RE: The Unusual Suspects: PH Blog

RE: The Unusual Suspects: PH Blog

Author
Discussion

JakeThePeg

4,076 posts

122 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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Would a Pulsar GTI-R fit into this category? I've never seen another one on the roads and they look cool, and have the Sr20 engine toosmile

mrpushrod

68 posts

138 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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MG Metro Turbo, if you can find one.

Adrian E

3,248 posts

176 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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Had a '99 Xsara VTS in Bora Bora green, which was similarly in your face to the Helios Yellow pictured. Interior trim pattern was something to behold (not in a good way) but was pretty modern for its day (dash dated somewhat better than the GTI-6). Was ridiculously cheap to buy at 4 years old with minimal mileage compared to its other worldly 306 cousin. The 5 speed box was fine and it had much better steering lock as a result. Minor electrical niggles aside it was entirely reliable - just don't buy a facelift one with the gopping headlights and dodgy wiring!

My favourite (and still owned) choice is my Citroen BX16Valve - rated in its day but never in the same way as the mechanically similar 405 Mi-16. Very rare car now but great fun on sweeping A and B roads.

Leins

9,468 posts

148 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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There was a time when these adorned the front of performance car magazines:


is1

188 posts

148 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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Nissan Sunny GTI (not GTI-R) was supposed to be a stonking drive, as good as a Williams apparently.
The Charade GTtis were great.
Suzuki Swift GTI?

Lowtimer

4,286 posts

168 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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On the subject of unlikely Nissans, the Almera and Primera families also produced some very useful hotted up versions.

is1

188 posts

148 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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Mazda 323 Turbo 4x4.

mrpushrod

68 posts

138 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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Lowtimer said:
On the subject of unlikely Nissans, the Almera and Primera families also produced some very useful hotted up versions.


Agreed, the earlier Primera eGT is supposed to be an even better steer than the later GT I have.

I have very fond memories of a red BX 16 valve, very quick yet so comfy as well. Great noise too.

Edited by mrpushrod on Tuesday 18th November 15:20

Deadlysub

512 posts

158 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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I bought a Fiesta ST new in 2005 when the better buy would have been a Clio 182 but I wanted the car which finished second to it in all the contempory road tests. I loved the Fiesta, ok it wasn't that quick but it handled well and looked great (in my opinion)

A few years later I bought a VX220 instead of the Elise but that was more down to value for money.

dukebox9reg

1,571 posts

148 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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The first Swift GTI was a cracking revvy car.

I still have found memories of flogging my older brothers Renault 19 16V about. The fatter cousin of the Williams. I still think that was a massively underrated car and I think it handled at least better than the equivalent Clio RSI. Not sure about the Williams as I never driven one.

Could also throw in the mk1 Megane coupe with the williams based F7R engine. That was a cracking drive. 150bhp and weighed just over a ton.

Oh and a very rare hatchback by older brother had again which I wasn't allowed to drive at the time. Safrane Bi-Turbo (Renault fan boy). Felt silly quick back then. Not saying it was any good mind.

Edited by dukebox9reg on Tuesday 18th November 15:28

firebird350

322 posts

180 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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Am I going too far back in time to mention the Fiat Strada Abarth?!

johnnynocash

4 posts

143 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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I've said it once (literally) and I'll say it again: Smart ForFour Brabus! It certainly seemed unusual to others when I had mine.

Had a ride in a Clio Williams a few years back; great looks, great seats, but didn't set the pulse racing the way I expected. Doesn't stop me wanting one tho wobble




PhilBarker

2 posts

146 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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I was lucky enough to own a 309 GTi Goodwood when I was 21 for a few years.
What an absolutely legendary car, better handling than the 205 regardless of what 205 fans will tell you. The extra length made it more predictable and with a bit of lift off oversteer you could have so much fun in it.

I'd love to own one again!

eglin

16 posts

118 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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Two cars I often consider as cheap potentially fun warm hatches are the Suzuki Ignis Sport, and the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart. Couldn't tell you the last time I saw either of them on the road as well.

smashy

3,036 posts

158 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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Heres one I bought a Datsun Europa GTI as a young lad at the 1983 earls court motor show I hadnt heard of it when I bought it and I havent heard of it since wriggling out of the sale an hour later lol.Infact I cant find any images or info on google even.
After I bought it went to the top floor and couldnt believe what I was looking at a whole row of Escort Xr3is and 1600is ,from a finance repo company all nearly new,

I was looking at my dream car ever since a 10 year old wanting a Ford Escort Mexico.
Young and naive didnt know if I had cancellation rights and plotted an escape.Bought a car magazine that showed the 0-60 was slower than the salesman told me on the desk so went back gave him the news then went upstairs to get my dream car and it was truly my favourite car then and now.

mooseracer

1,886 posts

170 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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firebird350 said:
Am I going too far back in time to mention the Fiat Strada Abarth?!
Certainly not, cracking cars and I still get sorely tempted by the odd one that comes up for sale.

JakeThePeg

4,076 posts

122 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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eglin said:
Two cars I often consider as cheap potentially fun warm hatches are the Suzuki Ignis Sport, and the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart. Couldn't tell you the last time I saw either of them on the road as well.
One of the guys I work with has a Colt Ralliart, they look pretty good, and go quite well too!

smashy

3,036 posts

158 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
quotequote all
smashy said:
Heres one I bought a Datsun Europa GTI as a young lad at the 1983 earls court motor show I hadnt heard of it when I bought it and I havent heard of it since wriggling out of the sale an hour later lol.Infact I cant find any images or info on google even.
After I bought it went to the top floor and couldnt believe what I was looking at a whole row of Escort Xr3is and 1600is ,from a finance repo company all nearly new,

I was looking at my dream car ever since a 10 year old wanting a Ford Escort Mexico.
Young and naive didnt know if I had cancellation rights and plotted an escape.Bought a car magazine that showed the 0-60 was slower than the salesman told me on the desk so went back gave him the news then went upstairs to get my dream car and it was truly my favourite car then and now.
Actually I think this is it,,,,,,,,http://www.datsun-france.com/Ratdat/ratdatblog/?cat=241 Got some Alfa Romeo DNA in it!!

ProBodge

43 posts

118 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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I think the Volvo 480 should get a mention.

Weird wedge looks. First FWD Volvo. Pop-up headlights. Only 4 seats (due to a rear centre console). Futuristic "computer" (that barely worked, meaning you never knew how much petrol you had left). Turbo option available. Lotus designed suspension.

I had an ES and it was awesome. Loads of character and it handled very well. Turned in beautifully. Unfortunately I got a bit carried away one day and put it through three concrete posts at 60mph. Turns out it's also incredibly safe.


GTEYE

2,096 posts

210 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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smashy said:
Heres one I bought a Datsun Europa GTI as a young lad at the 1983 earls court motor show I hadnt heard of it when I bought it and I havent heard of it since wriggling out of the sale an hour later lol.Infact I cant find any images or info on google even.
After I bought it went to the top floor and couldnt believe what I was looking at a whole row of Escort Xr3is and 1600is ,from a finance repo company all nearly new,

I was looking at my dream car ever since a 10 year old wanting a Ford Escort Mexico.
Young and naive didnt know if I had cancellation rights and plotted an escape.Bought a car magazine that showed the 0-60 was slower than the salesman told me on the desk so went back gave him the news then went upstairs to get my dream car and it was truly my favourite car then and now.
Try searching for Nissan Cherry Europe GTi - you'll find it on Google, I very much would be surprised if you'd find one anywhere else.....a Nissan Cherry with an Alfasud Ti engine....