UK Equivalent of the C4 Corvette?
Discussion
In the USA, if you're handy with a spanner and want a classic sports car that can blow away anything else in the same price range (even moderns) then you've got one clear choice: C4 Corvette.
Cheap parts.
Bulletproof.
Massive tuning potential.
Cheap to buy.
Fast as standard.
Easy to work on.
What's the equivalent over here? I really can't work this one out.
Cheap parts.
Bulletproof.
Massive tuning potential.
Cheap to buy.
Fast as standard.
Easy to work on.
What's the equivalent over here? I really can't work this one out.
Tribal Chestnut said:
kiethton said:
TVR Chimera (or a cerbera)
Not really.The RV8 engine is fairly simple and robust, the car has the same fiberglass constrution as a C4, some iffy electronics (maybe a few more than the Corvette granted), parts are cheap etc.
ClassicMotorNut said:
Triumph TR7 V8
Often thought of these as a sort of British 'Vette in many respects - except it's all on a smaller scale! Depending on how you look at it, ticks every one of the requirements in the first post. In a similar vein, so do the TVR wedges...On the other hand I don't think you'll actually find a "real" equivalent as it could be said that the XJS is "our" Corvette; Chevy and Jaguar, tho', were selling to entirely different markets for entirely different experiences. Many moons back Classic and Sportscar magazine compared the V12 E-Type against the contemporary 'Vette and found the plastic one to be a better sports car!
Aston Martin... Porsche...Lambo....TVR almost (mickey mouse build quality).
When the C4 was built it was a highly developed car... wont bore you with all the details.
A vette is a vette there is no equivalent pound for pound.
Its either a C4 (which are a bargain at present)or you have to spend 5 to 10 times more to match it dynamically.
Read the reviews when it was new. 1986 onwards.
I've owned lots of European exotica etc... from various periods and the C4 does it all in period.
The Jankel Tempest was a C4 vette!
cheerio.
When the C4 was built it was a highly developed car... wont bore you with all the details.
A vette is a vette there is no equivalent pound for pound.
Its either a C4 (which are a bargain at present)or you have to spend 5 to 10 times more to match it dynamically.
Read the reviews when it was new. 1986 onwards.
I've owned lots of European exotica etc... from various periods and the C4 does it all in period.
The Jankel Tempest was a C4 vette!
cheerio.
Codswallop said:
Chimaera isn't too far off the mark imo.
The RV8 engine is fairly simple and robust, the car has the same fiberglass constrution as a C4, some iffy electronics (maybe a few more than the Corvette granted), parts are cheap etc.
My gripe with this comparison is that the Chim is a good 7-8 yrs younger, I believe. Also, last time I looked at C4 prices you could pick a decent one up for £6k, not sure if this was the case for a Chim, certainly not for a Cerbera. Must confess to not being up to speed with current prices.The RV8 engine is fairly simple and robust, the car has the same fiberglass constrution as a C4, some iffy electronics (maybe a few more than the Corvette granted), parts are cheap etc.
"Equivalent over here", as a UK built car, or one available here?
How about the Isuzu Piazza? Available on the UK about the same time as the C4, engine half the size, but two thirds the power and with similar looks. Plus plus-two seats an a usable boot. My family car until the kids got too big, at about ten.
John


How about the Isuzu Piazza? Available on the UK about the same time as the C4, engine half the size, but two thirds the power and with similar looks. Plus plus-two seats an a usable boot. My family car until the kids got too big, at about ten.
John
Raize said:
No parts availability over here, very hard to insure as an import (whereas in America you get 16 year olds driving these things regularly), and purchase cost is higher over here too. LHD only as well.
Parts are not a problem, and they don't need many.Insuring a us import is cheap on a suitable policy.
Raize said:
No parts availability over here, very hard to insure as an import (whereas in America you get 16 year olds driving these things regularly), and purchase cost is higher over here too. LHD only as well.
This cheap enough for you?http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...
All parts are readily available, insurance is cheap, I pay less than £200 per year for my modified C3 with my 2 sons on the policy. LHD is really not an issue except at car park barriers when you have no passenger.
G
If the TVR Chimaera is too new and expensive (though there are some cars still about at £6k), I would have thought that a 350i/400SE would fit the bill. Unless it has to be a FHC, very few 350sand no 400s.
Occasionally there is a Cerbera for £6k, but I wouldn't recommend it...
How about a Toyota Supra or Nissan 300ZX?
Oliver.
Occasionally there is a Cerbera for £6k, but I wouldn't recommend it...
How about a Toyota Supra or Nissan 300ZX?
Oliver.
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