We all know that prices are on the rise; we hear about it in the classic press all the time. Record-breaking Austin-Healeys, pop stars splashing their cash at shows, the indomitable Mr.Brundle defying the laws of physics in a very wet £12million(!) Ferrari.

But what about the classics that we like, the cars that we would like to own? I drove a fantastic car yesterday, but one that I didn’t think I would enjoy – a 1972 Wolseley 1300 Mk II. Fellow motoring scribe Matt George was equally impressed after a fully restored MGC GT had left us a little flat.

It has to be said that the car was in fairly tatty condition. A bit of rust here and there, rips in the seats, you know the sort. But for £500 you cant really go wrong. Then we found out it is up for sale for £1200.

It got us thinking about the prices of budget classics, and how, like the price of butter, they seem to have crept up without us noticing. Our advice is to buy now if you want a budget useable classic – they’re not getting any cheaper

Greg MacLeman

Reporter