help me choose another classic :-)
Discussion
Ok so i have a beautiful Sunbeam Lotus thats used in summer dry days only and is too good to take on trackdays, its concours. This year
I may be fortunate enough to have a second classic with a budget of 25-30k max.
Its realistically going to be a porsche 911 or possibly a Lancia Delta Integrale as ive never owned either make or model.
Ideally it needs to be something that will hold value as it may not be a lifelong keeper but needs to be properly sorted, and capable of some fun fast road drives and weekends away.
classic shape 2.7 911s hold a lot of appeal rather than a modern porsche but if honest i need to start my research now as to which model to go for as i know little about the perils of ownership. If its an older 911 I'd hope for something possibly restored but maybe my budget is too low.
With integrales i know all about the rust issues and am aware of the need to get a good one but again need to research.
Alternatively through something else in the mix please!
Cheers
I may be fortunate enough to have a second classic with a budget of 25-30k max.
Its realistically going to be a porsche 911 or possibly a Lancia Delta Integrale as ive never owned either make or model.
Ideally it needs to be something that will hold value as it may not be a lifelong keeper but needs to be properly sorted, and capable of some fun fast road drives and weekends away.
classic shape 2.7 911s hold a lot of appeal rather than a modern porsche but if honest i need to start my research now as to which model to go for as i know little about the perils of ownership. If its an older 911 I'd hope for something possibly restored but maybe my budget is too low.
With integrales i know all about the rust issues and am aware of the need to get a good one but again need to research.
Alternatively through something else in the mix please!
Cheers
Edited by 200Plus Club on Friday 27th February 14:11
DeanR32 said:
With that budget, I'd be looking at an BMW 3.0csi, a Datsun 240z, or an Integrale (Lagos bleu)
BMW would be top of my list
interesting thought on the BMW!BMW would be top of my list
there is also a thought about something modern as a future classic like an Exige S1 which i think are holding their value nicely. something nice/different/quick for a year or two would be ideal, that doesnt lose much value.
pacoryan said:
Let's face it, it's going to be a 911.
If you have a few brave pills to hand how about:
Fiat Dino Coupé
Ferrari Mondial QV or T, 400i/412 or 456, I would say 308 Dino but I doubt your budget will get one in the condition you need.
Porsche 928 GTS
Maserati Merak
E30 M3
Jensen Interceptor
240Z
Dodge Viper
out of those the E30 M3 would be a consideration and possibly a restored 240z. dont think i have the cahoonas for anything else lolIf you have a few brave pills to hand how about:
Fiat Dino Coupé
Ferrari Mondial QV or T, 400i/412 or 456, I would say 308 Dino but I doubt your budget will get one in the condition you need.
Porsche 928 GTS
Maserati Merak
E30 M3
Jensen Interceptor
240Z
Dodge Viper
mmm not so sure about the TVR tbh, am selling a 6 litre V8 car as we speak .
a quick trawl of E30 M3 brings up this beauty, altho i know the dealer is absoluet top whack prices they do see nice stock
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
left field Z4 M?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
exige s1
http://www.purelotus.co.uk/vehicle-page.html?p=57&...
very expensive E39 M5
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
911s
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
over budget but looks fantastic!
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
thats the type of stuff floating my boat. so much choice tbh!
a quick trawl of E30 M3 brings up this beauty, altho i know the dealer is absoluet top whack prices they do see nice stock
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
left field Z4 M?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
exige s1
http://www.purelotus.co.uk/vehicle-page.html?p=57&...
very expensive E39 M5
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
911s
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
over budget but looks fantastic!
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
thats the type of stuff floating my boat. so much choice tbh!
DeanR32 said:
How about the Renault 5 turbo 2's?
I'd have thought it'd be at the top of your budget at least
Never had any love for them tbh. Mk1 escort or mk2 or manta would float boat more.I'd have thought it'd be at the top of your budget at least
6r4 if funds allowed!
With regards to 911s i dont know enough yet about which model to avoid for engine issues and corrosion or enough in general but i probably need to scratch that 911 itch at some point. I went round blyton in a beautiful restored classic 911 last year with an air cooled 240bhp motor that was an absolute blast.
cbgt3 said:
200Plus Club said:
This is gonna get very difficult! Chevette hsr and a manta 400 possibly?
I have owned many Mantas over the years, including an i200 and I built an i240 that was featured in the very first Total Vauxhall magazine, also owned the Black Courtney Turbo Manta Exclusive, F560 HGS, that has been featured in many magazines,Awesome cars, I think I have owned over 30 mantas in my driving career!!!
As i understand it the E30 M3 has lots of rust potential and they are starting to look expensive for nice ones. I looked 2 or 3yrs ago and 20k got you a minter then. Saying that ive always wanted one.
Lancias are known for rot but a lot of the integrales have had work done now and you might get a decent car in the budget.
Anyone think the Z4M is future classic? Absolutely love the look of them.
Then i start thinking about 911s again lol!
My only worry with an older 911 would be picking an expensive lemon or with hidden rot
TonyRPH said:
Well below budget and perhaps not to your taste, but what about the old shape 6 series - BMW 635?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
Quite a few in the classifieds for around 20k and below.
Or an E12 M5
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
not a fan of anything other than the E30 or E39 tbh until i saw the z4m coupe. Older 6 series just dont float boat but good suggestions thank you http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
Quite a few in the classifieds for around 20k and below.
Or an E12 M5
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
cbgt3 said:
A guy in the close opposite to where I live in Daventry has a mint Lotus sunbeam in the black and silver its absolutely stunning,
Is yours black and silver or an Avon in blue and silver?
Moonstone blue with black stripes. Its absolutely beautiful and i love driving it. Added bonus is its gone up in value and costs less than 200 quid a yr full comp agreed value and you can do all the jobs on it yourself :-) Is yours black and silver or an Avon in blue and silver?
Ok some further thoughts within the budget of 30k having spent all weekend looking. (Not a bad thing!)
Possibles
Integrale- rot worries me but i guess sorted cars are around.
E30 M3 a definite possibility. Rot and expense rule also applies. Easy to buy a money pit.
Sierra Rs500 - icon, value will increase. Its a classic. Do i want one though having driven one years ago? Mmmm not sure
Lotus Carlton - possibly. Never driven one. Unusual and rare.
porsche 911- bewildering amount of choice. Scary stories of bearing failure in the models i could afford and not sure yet which modeli could afford while avoiding buying one with potential issues. Needs clarifying and very much a preferred option if within budget
Lotus Exige SC or similar -tipped as a future classic and a proper driving experience i can work on myself!
Other options-
Instead of one car why not two?
Chevette hsr and a caterham for trackday fun?
E39 M5 and an Elise?
So many bloomin lovely choices available!
Possibles
Integrale- rot worries me but i guess sorted cars are around.
E30 M3 a definite possibility. Rot and expense rule also applies. Easy to buy a money pit.
Sierra Rs500 - icon, value will increase. Its a classic. Do i want one though having driven one years ago? Mmmm not sure
Lotus Carlton - possibly. Never driven one. Unusual and rare.
porsche 911- bewildering amount of choice. Scary stories of bearing failure in the models i could afford and not sure yet which modeli could afford while avoiding buying one with potential issues. Needs clarifying and very much a preferred option if within budget
Lotus Exige SC or similar -tipped as a future classic and a proper driving experience i can work on myself!
Other options-
Instead of one car why not two?
Chevette hsr and a caterham for trackday fun?
E39 M5 and an Elise?
So many bloomin lovely choices available!
loafer123 said:
You would easily get a perfect 928 for well within budget.
Then you could drive to the track in comfort and do this...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P29nHru4fvI
Appreciate the quality of them but not a model i like tbhThen you could drive to the track in comfort and do this...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P29nHru4fvI
The Sunbeam lotus is far from standard tbh they weren't that great until modded. Its got a works spec front cross member, anti roll bar, strut brace , Salisbury plate diff, stronger axle with strengthening plate and is on 15 " alloys with 195s on it. Suspension is uprated and slightly lowered and its got capri discs. It goes very very well for 150bhp in 8-900kg :-)
clarkmagpie said:
A rather beautiful Alfa...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
Ok, maybe not beautiful in the traditional sense but just look at it!
Interesting! http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
Ok, maybe not beautiful in the traditional sense but just look at it!
I'd actually have the new Alfa 4c as i think its a beautiful car and a future classic
TonyRPH said:
Completely left field here, but what about a Ferrari Mondial?
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/20/mondial/
Although based on your OP, I suspect you're after something of a sports car rather than a grand tourer as such.
Based on your comments, the 911 seems to tick all the boxes for you, and I can't think of anything else in the same vein as a 911.
Except perhaps a Lotus Espirit.
ETA: Love the Sunbeam by the way, I think it's so much better looking than it's contemporaries.
I'm guessing that with it being a Lotus variant it handles way better too!
Chap at work has an Esprit. Looks nice but a bit of a mare to work on and many niggles. I hate fixing the cam cover seals on my lotus 911 engine lolhttp://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/20/mondial/
Although based on your OP, I suspect you're after something of a sports car rather than a grand tourer as such.
Based on your comments, the 911 seems to tick all the boxes for you, and I can't think of anything else in the same vein as a 911.
Except perhaps a Lotus Espirit.
ETA: Love the Sunbeam by the way, I think it's so much better looking than it's contemporaries.
I'm guessing that with it being a Lotus variant it handles way better too!
texaxile said:
That Sunbeam is gorgeous. I often see a black one being driven during the summer by a mature gent and his wife here in Ipswich.
E30 M3 is going to be possibly faster appreciating than an Intergrowler, but as you said that's not really what it's about, but finding a sorted one (M3) is perhaps easier. That said, there's something about the Inter that I like, and to be honest there's not much to choose between the two if you ever narrowed it down that is!.
Whatever happens we really need a picture post of that Sunbeam!!
Thank you. Its very dear to me as i put a deposit down on it while my mum was terminally ill and then couldn't collect but the owner held to his word and i picked it up a week after she died and picked it up with my father. It took us away from home and out of a terrible depression and I'll never forget that day. Its cherished as you can imagine :-)E30 M3 is going to be possibly faster appreciating than an Intergrowler, but as you said that's not really what it's about, but finding a sorted one (M3) is perhaps easier. That said, there's something about the Inter that I like, and to be honest there's not much to choose between the two if you ever narrowed it down that is!.
Whatever happens we really need a picture post of that Sunbeam!!
Its something you can actually drive fairly hard too and literally brings a smile to everyones faces when you pull up. If i can get something different but that gives as good a grin factor i will be chuffed to bits. E30 M3 was my original plan before i found the Sunbeam and you could just about get a good one then for 20k
I could literally spend a yr just looking at 911s as there are so many for sale within the budget. It's obviously way too late to get in on some of the models which appear to have gone price crazy and offer no value whatsoever to the driving enthusiasts and are just destined for collections.
pacoryan said:
Considering an E30 M3 to be a rot-prone money pit but then giving consideration to a Lotus Carlton.... hmmm, some more reading needs doing OP!
Sounds like you want performance and build quality/reliability that is pretty rare in anything built before 1990 unless it is German. You'll get the performance without the quality elsewhere, or vice versa, but I'm struggling to come up with anything older that will tick all the boxes.
In to the 90's of course you are spoilt for choice.
i spent a lot of time looking at E30s a couple of years ago, and my friend had one and sold it, it needed quite a lot of work to bodywork as it was going rotten. i've also seen a fairly hefty restoration thread on a fairly rotten Lotus Carlton, so i do appreciate that all cars of the era may have issues unless sorted. Sounds like you want performance and build quality/reliability that is pretty rare in anything built before 1990 unless it is German. You'll get the performance without the quality elsewhere, or vice versa, but I'm struggling to come up with anything older that will tick all the boxes.
In to the 90's of course you are spoilt for choice.
this caught my eye as an old classic today
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
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