Sub £20k Sports Car
Discussion
I'm looking for a usable classic sports car (convertible) for the summer. Absolute maximum budget is £20k and preferably a bit less.
I have chance of a very nice TR6 and I'm on the verge of going for it.
I don't want a modern classic such as an MX5,Boxster or Z3/4. Other than an MGC I can't think of anything else that would fit the bill. AH too expensive, MGB no improvement on the TR.
Have I missed anything ?
I have chance of a very nice TR6 and I'm on the verge of going for it.
I don't want a modern classic such as an MX5,Boxster or Z3/4. Other than an MGC I can't think of anything else that would fit the bill. AH too expensive, MGB no improvement on the TR.
Have I missed anything ?
Some good suggestions.
TVR did cross my mind, I've had a few in the past, including two Griffs. Not sure if they're a bit modern, but a 4.5 Chimaera was one of the nicest cars I've owned. I may go and have a look at one this week.
Alfa Spider is another great suggestion. Jensen Healey likewise.
Back to Car and Classic.
TVR did cross my mind, I've had a few in the past, including two Griffs. Not sure if they're a bit modern, but a 4.5 Chimaera was one of the nicest cars I've owned. I may go and have a look at one this week.
Alfa Spider is another great suggestion. Jensen Healey likewise.
Back to Car and Classic.
Yertis said:
I'm going to weigh in with my new fascination - the Nissan 280zx. Plenty of change from £20k, and in the developing spirit of the thread, 'not a proper sportscar'.
Has to be a convertible.With all the good suggestions I've had to lie in a darkened room for the last few days, thinking.
I've made an offer on the TR6, which has been refused. The seller has other interested parties so it's in the balance and it's not ruled out yet.
Mercedes are not the type of car I'm looking for.
Some of the "modern classics" that I initially ruled out are also starting to look more interesting.
As a complete change of direction I've even thought of trading my modern car for a Jaguar XKR and getting a cheaper car for daily use.
In short I'm more confused than ever.
Yertis said:
What's the spec of the TR? PI? Suspension upgrades? Bosch fuel pump at the very least if PI? I wouldn't touch a TR6 without those things, or the intention to fit then.
Car has PI and Bosch fuel pump. Believe it or not I haven't even seen it yet, it's not local to me and the owner is overseas.I'm buying (or at least trying to) on the strength of a friend in the trade who's known it for years and advises that it's an exceptional example.
Said friend is well qualified to assess. He's a car restorer and looks after some high end classic racing cars.
If I'm successful I'll be straight back on this forum asking for advice on the recommended modifications.
Collected the car today and drove it 160 miles back to base, mostly in the pouring rain.
It's in lovely condition, perhaps even better than I expected. The wipers worked and the hood didn't leak a drop so that's something.
I haven't driven one for a very long time and I'd forgotten how primitive they are, but I think that's part of the charm in a way.
I'll see how I get on with it when the sun shines.
It's in lovely condition, perhaps even better than I expected. The wipers worked and the hood didn't leak a drop so that's something.
I haven't driven one for a very long time and I'd forgotten how primitive they are, but I think that's part of the charm in a way.
I'll see how I get on with it when the sun shines.
Yertis said:
Looks great to me - best colour! It looks like a CR (125bhp). There is a lot you can easily do to these to release more power for not much outlay. It looks to be riding about right for standard suspension in good order - a lot of these cars have lowered or tired susension so sit lower than they should. I'm not sure Dink's assertion that the Alfa will 'out gun' a TR6 is correct, don't have the figures to hand, but I recall the performance as being about the same out of the box.
It is a CR car, fitted with a 150 head, which I assume means bigger valves. Given the overall condition of the car and it's maintenance history I'm fairly confident it's performance is as it should be for a more or less standard car. It has a Bosch pump fitted.What are the cost-effective options for getting a bit more out of it ?
I've had the car over to a local Triumph specialist and he's pronounced it an excellent all-round car. He took it for a test drive and confirms it performs and drives as a good standard TR6 should.
Having put a few miles on the car, on Yorkshire Dales B roads, I'm undecided whether I actually like it enough to start upgrading.
The car is in really excellent condition and I certainly like the way it looks. Although I wasn't expecting to be pushed back in the seat, I'm finding the performance a bit too tame. Although now that I've mastered the long-travel throttle it's improved somewhat.
The ride is about what I expected. It hangs on surprisingly well round corners but the steering is heavier than I imagined.
The OH loves it so it's only fair that I give it more time.
My local Triumph man has fitted the throttle linkage and exhaust manifold on other cars and confirms the improvement is noticeable. He also recommends a telescopic shock absorber conversion.
I imagine the next stage in upgrading the engine performance would be a cam change ?
Having put a few miles on the car, on Yorkshire Dales B roads, I'm undecided whether I actually like it enough to start upgrading.
The car is in really excellent condition and I certainly like the way it looks. Although I wasn't expecting to be pushed back in the seat, I'm finding the performance a bit too tame. Although now that I've mastered the long-travel throttle it's improved somewhat.
The ride is about what I expected. It hangs on surprisingly well round corners but the steering is heavier than I imagined.
The OH loves it so it's only fair that I give it more time.
My local Triumph man has fitted the throttle linkage and exhaust manifold on other cars and confirms the improvement is noticeable. He also recommends a telescopic shock absorber conversion.
I imagine the next stage in upgrading the engine performance would be a cam change ?
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