What four-seat fun classic/future classic?

[PomBstard]

I'm looking for a fun four-seat classic/future classic from 80s/90s to replace my MX5. Needs to be able to carry a couple of young children (not babies) in the back and would be good to have a smattering of practicality for MTB'ing. Manual gearbox a must, prefer rwd, but fwd OK. Looking at keeping for 5+ years so needs to be enduring and entertaining.

Budget? Well, looking around AU$10-15k. Originally I was after an E24 BMW 635, but the stock is too limited, then I looked at E34s, but again the stock is too limited, and they're probably too big. So I started looking at BMW E30/E36 3-series, and also 205 GTI, 306 GTI6 type of thing.

Some examples of what has caught my eye...
1992 205 GTI 1.9
1999 306 GTI6 - one owner from new
1990 318iS - one owner from new
1984 323i - one owner from new (yep!)
1989 325iS
1996 328i coupe

Lots of BMW and Pug cos that's what I like! I've lined up an E30 318iS to look at, and did see a good one-owner 328i but it was light blue with a blue interior - complete with blue dash...

Golf Mk2 GTIs are very thin on the ground out here, and other than the original Quattro, nothing else from VAG does it for me. Porsche 944 appeals but a good S2 would be over my budget and a bit limited in the back.

So what else might work? If you want to check ideas, have a look at www.carsales.com.au - its a good spot for stuff over here.

[pacoryan]

Starion Turbo, Saab 900 T16, Nissan 200SX?

[IanMorewood]

If your going old BMW why not look at E21's?

[GregMac]

From your list I'd say the Pugs would give the same enjoyment at the MX-5. You might fight the Bimmers a bit big and heavy.

[Flatinfourth]

pacoryan said:

Starion Turbo, Saab 900 T16, Nissan 200SX?

Saab 900 Turbo variants. VERY good call indeed!

[benjj]

You need a Porsche 944S/944T/968.

[braddo]

Alfetta GTV6 (they rust a lot less in Australia )

[Pistom]

Alpine Renault GTA or A610. The kids will love you and you'll be their hero!

[PomBstard]

Thanks for that lot. The SAABs a good call - can't remember the last time I saw a T16 but I'm sure they're out here.

Not so keen on the Japanese coupes, and, as with the 944, they're just a bit cramped in the back.

I'll have a look at an E21 too

[jas xjr]

triumph doomite sprint

[Chrisw26]

Pistom said:

Alpine Renault GTA or A610. The kids will love you and you'll be their hero!

You might also instil a love of all things slightly unorthodox. You might even find they excel at
school by taking risks that other kids shy away from. You will also love driving it. The Gta is more analogue and I would argue prettier. Great idea.

[PomBstard]

Dolly Sprints are way too rare out here, as are Alpine/GTAs.

Anyway, to help myself I've had a go in a 205 GTI 1.9 and a E30 323i. The Pug was OK, not as much fun as I remembered, and stepping from the MX5 just didn't seem worth the hype. And I've had a few PSA Group cars from the 80/90s, I just remembered them differently.

The E30 though was great - and the example I took out was one owner from new, 29 years old, showroom condition. Fantastic thing. Just a shame that I'm about 4 inches too tall - there is no room in one of those in the front, let alone anywhere for someone to put their legs behind me - I don't remember them being that small!

The search continues...

[mark387mw]

Are you feeling brave?






Or something a bit older




Or if you change your mind for auto, how about a Jaguar XJS or XK8?

[Lowtimer]

I wish there were some Fiat 124 coupes left in the UK. As far as I can tell they all dissolved years ago. Such a pretty car, especially the slightly earlier version.

[Finlandese]

[quote=mark387mw]Are you feeling brave?






Absolutely! Just bought a `89 Zagato Spyder 2.8. Prices have already started to rise, and the classic car magazines have strated to publish buyers guides (Octeane, C&SC, etc.).

[Yertis]

Lowtimer said:

I wish there were some Fiat 124 coupes left in the UK. As far as I can tell they all dissolved years ago. Such a pretty car, especially the slightly earlier version.

There's one that lives in the underground car park I use in London, very original, rarely moves, but obviously T and T'ed.

[Flatinfourth]

Yertis said:

Lowtimer said:

I wish there were some Fiat 124 coupes left in the UK. As far as I can tell they all dissolved years ago. Such a pretty car, especially the slightly earlier version.

There's one that lives in the underground car park I use in London, very original, rarely moves, but obviously T and T'ed.

Very nice car the 124 Sport. A thinking mans RS2000! I remember being taken to school in one as a small boy. Bright yellow, reg was i think DAA1K. where is it now?

[F1pump]

If that 124 sport is forsale i'd buy it today with a doubt, coincidently with that quattroporte in the above picture could that possibly be the side entrance to Bill McGraths

[PomBstard]

F1pump said:

If that 124 sport is forsale i'd buy it today with a doubt, coincidently with that quattroporte in the above picture could that possibly be the side entrance to Bill McGraths

The ad suggests it's not exactly in standard form - 198rwhp is probably a bit more than factory setting... But I like the thinking.

[mark387mw]

PomBstard said:

The ad suggests it's not exactly in standard form - 198rwhp is probably a bit more than factory setting... But I like the thinking.

Probably the Nissan CA18DET engine - I didn't notice the transplant when I found the ad.