What car that you owned were you most passionate about?
Discussion
It's a wet Saturday here in London and i'm sitting alone in my office, looking out at my car in the rain. Please allow me to indulge myself.
Taking ownership of my car was the culmination of a seed planted long ago by two things - Gran Turismo on the Playstation 1 and my uncles JDM rocket R33 GTR (don't scramble for my profile yet, it's not one of these). The seed was watered through the years and eventually I found myself in the position to own one of my heroes. I don't expect many here will understand my passion for my car. It's not a particularly rare machine, nor a spectacular performer in modern terms. It doesn't have more than average cylinders, or even rear seats. But it has teasing curves and lights that pop up, a willing turbo charged engine and an exhilarating exhaust note. I have no need for a stereo in my car, which disappoints passengers, but I don't care. The car was one of the greats of its time, and you could tell that Toyota learnt from their first attempt.
It may be 21 years old, but my car still looks exceedingly pretty, and it's just waiting to be driven, eager to be driven. The age of the machine means I am torn between leaving it as it left the factory or making a few choice upgrades. It's fantastic on a B road blast and just as satisfying as a GT, but there's no denying the suspension is getting tired and could do with sharpening up. The interior has a few rattles which need to be sorted. And they will be. Because this car isn't just a car to me. It's a passion. It's not exactly where I want it to be yet, but it will be.
There are literally hundred of cars out there that I would love to drive one day, the R33 GTR being just one, and as we know all good things must come to an end, but for now, this is the car for me.
DSC_0046 by danjama, on Flickr
A lot of people here on PistonHeads don't 'get' the Japanese car enthusiast thing. But we all share this passion for cars. What car were you most passionate about? Pictures welcome
Taking ownership of my car was the culmination of a seed planted long ago by two things - Gran Turismo on the Playstation 1 and my uncles JDM rocket R33 GTR (don't scramble for my profile yet, it's not one of these). The seed was watered through the years and eventually I found myself in the position to own one of my heroes. I don't expect many here will understand my passion for my car. It's not a particularly rare machine, nor a spectacular performer in modern terms. It doesn't have more than average cylinders, or even rear seats. But it has teasing curves and lights that pop up, a willing turbo charged engine and an exhilarating exhaust note. I have no need for a stereo in my car, which disappoints passengers, but I don't care. The car was one of the greats of its time, and you could tell that Toyota learnt from their first attempt.
It may be 21 years old, but my car still looks exceedingly pretty, and it's just waiting to be driven, eager to be driven. The age of the machine means I am torn between leaving it as it left the factory or making a few choice upgrades. It's fantastic on a B road blast and just as satisfying as a GT, but there's no denying the suspension is getting tired and could do with sharpening up. The interior has a few rattles which need to be sorted. And they will be. Because this car isn't just a car to me. It's a passion. It's not exactly where I want it to be yet, but it will be.
There are literally hundred of cars out there that I would love to drive one day, the R33 GTR being just one, and as we know all good things must come to an end, but for now, this is the car for me.
DSC_0046 by danjama, on FlickrA lot of people here on PistonHeads don't 'get' the Japanese car enthusiast thing. But we all share this passion for cars. What car were you most passionate about? Pictures welcome
I get it. Not sure about pissionbut I have owned 5 MGs most F and TF models. Far from the best cars in the world full of flaws and yet my F has the ability to make me happy just by looking at it.
Climbing insde and driving off is more often than not a pleasure.
In all but really bad weather or if rear seats, cargo space is needed, I will choose a 13 year old 14 hundred quid MG over my year and a half old Landy with its heated steering wheel multi speaker sound system and a host of other toys.
Climbing insde and driving off is more often than not a pleasure.
In all but really bad weather or if rear seats, cargo space is needed, I will choose a 13 year old 14 hundred quid MG over my year and a half old Landy with its heated steering wheel multi speaker sound system and a host of other toys.
wildcat45 said:
I get it. Not sure about pissionbut I have owned 5 MGs most F and TF models. Far from the best cars in the world full of flaws and yet my F has the ability to make me happy just by looking at it.
Climbing insde and driving off is more often than not a pleasure.
In all but really bad weather or if rear seats, cargo space is needed, I will choose a 13 year old 14 hundred quid MG over my year and a half old Landy with its heated steering wheel multi speaker sound system and a host of other toys.
This is exactly what i'm talking about.Climbing insde and driving off is more often than not a pleasure.
In all but really bad weather or if rear seats, cargo space is needed, I will choose a 13 year old 14 hundred quid MG over my year and a half old Landy with its heated steering wheel multi speaker sound system and a host of other toys.
Owned 3 XJ Series 3's so far and love them. They are not fast by modern standards and they don't handle as well as a modern car. What they do wonderfully well is waft; even on crappy pot holed roads they just soak up all the bumps. The ambiance, looks and the ride just suit me. Hoping to get another next year.
Really liked your post OP and the car looks great! If it were mine I would keep it looking standard but uprate the bits that need doing.
From seeing Colin McRae in his 555 Impreza literally flying over the WRC when I was 10 - 12 years old I knew I wanted one.
It may have taken me ten years but I got what I had worked for. So £13k later ( half on finance half on rest from savings / PX) & £2700 per year insurance I got this.
They say don't meet your heroes , but this for me was an exception. Every trip to work was exciting , any excuse to take the car was found. In the 2 / 3 years and 40k I put on it ( not massive mileage I know ) it never broke. Not even a niggle. I had so much Subaru memorabilia ( caps , shirts , teddys, toys etc) that I know people laughed at me but I didn't care as I had the car to go with it!
When I got with my girlfriend (who is now my wife) she lived a long way away and I was spending £100 a week on fuel minimum it was just too much when I needed money for other things. So it had to go to be replaced by a one series. Even 7 years later we still talk about it ( " If I were in my WRX you wouldn't have done that" ).
Back in another Subaru now so I still get some of the reminders , yet its rather more sensible!
From seeing Colin McRae in his 555 Impreza literally flying over the WRC when I was 10 - 12 years old I knew I wanted one.
It may have taken me ten years but I got what I had worked for. So £13k later ( half on finance half on rest from savings / PX) & £2700 per year insurance I got this.
They say don't meet your heroes , but this for me was an exception. Every trip to work was exciting , any excuse to take the car was found. In the 2 / 3 years and 40k I put on it ( not massive mileage I know ) it never broke. Not even a niggle. I had so much Subaru memorabilia ( caps , shirts , teddys, toys etc) that I know people laughed at me but I didn't care as I had the car to go with it!
When I got with my girlfriend (who is now my wife) she lived a long way away and I was spending £100 a week on fuel minimum it was just too much when I needed money for other things. So it had to go to be replaced by a one series. Even 7 years later we still talk about it ( " If I were in my WRX you wouldn't have done that" ).
Back in another Subaru now so I still get some of the reminders , yet its rather more sensible!
Nissan Primera GT, it was my first proper car after a Corsa 1.2sxi (which I never got on with).
I bought the gt for £900 and spent well over that fixing it up and getting it looking decent. I was passionate about that car, should never have sold it as even though I've enjoyed other cars since I've never quite connected in the same way again.
After all my effort, I ended up px'ing it for £400 off a Clio 172, sounds like a move up, it wasn't.
I bought the gt for £900 and spent well over that fixing it up and getting it looking decent. I was passionate about that car, should never have sold it as even though I've enjoyed other cars since I've never quite connected in the same way again.
After all my effort, I ended up px'ing it for £400 off a Clio 172, sounds like a move up, it wasn't.
I loved my MR2 Turbo, what a cracking car.
On the right road, my 106 Rallye was probably the most exhilarating drive. As an every day car and an object of list, my A8 4.2 was a winner. However, there is something about my current XJ that really connects with me, and will probably become a favourite over time!
On the right road, my 106 Rallye was probably the most exhilarating drive. As an every day car and an object of list, my A8 4.2 was a winner. However, there is something about my current XJ that really connects with me, and will probably become a favourite over time!
Great replies chaps, it's nice to see some appreciation for cars that have come and gone from our lives but let's be honest, we do still think about them.
Great set of cars there PN6. That Capri looks brilliant and I think is up there with the cars we all want to try. The same could probably be said for the other 2 as well tbf.
The XJ's still look elegant I think, and they even look comfortable. Do they make a nice noise?
Nick, I know why you miss the Scooby and I know exactly why you wanted one. Colin was one of the heroes of our generation I think. I have been in one exactly like that a few times and they are great fun. The speed and handling are impressive, nevermind the sound they make! I'm curious how the Subaru R compares. There is one near me that sounds immense but I'm sure he's modified the teeth out of it. I am fairly close to pulling the trigger on a few upgrades for my MR2, just getting my head around costs etc. Decent coilovers are top of the list as I have a weeping front damper so in a way I'm being forced to take this sort of step.
I have to say I also like the look of Primera GT's. I've never desired owning one but they do stand out and is/was the petrolhead option for the smart man who needs a practical car. And the Touring Car was iconic IMO. Do they go very well? I can't imagine the Clio 172 being disappointing after though, which it seems you were.
Dinoboy, would love to hear/see more about that beauty.
I owned a 1.1 106 as a first car and it was brilliant fun but a bit weezy. Since then I've wanted to try a Rallye. Peugeot really got the look of those cars spot on for a hot hatch.
Great set of cars there PN6. That Capri looks brilliant and I think is up there with the cars we all want to try. The same could probably be said for the other 2 as well tbf.
The XJ's still look elegant I think, and they even look comfortable. Do they make a nice noise?
Nick, I know why you miss the Scooby and I know exactly why you wanted one. Colin was one of the heroes of our generation I think. I have been in one exactly like that a few times and they are great fun. The speed and handling are impressive, nevermind the sound they make! I'm curious how the Subaru R compares. There is one near me that sounds immense but I'm sure he's modified the teeth out of it. I am fairly close to pulling the trigger on a few upgrades for my MR2, just getting my head around costs etc. Decent coilovers are top of the list as I have a weeping front damper so in a way I'm being forced to take this sort of step.
I have to say I also like the look of Primera GT's. I've never desired owning one but they do stand out and is/was the petrolhead option for the smart man who needs a practical car. And the Touring Car was iconic IMO. Do they go very well? I can't imagine the Clio 172 being disappointing after though, which it seems you were.
Dinoboy, would love to hear/see more about that beauty.
I owned a 1.1 106 as a first car and it was brilliant fun but a bit weezy. Since then I've wanted to try a Rallye. Peugeot really got the look of those cars spot on for a hot hatch.
Its a funny thing what cars we are passionate about, for me its the one that puts the biggest smile on my face.
I have said it before 'EVERY MILE IS A SMILE' and for me that is true. Its like Christmas Day as small child looking at the clock hoping Santa comes. Will you get what you want, and if so will you still want it next Christmas?
I still have got my dream car bought it 07 it took me years, to be in a position to afford in the first place.
Other things come first in life sometimes family life,mortgage so your dream car goes on hold as do other dream we all had in our life's. We all had bigger dreams, then they become smaller ones so some come true others like dreams fade away.
Life is to short to think, I wonder what it would have been like to own that car or this one.
Many people have the poster and the dream, some make it happen others just dream.
It the small things in life that are the biggest, and for me just opening garage to see the car to look at it makes me feel lucky to have my dream car. I never take it for granted that is for sure.
The thing is if I sold my car, life would carry on however there would be something missing and something that cost nothing in life the answer is a SMILE.
I have said it before 'EVERY MILE IS A SMILE' and for me that is true. Its like Christmas Day as small child looking at the clock hoping Santa comes. Will you get what you want, and if so will you still want it next Christmas?
I still have got my dream car bought it 07 it took me years, to be in a position to afford in the first place.
Other things come first in life sometimes family life,mortgage so your dream car goes on hold as do other dream we all had in our life's. We all had bigger dreams, then they become smaller ones so some come true others like dreams fade away.
Life is to short to think, I wonder what it would have been like to own that car or this one.
Many people have the poster and the dream, some make it happen others just dream.
It the small things in life that are the biggest, and for me just opening garage to see the car to look at it makes me feel lucky to have my dream car. I never take it for granted that is for sure.
The thing is if I sold my car, life would carry on however there would be something missing and something that cost nothing in life the answer is a SMILE.
danjama said:
Nick, I know why you miss the Scooby and I know exactly why you wanted one. Colin was one of the heroes of our generation I think. I have been in one exactly like that a few times and they are great fun. The speed and handling are impressive, nevermind the sound they make! I'm curious how the Subaru R compares. There is one near me that sounds immense but I'm sure he's modified the teeth out of it. I am fairly close to pulling the trigger on a few upgrades for my MR2, just getting my head around costs etc. Decent coilovers are top of the list as I have a weeping front damper so in a way I'm being forced to take this sort of step.
Well I am probably going to lose my PH badge for this because my impreza hatch is the 1.5R. Why have you bought a 13 secs to 62 car you ask?Obviously it doesn't compare speed wise. But it has some of the qualities that make a Subaru.
The sound is still unique and different. It sounds bigger and meatier than it is. The low range gearbox is surprisingly fun, it gives a nice noise when its in low range that reminds me of the transmission whine of a rally car , brings the 0-60 down a couple of seconds and the gears really close ratio.
The symmetrical awd gives superb confidence in all conditions ( looking forward to some snow to test it and my Pirelli all seasons ) and the low centre of gravity and decent weight distribution make it feel a little more special than other hatchbacks of its kind.
Its obviously much softer than the wrx but it still feels a little special to me and you have would have to be driving the 1.5r in an insane manner for it to dangerously unsettle the awd and chassis.
The engine should be well proven and trouble free , as a car that does not work when I want it too soon puts me off! Lastly because of the fairly high emissions and low fuel economy few people want them , so they are pretty cheap for a quality car imo.
Edit to add :- I am not a mechanic but do like to tinker , so I should mention how easy the car is to work on for a modern car!
Sorry if that bores you lol , having a mortgage , child on the way means I have to be more sensible these days. If money were no object I think I would be in a Forester STI / XT.
Good luck with your mods / repairs. I hope your car keeps looking as well as it does for the next few years!
danjama said:
The XJ's still look elegant I think, and they even look comfortable. Do they make a nice noise?
I owned a 1.1 106 as a first car and it was brilliant fun but a bit weezy. Since then I've wanted to try a Rallye. Peugeot really got the look of those cars spot on for a hot hatch.
The XJ's make an awesome noise with a straight through exhaust. But, that's a bit vulgar for what is essentially a comfortable, sporty cruiser. Not to my taste, though the V8 'warble' is ever-present when driving them, under acceleration you get that characteristic sound and feel from the V8, so you're always aware of what is providing the power. When people talk of a car being an 'event' to drive, the Jaguar has that in spades, especially as I mostly commute by motorbike. The seats, the analogue clock backlit with blue, the recessed dials, the wooden inserts on the steering wheel, there are so many little details I love about it. I owned a 1.1 106 as a first car and it was brilliant fun but a bit weezy. Since then I've wanted to try a Rallye. Peugeot really got the look of those cars spot on for a hot hatch.
The Rallye was fantastic on the right road, usually when being rowed hard between 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears on a B road in the middle of Northumberland! Those gear ratios were just magic for keeping the engine on the boil, and it was surprisingly quick and confidence inspiring. No car I've ever driven, before or since, gave the driver mechanical feedback like the Rallye.
The Rallye on the weekend I bought it:
I loved that little pedal box, even with size 11 feet it was a joy to use!
I love the Jaguar too though. Here it is on a farm.
Though I love this little motorbike too. So charmingly simple, surprisingly fun to ride most of the time too.
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