Help me choose a Summer-fun classic-car

[Classic_car]

That TR is gorgeous, you are a lucky man! Definitely on my car "wish list".

 

[Howard]

The VTEC's aren't that torquey , but remember that they weigh less than a ton ...

They aren't 'slow' , they have low down power , but it just gets better with the VTEC on.

They'll still do 60 in 7 ish seconds ...

 

[manalishi]

Some thoughts/questions.
How's the girlfriend going to enjoy a revaholic buzz box VTEC? Isn't it just a hatch with a trick engine?
A 3 cylinder smart with a decent exhaust sounds glorious - in the way that triples do.
On looks alone, the Montecarlo! They look fabulous. But they are more than just lookers. Should be sweet drive with some torque about it.
What's the girlfriend steering you towards?
I kind of think there are 2 types of car. One so focused only the driver can enjoy and only then if alone. The other type can be 'shared' with a passenger.
That should explain my line of questioning!

GF is not involved in the choice of car. It'll only be a Summer 'high days' and weekend outings car (so the targa X1/9 and Spyder Montecarlo have extra brownie points there). But you're right that it this is about a car for me. She does know that I'm not after a car that only comes into its own at >80mph, so I am being moderately sensible. And we have the Accord and W124 for longer breaks and trips.

Funny that you mention the Smart's 3-cylinder racket. My Aygo has a 3-pot and it's got a strange growl to it. Not enough grunt, of course, but it's just our city car.

Yes, I suppose all VTECs could be accused of the little torque/revaholic thing. But I think that's rather the point - I like the effect on my SOHC VTEC, and a CRX test drive will soon reveal if the DOHC is more fun or more tiresome.

 

[manalishi]

Integrale, would be a good choice, a stunning car . Im considering one myself in the new year, but it will no doubt be hard to find the right car, that is also RHD.

Not sure why a British car is a problem?

RHD Integrale? Have I missed them? Searched this afternoon, and I thought they are all LHD. (And it seems rust is the enemy again).

And unfortunately, I just do not like old British cars (well, not the affordable ones). Perhaps I'm just too stingy to waste extra money on a set of imperial spanners.

 

[bolide]

I test-drove a CRX "Back in the Day" and was totally underwhelmed. Zero sense of occasion, no torque, irritating to drive and just another hatchback

Nick Froome

 

[Howard]

I test-drove a CRX "Back in the Day" and was totally underwhelmed. Zero sense of occasion, no torque, irritating to drive and just another hatchback

Nick Froome

A VTEC one Nick ?

What's so much fun about them is the fact that when other people have to change up , you just keep on going ...

The whole point of them is that they are revvy ....

 

[Stratman]

Porsche 924? Fun, cheap to run and your budget will buy an excellent example.

924 Club buyers guide





Cue the "It's not a real Porsche" blazer brigade.

 

[Classic_car]

RHD Integrale? Have I missed them? Searched this afternoon, and I thought they are all LHD. (And it seems rust is the enemy again)
.

There are quite a few about still that were Dealer converted to RHD when imported. Opinions vary as to whether this affects the steering 'feel'. But, I for one, would only consider RHD.

Sounds like you really want another X1/9 to me! May be just get a nice one of those. I've often been tempted by them. I saw a nice one in the red room at the Haynes museum last year, that made me think about getting one.

Would a Mk2 MR2 fit in your garage? They aren't too bad, if you get a late one, with the more powerful engine and better handling. They look nice and are reliable.

 

[Classic_car]

Porsche 924? Fun, cheap to run and your budget will buy an excellent example.

924 Club buyers guide

Cue the "It's not a real Porsche" blazer brigade.

It is a 'real Porsche'. Of course it is. But the standard car is pretty slow, although, still a nice car. The 'S', with the 2.5 engine is better. But, really, you want the Turbo. The Turbo, is lovely car, under-rated and so very good value. Looks slightly better than the 944 in my opinion. Mine had a lift out sunroof, which was nice and was very comfortable, more so than the 944 Cabriolet I had. Just watch out for rotten fuel and brake lines, that they seem to suffer from..

 

[BTB 500]

I remember being in a friend's X1/9 on the A3 when he put the (pop up) headlights on - you could feel the car decelerate!

 

[manalishi]

Porsche 924? Fun, cheap to run and your budget will buy an excellent example.

924 Club buyers guide

Cue the "It's not a real Porsche" blazer brigade.

Cue the "It's too long" brigade.

Classic car - You're right that I did start from the idea of another X1/9. But I remember its weaknesses very well, and thought I should widen the net (which is where I started the thread). Whoever it was who suggested the Montecarlo may have done me a big favour.

BTB 500 - ah, the auxiliary air brake effect

Why can't I like the MR2? Something's stopping me... can't figure it out.

 

[RBYCC]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PINK-VW-GOLF-CABRIOLET-VR6-SHOW-CAR-MK111-/290512635646?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43a3e706fe

 

[Haris]

930 Porsche 911 in some form.

 

[mattc]

What's that, Matt?

I couldn't think of a classic Datsun when I started out. I guess there are fairly modern kei series Nissans (probably similar to the Honda Beat, Mazda AZ1, etc), but that's an oldy. Not one of those rarities that now fetches £20k?

BlackC55 - so the chassis is over-designed for safety? Same true of the Brabus-tweaked version?

In truth I don't know anything about them.
I saw one a while ago on car and classic website so I went looking again. try this link

happy hunting.

 

[Bellow]

GF is not involved in the choice of car. It'll only be a Summer 'high days' and weekend outings car (so the targa X1/9 and Spyder Montecarlo have extra brownie points there). But you're right that it this is about a car for me. She does know that I'm not after a car that only comes into its own at >80mph, so I am being moderately sensible. And we have the Accord and W124 for longer breaks and trips.

Funny that you mention the Smart's 3-cylinder racket. My Aygo has a 3-pot and it's got a strange growl to it. Not enough grunt, of course, but it's just our city car.

Yes, I suppose all VTECs could be accused of the little torque/revaholic thing. But I think that's rather the point - I like the effect on my SOHC VTEC, and a CRX test drive will soon reveal if the DOHC is more fun or more tiresome.

Ah, that changes my view a little, it being more you focused!
In that case revvy VTEC is a contender (as might a 205GTi be?) and a smart a little soft edged.

Looking at all the suggestions so far, I'm inclined to agree with your comment that whoever suggested the Montecarlo has done you a favour. Hard to fault, and would work solo and two up.
And like you, I can barely muster any enthusiasm for an MR2. Parked next to a Montecarlo, would it even be noticed?

 

[Tiff]

I've decided to get a small 'summer fun' classic. One to SORN for the Autumn/Winter months and stick in the garage with a dehumidifier. Seems the best time to buy these is January/February, when prices are lower, and people have post-Christmas bills to settle.

Problem: my garage is small - typical 1930s size, and it won't take a medium-size car. The idea of rebuilding the garage to take a bigger classic (like a W123 CE, etc) is ... ... a non-starter.

So I've been shortlisting little cars that tickle my fancy and make me smile. So far I have:
* Fiat X1/9 (Lido?)
* Honda S800
* Honda CRX (c.1990 version)
* Mazda MX-5 Mk1
* Renault 5 Gordini
* Renault Clio Williams

Any thoughts on the above? I'm aware of some shortcomings (had an X1/9 before and know about its inability to brake in the wet), but would like to hear as much as possible.

And any other suggestions? Has to be interesting, not British, and have some potential to be a future classic. All have to be manual and have some element of fun even if they lack outright speed).

I'm drawn to the X1/9 simply because so many have rotted away, and the early ones with small bumpers are so lovely.

Why don't you get in touch with the Technical advisor from the X1/9 club..who is, erm.. ME

Whaddaya want to know about X1/9's?

they're not just for summer either!!

last one I had,giving it a quick paint Totally rust free

All done

Very easy to work on, just get in!

Can you tell I like them a little bit...

Oh, and a Honda VTEC engine goes in them quite nicely.. 160 bhp of high revvin fun. Still working on this..

 

[Sonny Burnett]

107 500

a no brainer for Mercedes fans

 

[Ted]

^^^ yes please!

 

[Ted]

How about this
You could modify the badge on the grille to remove the centre part.



Then you would be the green manalishi with a two pronged crown.

 

[Bellow]

Fulvia - classy little device!