Fancy an affordable old school "supercar"
Discussion
Shifter1 said:
Monkeylegend said:
Lotus Europa S2 or is that too old?
He asks 80s and 90s, so yes I would guess too old. But did they ever make the Europa with pop ups? Or where you thinking of the Eclat or Excel? If you can forgo the rear-mid engine bit then the Porsche 944 (/968) would fit the bill. Transaxle layout so very balanced handling despite the mill being in the front.
You'd get a lovely S2 for the budget you mention and probably get a nice Turbo if you didn't fancy N/A characteristics.
You'd get a lovely S2 for the budget you mention and probably get a nice Turbo if you didn't fancy N/A characteristics.
2Btoo said:
If you can forgo the rear-mid engine bit then the Porsche 944 (/968) would fit the bill. Transaxle layout so very balanced handling despite the mill being in the front.
You'd get a lovely S2 for the budget you mention and probably get a nice Turbo if you didn't fancy N/A characteristics.
Well, that would make it almost too easy. 928, RX7, 3000GT, Excel, and pretty much anything with any sport pretence made in the time. Even a FWD Ford Probe. You'd get a lovely S2 for the budget you mention and probably get a nice Turbo if you didn't fancy N/A characteristics.
I'm aware those are not supercars. But neither is a 944.
Shifter1 said:
Monkeylegend said:
Didn't see the pop up bit in the later post. The S2 didn't have them as far as I am aware.
Since he asked for 80's and 90's supercars and was talking about the Esprit and Venturi, I automatically assumed pop up headlights. 
I must pay more attention.
I do like the original Europa though.
I had a 1970 Elan with the pop ups, or at least when they felt like it. It was a rare occasion when they both popped up at the same time. Flashing oncoming cars was also interesting.
Already mentioned once, but I think a NSX is the closest you’ll get. https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1181835
Shifter1 said:
2Btoo said:
If you can forgo the rear-mid engine bit then the Porsche 944 (/968) would fit the bill. Transaxle layout so very balanced handling despite the mill being in the front.
You'd get a lovely S2 for the budget you mention and probably get a nice Turbo if you didn't fancy N/A characteristics.
Well, that would make it almost too easy. 928, RX7, 3000GT, Excel, and pretty much anything with any sport pretence made in the time. Even a FWD Ford Probe. You'd get a lovely S2 for the budget you mention and probably get a nice Turbo if you didn't fancy N/A characteristics.
I'm aware those are not supercars. But neither is a 944.
ETA: Probe fails on the pop-up headlights point.
Shifter1 said:
Pothole said:
Sorry this'll be no help, OP, but WOW, how expensive are Panteras now!!!???
Tell me about it! Same with the Merak. I was going to suggest it, since even though it came out in the 70's they made it till the 80's. Then I looked at current prices. Crazy!2Btoo said:
Shifter1 said:
2Btoo said:
If you can forgo the rear-mid engine bit then the Porsche 944 (/968) would fit the bill. Transaxle layout so very balanced handling despite the mill being in the front.
You'd get a lovely S2 for the budget you mention and probably get a nice Turbo if you didn't fancy N/A characteristics.
Well, that would make it almost too easy. 928, RX7, 3000GT, Excel, and pretty much anything with any sport pretence made in the time. Even a FWD Ford Probe. You'd get a lovely S2 for the budget you mention and probably get a nice Turbo if you didn't fancy N/A characteristics.
I'm aware those are not supercars. But neither is a 944.
ETA: Probe fails on the pop-up headlights point.
Monkeylegend said:
Shifter1 said:
Monkeylegend said:
Lotus Europa S2 or is that too old?
He asks 80s and 90s, so yes I would guess too old. But did they ever make the Europa with pop ups? Or where you thinking of the Eclat or Excel? Nice to see plenty of Lotus stuff here as I'm a lifelong Lotus nut. The Esprit is one I never dared buy due to high maintenance and reliability fears. It would also be too big for my garage.
I know lots of people who've owned them and when they're running right they're fantastic.
You'd probably need deep pockets or be good mechanically yourself to take one on (or like me have a brilliant mechanic mate who charges sensible rates)
I had a Europa Twin Cam for ten years, I'd have another tomorrow if I could get in and out!
I know lots of people who've owned them and when they're running right they're fantastic.
You'd probably need deep pockets or be good mechanically yourself to take one on (or like me have a brilliant mechanic mate who charges sensible rates)
I had a Europa Twin Cam for ten years, I'd have another tomorrow if I could get in and out!
Matra Murena S?
"shows up the Porsche 911 as ill-balanced and inept" - LKJS
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matra_Murena
"shows up the Porsche 911 as ill-balanced and inept" - LKJS
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matra_Murena
Not quite as wedgie as you'd prefer but what about a Cosworth powered Scimitar? £13k ONO
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1079045
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1079045
Is the Lotus Evora a bit new for you? More "new school" than "old school", admittedly, but still a Lotus.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Slightly outside of the 80-90's bracket:
2002 RADICAL PROSPORT - £17k ONO
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1151246
2002 RADICAL PROSPORT - £17k ONO
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1151246
OP, I think the choice is as you set out in the first post; Lotus vs Venturi if you want to keep this under £30k; no-body has linked the Venturi that is for sale on PH but there are currently two; the cheapest at £29,995 for a MVS 200 model. Similiar age Esprits are between £20-25k with a little more power from a smaller engine. I've no experience with either so I'll make a subjective call, based solely on looks - I prefer the French car; and just for viewing pleasure:
ChocolateFrog said:
2Btoo said:
Shifter1 said:
2Btoo said:
If you can forgo the rear-mid engine bit then the Porsche 944 (/968) would fit the bill. Transaxle layout so very balanced handling despite the mill being in the front.
You'd get a lovely S2 for the budget you mention and probably get a nice Turbo if you didn't fancy N/A characteristics.
Well, that would make it almost too easy. 928, RX7, 3000GT, Excel, and pretty much anything with any sport pretence made in the time. Even a FWD Ford Probe. You'd get a lovely S2 for the budget you mention and probably get a nice Turbo if you didn't fancy N/A characteristics.
I'm aware those are not supercars. But neither is a 944.
ETA: Probe fails on the pop-up headlights point.
Shall I hand in my PH membership card on the way out?
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