around. They are also cheap and simple to maintain, not to mention incredibly durable, having survived lifetimes as workhorses in the most inhospitable surroundings. Combine these factors and you end up with a surprisingly wide choice in the marketplace, even on this side of the pond.

Restoration projects start from just a few thousand pounds, or for between £10k and our limit you can take your pick from the classic ‘Tin Lizzie’ tourer, sedan, ‘Laurel and Hardy’ roadster, pick-up or perhaps even a stripped-down speedster – ideal for making those tentative first steps into vintage and veteran competition.

Early cars in particular require their driver to recalibrate what constitutes ‘normal’ from behind the wheel – with a central reverse pedal and the throttle on a lever – but there’s a thriving community of enthusiasts and adventurers who are ready to welcome you to the joys of life at less than 40mph.