Bellow
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
Pretty compact I think. Or its predecessor the 2002? Tii models had 130hp and weighed under 1000kg. Strong simple cars.
Help me choose a Summer-fun classic-car
- Thread starter manalishi
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- choose classiccar summerfun
Pretty compact I think. Or its predecessor the 2002? Tii models had 130hp and weighed under 1000kg. Strong simple cars.
Chrishazle
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I've had a 968 coupe for 12 years now (after 2 x 944's, a lux and an S which was rubbish) - and I'm on the lookout for the cabrio! Don't be put off by 100k+ miles providing the history file is good - I've seen them with close to 200K and still going well! Might be a bit wide for your garage.
Another cabrio that's getting down to silly money is an early Boxster - the 2.7 is loads of fun, seriously considered one myself but have decided I'd rather have a 968 cab.
Another cabrio that's getting down to silly money is an early Boxster - the 2.7 is loads of fun, seriously considered one myself but have decided I'd rather have a 968 cab.
Just checked and BMW E21 and Porsche 944/968 are both over 4.3m long (most of those mentioned above are 3.6-3.9m). My previous plan was a Volvo P1800, but they're surprisingly long, too. 
Annoyingly, of course, it's a width issue, too and 2-door cars need more for opening the door in the garage as well. Grrr...
Annoyingly, of course, it's a width issue, too and 2-door cars need more for opening the door in the garage as well. Grrr...
Any real reason to not look at British - I'm not a particularly massive fan, but for a compact classic with some character stuff like old MGBs or Minis would probably fit your criteria (and garage) ok.
MX5 and MR2 sound like nice ideas too, Caterham/Westfield no good?
Motorbike?
Will
MX5 and MR2 sound like nice ideas too, Caterham/Westfield no good?
Motorbike?
Will
prprandall51
MB Enthusiast
Depends on your budget, but I would suggest the Lancia MonteCarlo Spyder if you have a fancy for a Fiat X19 but are not sure. There are very few around and they hold their value year after year. Last time I looked, I think they were about 6-7K.
Quite small (originally planned as the X19's slightly bigger brother and was due to be sold as the Fiat X1-20 or Fiat X-20 - I can't remember which - until it was given the Lancia badge) but the body was by PininFarina and it had the Lancia 2.0 twin cam which was good for 160-180bhp without too much effort. Leather and A/C were common extras so they are quite luxurious and they look like a baby Ferrari.
Vicious lift-off over-steer but then you like X19s so that won't surprise you.
Quite small (originally planned as the X19's slightly bigger brother and was due to be sold as the Fiat X1-20 or Fiat X-20 - I can't remember which - until it was given the Lancia badge) but the body was by PininFarina and it had the Lancia 2.0 twin cam which was good for 160-180bhp without too much effort. Leather and A/C were common extras so they are quite luxurious and they look like a baby Ferrari.
Vicious lift-off over-steer but then you like X19s so that won't surprise you.
Ade B
MB Enthusiast
Honda S800 looks like fun, they ran an article on a modified one in C&SC a while back, silly power to weight ratio, bit different and great looks. (no ECU either...)
I guess a 928 is too big, they are cheap - probably for a reason.
Fiat Barchetta? (ducks and runs for cover)
Ade
I guess a 928 is too big, they are cheap - probably for a reason.
Fiat Barchetta? (ducks and runs for cover)
Ade
SilverSaloon
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if an SL (R107) or SLK doesnt work for you, then the MX-5 is what i'd go for.
300CE
MB Enthusiast
The MX-5 would seem like a good bet - well rated, reasonably priced and cheap to run. Although, if i had the cash available i'd probably go for British like a Jensen or a Vitesse
Think I'd personally be looking at Caterham / Westfield / TVR.
I actually got my R129 as a 'sensible' alternative to a TVR Chimaera 500.
Virtually any 'classic' is going to be a pain for rust etc.
I actually got my R129 as a 'sensible' alternative to a TVR Chimaera 500.
Virtually any 'classic' is going to be a pain for rust etc.
LastMinute
Active Member
I was going to keep it M-B related and suggest the Smart Roadster, but that hasn't got a manual gearbox...
Smarties
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Smart Roadster! Compact and a total blast to drive. OK, it's got the Auto/Semi Auto box, but get one with paddles and you'll still have a hoot 
matty.13
Active Member
how about a bmw z3 . great little car
All useful reminders - thanks.
Have ruled out Caterham+alikes for their lack of weatherproofing. (Summer car, but I'm not totally optimistic about the occasional downpour).
TVR? Not in a million years.
Motorbikes, Will? Don't want to be an organ donor!
Plus there's a GF to consider - can't leave her at home on those lovely Summer days. 
Smart Roadster was on the list and I dropped it. Can't remember why - probably for the gearbox reason. The Brabus version must be a future classic, though? Maybe rethink, but if it's not involving to drive in the typical manual downshift-n-blip style...?
The Fiat Barchetta is pretty enough, but LHD-only, so it's out.
The Lancia Montecarlo... I'd not thought about that. I know the first series was awful, but the second series fixed the problems. In the right colour, it'd have some presence. Will find out more about them...
Elise - not ever. I struggled to get in and out of a friend's when I was younger and more lithe. And as for that bl**dy roof!!!
Have ruled out Caterham+alikes for their lack of weatherproofing. (Summer car, but I'm not totally optimistic about the occasional downpour).
TVR? Not in a million years.
Motorbikes, Will? Don't want to be an organ donor!
Plus there's a GF to consider - can't leave her at home on those lovely Summer days. Smart Roadster was on the list and I dropped it. Can't remember why - probably for the gearbox reason. The Brabus version must be a future classic, though? Maybe rethink, but if it's not involving to drive in the typical manual downshift-n-blip style...?
The Fiat Barchetta is pretty enough, but LHD-only, so it's out.
The Lancia Montecarlo... I'd not thought about that. I know the first series was awful, but the second series fixed the problems. In the right colour, it'd have some presence. Will find out more about them...
Elise - not ever. I struggled to get in and out of a friend's when I was younger and more lithe. And as for that bl**dy roof!!!
Ted
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Oh yes. Yes yes yes!!!!
Quite the most beautiful car.
Damn. Italian and mid engined (iirc) AND (again iirc a V12)
But simply goooorgeous.
Edit: Sorry I meant the Ferrari Dino.
Decision made. Go for that.
PS no such thing as a spider. Italian softops are spyder!
Ade B
MB Enthusiast
Ade B
MB Enthusiast
Different price bracket
Indeed!
(If I was spending that sort of money, it wouldn't be on that car, either; lovely as it may be).So... a slacker's afternoon's worth of Googling reveals that the Lancia Montecarlo is actually shorter than the X1/9! They fetch good money already: £7k for Lancia Montecarlo Spider Series 2 For Sale (1981) on Car And Classic UK (bought off Ebay for £4000 earlier and minor jobs done, it seems)
It has a certain charm, despite the best efforts of the plastic cladding.
