I'm pretty sure I'm on the right track, but its always fun to get others opinions
I've had a wide variety of hobby cars (as per my signature).
Right now I have an 05' Mazdaspeed Miata, which is an amazing all-rounder, but its just not weird and wacky enough for me.
My classic british sensibilities and my love of motoring history, leads me to desiring a 70s Mini.
Right now I have my eye on a rust free 1000cc (single SU carb) green mini (LHD) with a white roof and 10inch rims (thats diameter not width!). The owner is out of town, so I have not driven his car yet. I did drive a later 1.3 injected model on a short test drive.
It was reasonably peppy. The driving position was bizarre. The interior was funky/fun. The ride was actually quite pliant. The gear box synchros did not want to be rushed. I'm sure I looked like a total nut-bar in it.
In the end, what I really want is something that will make both myself and the people around me smile when they see it. Something that will stand out at a local cars and coffee. I want something that I can improve and customize to my own liking over time without breaking the budget. I also want to have a drivers car that will make me want to jump in it and rip to the corner store or the local twisties.
Any current or former classic mini owners out there who can either share or counter my logic?