Which 1970's and 1980's coupe?
Discussion
So as you can probably tell from my User ID I’ve a big birthday approaching which of course warrants the purchase of a special motor vehicle to mark the occasion…I know it's a way off but the search is all part of the fun...
But what to buy. Realistic budget is £15K. Something from late 70’s to mid 80’s (I’m inside the London ULEZ), a coupe - I don't necessarily need 4 seats (I have a series 1 XJ6 already)
Current thinking:
Jaguar XJS
Volvo 780 Bertone Coupe
Peugeot 504 Coupe
However, a friend just threw me the curve ball of a Maserati Bi-turbo. Thoughts? What else to consider? Would love a QPIII but a bit big and outside the budget anyway…I've had a Gamma and a Beta already, and I'm a bit meh on BMW's, though there is a lovely 633 coming up for auction soon under budget...
But what to buy. Realistic budget is £15K. Something from late 70’s to mid 80’s (I’m inside the London ULEZ), a coupe - I don't necessarily need 4 seats (I have a series 1 XJ6 already)
Current thinking:
Jaguar XJS
Volvo 780 Bertone Coupe
Peugeot 504 Coupe
However, a friend just threw me the curve ball of a Maserati Bi-turbo. Thoughts? What else to consider? Would love a QPIII but a bit big and outside the budget anyway…I've had a Gamma and a Beta already, and I'm a bit meh on BMW's, though there is a lovely 633 coming up for auction soon under budget...
BiTurbo exotic, rare, and very badly engineered and built. But your list contains 20 years of some of the greatest Coupes and Gt cars ever made. Almost every manufacturer built a Coupe. You have a huge choice
Anything from an MGB to a V8 Vantage. A Princess Anne to a Porsche 959...
Is there a brand you particularly like? Enjoy?
Social scene pf the club?
Worrid about resale value, or a keeper?
parts availability for akwasrd stuff like trim..
Anything from an MGB to a V8 Vantage. A Princess Anne to a Porsche 959...
Is there a brand you particularly like? Enjoy?
Social scene pf the club?
Worrid about resale value, or a keeper?
parts availability for akwasrd stuff like trim..
lukeharding said:
I would always suggest an XJ-S, but given you've already got the XJ it may be nice to head for something different. The Peugeot would be high on my list, but similarly I would love the BiTurbo, or a Karif if you can find one. Don't sit in a QPIII, it'll ruin you.
wise words - don't ask me how many times i've viewed the video in this ad...https://www.carandclassic.com/make-an-offer/1980-m...
have to say I'm veering towards the Bi-Turbo, I gave serious consideration to buying a lovely early 1983 silver green some 10 years back, seller wanted peanuts (3K) but I was just too busy to get down to Sussex in time...plus I'm wary of their reputation for reliability, obviously not expecting a daily driver but my experience with the Gamma was just a constant headache (repeated by a fellow PH'er on here a couple of years back) and the level of anxiety each and every trip (even to the shops!) was just too much in the end....
samoht said:
hmm - that's nice but not sure I can see myself in that...great colour though wjs1968 said:
127Sport said:
FIAT 130
definitely a contender but suspect good ones are beyond 15K now...How about my other suggestion then, the Opel Monza?
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C2064688
Serious haggle required...
OP - we're the same age!
Like you, I'm drawn to BiTurbos but the only real reliability issues that would concern me relate to them not being used enough. Apparently they don't like sitting unused (similar to other Italians, evidenced by my Fulvia's binding rear brakes).
Like me, you probably remember the proliferation of coupes available throughout the seventies and eighties. You know, attractive variants of otherwise humble saloon cars, specifically of Japanese origins. The alternative is cars like the 944 and RX7 mentioned above, which are like true sports cars. Depends what you like, really. Also depends how brave you are. Those of a nervous disposition stick with British cars, so an XJS for example. Those who are braver will be drawn to the likes of the Maserati.
Me? Monza is a good shout, but I'd want a rare manual in late, GSE-spec. Or maybe a Manta. Alfa GTV6 might just be in budget? Or a Corvette (assuming you can cope with LHD)?
What about a car that looks like a coupe, but isn't, like this?
Like you, I'm drawn to BiTurbos but the only real reliability issues that would concern me relate to them not being used enough. Apparently they don't like sitting unused (similar to other Italians, evidenced by my Fulvia's binding rear brakes).
Like me, you probably remember the proliferation of coupes available throughout the seventies and eighties. You know, attractive variants of otherwise humble saloon cars, specifically of Japanese origins. The alternative is cars like the 944 and RX7 mentioned above, which are like true sports cars. Depends what you like, really. Also depends how brave you are. Those of a nervous disposition stick with British cars, so an XJS for example. Those who are braver will be drawn to the likes of the Maserati.
Me? Monza is a good shout, but I'd want a rare manual in late, GSE-spec. Or maybe a Manta. Alfa GTV6 might just be in budget? Or a Corvette (assuming you can cope with LHD)?
What about a car that looks like a coupe, but isn't, like this?
Edited by Turbobanana on Thursday 3rd September 13:47
127Sport said:
Yes you're probably right...
How about my other suggestion then, the Opel Monza?
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C2064688
Serious haggle required...
just not quirky enough for me - I like beauty and/or quirkiness - the 130 fits both those...How about my other suggestion then, the Opel Monza?
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C2064688
Serious haggle required...
One of these.
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C2118932
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C2118932
Edited by Sheets Tabuer on Thursday 3rd September 14:03
Turbobanana said:
OP - we're the same age!
Like you, I'm drawn to BiTurbos but the only real reliability issues that would concern me relate to them not being used enough. Apparently they don't like sitting unused (similar to other Italians, evidenced by my Fulvia's binding rear brakes).
Like me, you probably remember the proliferation of coupes available throughout the seventies and eighties. You know, attractive variants of otherwise humble saloon cars, specifically of Japanese origins. The alternative is cars like the 944 and RX7 mentioned above, which are like true sports cars. Depends what you like, really. Also depends how brave you are. Those of a nervous disposition stick with British cars, so an XJS for example. Those who are braver will be drawn to the likes of the Maserati.
Me? Monza is a good shout, but I'd want a rare manual in late, GSE-spec. Or maybe a Manta. Alfa GTV6 might just be in budget? Or a Corvette (assuming you can cope with LHD)?
What about a car that looks like a coupe, but isn't, like this?
I'd love a Fulvia but my best car buddy has just bought a 1600HF so I feel I can't tread too much on his toes. Plus I'm on the insurance for it if I ever feel the need...Like you, I'm drawn to BiTurbos but the only real reliability issues that would concern me relate to them not being used enough. Apparently they don't like sitting unused (similar to other Italians, evidenced by my Fulvia's binding rear brakes).
Like me, you probably remember the proliferation of coupes available throughout the seventies and eighties. You know, attractive variants of otherwise humble saloon cars, specifically of Japanese origins. The alternative is cars like the 944 and RX7 mentioned above, which are like true sports cars. Depends what you like, really. Also depends how brave you are. Those of a nervous disposition stick with British cars, so an XJS for example. Those who are braver will be drawn to the likes of the Maserati.
Me? Monza is a good shout, but I'd want a rare manual in late, GSE-spec. Or maybe a Manta. Alfa GTV6 might just be in budget? Or a Corvette (assuming you can cope with LHD)?
What about a car that looks like a coupe, but isn't, like this?
Edited by Turbobanana on Thursday 3rd September 13:47
That CX is gorgeous and must have somehow escaped my Citroen radar! Definitely one to consider - ideally it would be an SM but the 15K days are long gone - a friend did offer me his for exactly that amount in 2018 (after a test drive around the North Circular in rush hour on a Friday
) but I was 'persuaded' to make a more family orientated choice (a T25 VW Camper) Sheets Tabuer said:
One of these.
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C2118932
see previous reply - absolutely love them but have access to a 1600HFhttps://www.carandclassic.com/car/C2118932
Edited by Sheets Tabuer on Thursday 3rd September 14:03
now a Flavia/2000HF might just fit the bill.
i think my list has just significantly expanded - I want them all!
Going to go completely against what you originally asked for. 
As you already have a Series 1 XJ6, why not complement it with a 20 year old Jag coupe?
ULEZ Compliant, more power than you will ever need, great sound, aging well, reasonably fuel efficient, supercharged and it's a Jag.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20557029
Nice.
As you already have a Series 1 XJ6, why not complement it with a 20 year old Jag coupe?
ULEZ Compliant, more power than you will ever need, great sound, aging well, reasonably fuel efficient, supercharged and it's a Jag.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20557029
Nice.
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