Calling all unusual hot hatch owners
Discussion
B4rker said:
Don't know if It's been already mentioned but i give you the Talbot Sunbeam. My mate's brother had one when we were at school and used to think it was the mutts nuts. 
I've mentioned it and the lancia delta three times but people ignored me.The sunbeam is unusual over most hot hatches in that it is correct wheel drive. And in won the WRC.
ADM06 said:
B4rker said:
Don't know if It's been already mentioned but i give you the Talbot Sunbeam. My mate's brother had one when we were at school and used to think it was the mutts nuts.
I've mentioned it and the lancia delta three times but people ignored me.The sunbeam is unusual over most hot hatches in that it is correct wheel drive. And in won the WRC.
B4rker said:
Indeed as with many ex rally cars. Is the orange cosworth powered one still in the classifieds?Mr2Mike said:
Famous Graham said:
I was going to post about my old MG Metro Turbo, but they weren't all that rare. Or unusual.
This is my suggestion:
I know it has the dreaded Griffin on the badge, but it really was a good car. Quick enough to embarrass RS Turbos (at least standard ones) but would return 40mpg easily on a run, and had a huge boot. On the downside, handling and rust proofing weren't exactly state of the art.
As said, rust was a problem if not taken care of but the handling was fine on the 16valver - like a 205 gti it could punish indecision in a fast bend. I liked it as the back end was quite mobile with a little lift
Mr2Mike said:
They are very rare indeed these days. I believe the number of Mk1 Turbos remaining registered is in single digits, and there's only 45 left in total according to How Many Left.
This is my suggestion:
I know it has the dreaded Griffin on the badge, but it really was a good car. Quick enough to embarrass RS Turbos (at least standard ones) but would return 40mpg easily on a run, and had a huge boot. On the downside, handling and rust proofing weren't exactly state of the art.
Ah, the Astra GTE 16V. I did 30k happy miles in one of those (F345MTN) The handling wasn't too bad (understeer of course) but the roadholding was poor on std 65 profile tyres. Changed mine with better alloys for 50 series rubber which improved the roadholding from std. 40mpg though? Er no, 25 to 30 if it was lucky. Other points? Quirky digital dash. Good seats and a decent (160 bhp) engine. Miss that car. This is my suggestion:
I know it has the dreaded Griffin on the badge, but it really was a good car. Quick enough to embarrass RS Turbos (at least standard ones) but would return 40mpg easily on a run, and had a huge boot. On the downside, handling and rust proofing weren't exactly state of the art.
s m said:
I had one of those - excellent hot hatch - common sight 20 years ago but not so much now.
As said, rust was a problem if not taken care of but the handling was fine on the 16valver - like a 205 gti it could punish indecision in a fast bend. I liked it as the back end was quite mobile with a little lift
Handling was nothing like as bad as some people suggest, but it wasn't up to e.g. Pug 205 standards. I did have the back end trying to overtake the front a couple of times during my ownership, but at least it was easier to catch than a 205!As said, rust was a problem if not taken care of but the handling was fine on the 16valver - like a 205 gti it could punish indecision in a fast bend. I liked it as the back end was quite mobile with a little lift
2slo said:
40mpg though? Er no, 25 to 30 if it was lucky.
I could get 40mpg from mine fairly easily on my daily commute (60 mile round trip) if I restrained myself. Thrashing it would drop to low 30s but I don't think I ever got it below 30mpg.Edited by Mr2Mike on Friday 16th September 23:31
Mr2Mike said:
I could get 40mpg from mine fairly easily on my daily commute (60 mile round trip) if I restrained myself. Thrashing it would drop to low 30s but I don't think I ever got it below 30mpg.
You should have tried harder! 
My favourite hot hatch wasn't the fastest one I ever drove or owned but the best handling. The Peugeot 106GTI. Only 120bhp and Golf GTIs etc would see it off on the straights, but what it lacked in straight line speed it made up for in being so easy to slide through corners and roundabouts etc. They had a smart interior too, leather/ alcantara type combination. Heres mine:
Yes, interestingly the Euro Opel Kadett Gsi 16v were offered with a 195/55x15 on a 6x15 as an option and the ltd edition Champion they did here also ran 15s with a 195 width. They were undertyred really on 185s but most people didn't realise the original Et49 offset was important to retain to preserve the handling feel.
Made a few tweaks to the geo on mine ( recommended by an ex Vaux motorsport guy ) and along with GY F1 GSD2 s all round it was great in the bends - plus the engine was a stormer
Made a few tweaks to the geo on mine ( recommended by an ex Vaux motorsport guy ) and along with GY F1 GSD2 s all round it was great in the bends - plus the engine was a stormer
2slo said:
You should have tried harder!
My favourite hot hatch wasn't the fastest one I ever drove or owned but the best handling. The Peugeot 106GTI. Only 120bhp and Golf GTIs etc would see it off on the straights, but what it lacked in straight line speed it made up for in being so easy to slide through corners and roundabouts etc. They had a smart interior too, leather/ alcantara type combination. Heres mine:
Not exactly unusual thoughMy favourite hot hatch wasn't the fastest one I ever drove or owned but the best handling. The Peugeot 106GTI. Only 120bhp and Golf GTIs etc would see it off on the straights, but what it lacked in straight line speed it made up for in being so easy to slide through corners and roundabouts etc. They had a smart interior too, leather/ alcantara type combination. Heres mine:
annodomini2 said:
2slo said:
You should have tried harder!
My favourite hot hatch wasn't the fastest one I ever drove or owned but the best handling. The Peugeot 106GTI. Only 120bhp and Golf GTIs etc would see it off on the straights, but what it lacked in straight line speed it made up for in being so easy to slide through corners and roundabouts etc. They had a smart interior too, leather/ alcantara type combination. Heres mine:
Not exactly unusual thoughMy favourite hot hatch wasn't the fastest one I ever drove or owned but the best handling. The Peugeot 106GTI. Only 120bhp and Golf GTIs etc would see it off on the straights, but what it lacked in straight line speed it made up for in being so easy to slide through corners and roundabouts etc. They had a smart interior too, leather/ alcantara type combination. Heres mine:
2slo said:
When it was made no, there were quite a few on the roads (although cheaper saxos were more common) but it's been years since I saw a decent one without a load of added weight due to halfrauds crap add ons etc. Sadly the way a lot of decent cars end up when their value gets down to a certain level.
Unfortunately that seems to be the case.
The paperwork in the glove box suggested it should be doing about 74mpg on extra-urban cycle...
PhilipAlfa said:
Yes - great way to spend an afternoon (standing around in the rain whilst some else drives your pride and joy 
) and good to meet everyone. Can't wait to see the pictures...
Is there a list of cars that turned up somewhere? Need some help choosing a new motor and need inspiration..) and good to meet everyone. Can't wait to see the pictures...Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff