Help me to choose a proper GT
Discussion
Hi,
I've been wanting to drive a proper GT as a daily driver for the longest time now. But every time I zero in on some model I find something that puts me off. I either find out it's unreliable, or find out it's only available with an automatic transmission or some other problem. But I'm running out of options so I thought I would reach out others to see if I may be overlooking some model that would fit my requirements.
I would like to buy a proper GT which fits the following requirements:
1. MUST be rear wheel drive.
2. Front engine
3. Manual transmission
4. Must have a back seat or at least a 2+2.
5. Must be 2 doors. Better if coupe or fastback. But not a must. Although not interested in sedans such as a BMW 3 series or hatchbacks such as a Golf.
6. Must be a classic or older model. So nothing new. But also nothing too old. I love a GT6. But I need something more modern with at least some current creature comforts. So I'm thinking it will need to be 80's or 90's. So an young classic.
7. Would love for it to look muscular.
8. I want something reliable. Something that I won't spend more time repairing it than driving it.
9. Can't cost an arm and a leg. How much is an arm and a leg? Well if it costs as much as a new comparable car, then it's double too much.
10. Not interested in something too small. Remember this is supposed to be a proper GT. So think Jaguar XJS rather than Opel Manta.
11. Not interested on anything by BMW.
12. Minimum 6 Cyl engine. V8 even better.
13. Needs to be readily available in Europe.
14. Needs to be LHD.
Here are the cars that I have already considered by ended up being disqualified, including what disqualified them:
Jaguar XJS: V12 is only automatic, manual 6 cyl. near impossible to find. Prices are going nuts. Horror stories about reliability.
Jaguar XK8: Basically all the above but the prices are OK.
Mercedes W126 Coupe: Automatic transmission only.
What else is out there that would fit the bill?
Thank you for your input.
BIG EDIT: Since the 928 won't stop coming up and people are getting upset because I turned it down or said I don't feel it's as much as GT as it is a sports car, I thought I would add something to my original post about it. Specially that many are reading the first post and just skipping to the end. The problem I have with the 928 is that it has pop-up lights and is more of a wedge shaped car. What I'm looking for is more of a fastback GT or maybe you could call it a fastback coupe GT. Something with more of a normal car front instead of a Corvette or wedge shape front. The 928 is a great car. Just not what I'm looking for. But thanks for all the suggestions.
RESOLVED: I've made a decision. I will probably get a XKR and do a manual transmission transplant. After much debate and search this is the best option. The only weakness of the car is the auto trans. A XKR with a 6-speed box will tick all boxes and will be a keeper. It's the most sensitive way to go. Thanks to all for playing.
I've been wanting to drive a proper GT as a daily driver for the longest time now. But every time I zero in on some model I find something that puts me off. I either find out it's unreliable, or find out it's only available with an automatic transmission or some other problem. But I'm running out of options so I thought I would reach out others to see if I may be overlooking some model that would fit my requirements.
I would like to buy a proper GT which fits the following requirements:
1. MUST be rear wheel drive.
2. Front engine
3. Manual transmission
4. Must have a back seat or at least a 2+2.
5. Must be 2 doors. Better if coupe or fastback. But not a must. Although not interested in sedans such as a BMW 3 series or hatchbacks such as a Golf.
6. Must be a classic or older model. So nothing new. But also nothing too old. I love a GT6. But I need something more modern with at least some current creature comforts. So I'm thinking it will need to be 80's or 90's. So an young classic.
7. Would love for it to look muscular.
8. I want something reliable. Something that I won't spend more time repairing it than driving it.
9. Can't cost an arm and a leg. How much is an arm and a leg? Well if it costs as much as a new comparable car, then it's double too much.
10. Not interested in something too small. Remember this is supposed to be a proper GT. So think Jaguar XJS rather than Opel Manta.
11. Not interested on anything by BMW.
12. Minimum 6 Cyl engine. V8 even better.
13. Needs to be readily available in Europe.
14. Needs to be LHD.
Here are the cars that I have already considered by ended up being disqualified, including what disqualified them:
Jaguar XJS: V12 is only automatic, manual 6 cyl. near impossible to find. Prices are going nuts. Horror stories about reliability.
Jaguar XK8: Basically all the above but the prices are OK.
Mercedes W126 Coupe: Automatic transmission only.
What else is out there that would fit the bill?
Thank you for your input.
BIG EDIT: Since the 928 won't stop coming up and people are getting upset because I turned it down or said I don't feel it's as much as GT as it is a sports car, I thought I would add something to my original post about it. Specially that many are reading the first post and just skipping to the end. The problem I have with the 928 is that it has pop-up lights and is more of a wedge shaped car. What I'm looking for is more of a fastback GT or maybe you could call it a fastback coupe GT. Something with more of a normal car front instead of a Corvette or wedge shape front. The 928 is a great car. Just not what I'm looking for. But thanks for all the suggestions.
RESOLVED: I've made a decision. I will probably get a XKR and do a manual transmission transplant. After much debate and search this is the best option. The only weakness of the car is the auto trans. A XKR with a 6-speed box will tick all boxes and will be a keeper. It's the most sensitive way to go. Thanks to all for playing.
Edited by Mickeym on Sunday 27th September 19:28
Edited by Mickeym on Sunday 27th September 21:47
Mickeym said:
Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure I would call a 928 a proper GT for the same reasons I wouldn't a RX7 or Starion.
A GT is something like a XJS or XK8. It's not really a sports car but a high performance luxury coupe.
A 928 is most certainly a proper GT, it will cruise the autobahnen at speed or monster mountain passes with equal ease, whilst leaving its occupants, and their copious luggage, unflustered; I'm not sure the XJS has the sharpness to do the whole job.A GT is something like a XJS or XK8. It's not really a sports car but a high performance luxury coupe.
fluffnik said:
A proper Grand Tourer should let you enjoy your dinner in Dresden, or Malmö, or Troyes, or wherever as much as you enjoyed your breakfast before disembarking.
I have found the ALPINA B10 V8, especially in double glazed Touring form, very satisfactory, lacking only in range...
That's a 4-door. Only interested in 2-doors. Please stick with the requirements I posted. Thanks.I have found the ALPINA B10 V8, especially in double glazed Touring form, very satisfactory, lacking only in range...
fluffnik said:
A 928 is most certainly a proper GT, it will cruise the autobahnen at speed or monster mountain passes with equal ease, whilst leaving its occupants, and their copious luggage, unflustered; I'm not sure the XJS has the sharpness to do the whole job.
I don't agree. I think it's more of a sports car. The stance, the height etc and specially the size. It's cramped as heck inside a 928. 
Mickeym said:
I don't agree. I think it's more of a sports car. The stance, the height etc and specially the size. It's cramped as heck inside a 928.
It's less cramped than an XJS, and will carry more luggage with the back seats down - both are realistically 2 seaters - whilst keeping you much less busy in the Alps...Mickeym said:
I have found the ALPINA B10 V8, especially in double glazed Touring form, very satisfactory, lacking only in range...
Mickeym said:
That's a 4-door. Only interested in 2-doors. Please stick with the requirements I posted. Thanks.
You asked for a proper GT! Do you intend to use the car as a Grand Tourer, as I do my B10 for 700 transcontinental miles a day, or do you actually want something else?
There's a reason most (proper) GTs are auto only, it makes them better tourers...
Not wanting a BMW removes most of the manual options in one fell swoop, and most fastbacks for less than lots will dement you on the auto[route,bahn,strada] long before you get to roads where they'll entertain, unless you're happy to cover <350miles/day...
Porsche 911?
I guess we are going to have to agree to disagree. I think the Porsche is not only more cramped but also has the wrong seats. It has sports seats.
The problem is that the term GT means nothing anymore. So many cars have GT on their names while they are actually sports cars, sports coupes etc. So many people are confused about what a GT really is.
A real GT is something that you would drive to the golf course instead of on a race track. A real GT puts luxury and comfort above performance. The 928 is not comfortable enough to be a GT, it doesn't handle like a GT because it's too short etc. It's a 2+2 sports car. The Panamera, despite being 4-doors is more of a GT really.
From the top of my head, cars that are real and proper GTs:
XJS
XK8
Most Aston Martins
Bentley Coupe
BMW 6 series
Mercedes S-class coupe
Cars that are almost GTs:
Mustang (not luxurious or comfortable enough)
Dodge Challenger (not luxurious or comfortable enough)
Supras (almost there but still lacks that Country Club quality)
3000GT (same as Supras)
If it feels at home on a race track chances are it's not a proper GT. I said chances are...
Regardless of people's perception of what a real GT is, I'm looking for the "type" of GT above.
The problem is that the term GT means nothing anymore. So many cars have GT on their names while they are actually sports cars, sports coupes etc. So many people are confused about what a GT really is.
A real GT is something that you would drive to the golf course instead of on a race track. A real GT puts luxury and comfort above performance. The 928 is not comfortable enough to be a GT, it doesn't handle like a GT because it's too short etc. It's a 2+2 sports car. The Panamera, despite being 4-doors is more of a GT really.
From the top of my head, cars that are real and proper GTs:
XJS
XK8
Most Aston Martins
Bentley Coupe
BMW 6 series
Mercedes S-class coupe
Cars that are almost GTs:
Mustang (not luxurious or comfortable enough)
Dodge Challenger (not luxurious or comfortable enough)
Supras (almost there but still lacks that Country Club quality)
3000GT (same as Supras)
If it feels at home on a race track chances are it's not a proper GT. I said chances are...
Regardless of people's perception of what a real GT is, I'm looking for the "type" of GT above.
fluffnik said:
You asked for a proper GT!
See, this is what I mean. One of the core definitions of a GT is it must be 2-doors.fluffnik said:
Do you intend to use the car as a Grand Tourer, as I do my B10 for 700 transcontinental miles a day, or do you actually want something else?
There's a reason most (proper) GTs are auto only, it makes them better tourers...
Not wanting a BMW removes most of the manual options in one fell swoop, and most fastbacks for less than lots will dement you on the auto[route,bahn,strada] long before you get to roads where they'll entertain, unless you're happy to cover <350miles/day...
Porsche 911?
911 is a sports car.There's a reason most (proper) GTs are auto only, it makes them better tourers...
Not wanting a BMW removes most of the manual options in one fell swoop, and most fastbacks for less than lots will dement you on the auto[route,bahn,strada] long before you get to roads where they'll entertain, unless you're happy to cover <350miles/day...
Porsche 911?
I hate BMWs, sorry.
Mickeym said:
fluffnik said:
and most fastbacks for less than lots will dement you on the auto[route,bahn,strada] long before you get to roads where they'll entertain, unless you're happy to cover <350miles/day...
What did you mean by that?Since your looking for LHD, are you planning to keep the car on the continent or just to use it for excursions?
If you're going to fly over the dull bits and just drive once you're there, mile munching capabilities are much less of an issue; me, I drive to Dresden for dinner, having breakfasted on the boat.
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