Sports cars for the tall
Discussion
I'm 6 foot 3 and even though that is no where near as tall as you, I had similar problems in choosing a car. Basically you cant have anything Japanese or italian, which limits the choice somewhat ..... Basically i got a TVR Griffith, and the seat is not all the way back, and the peddles are adjustable and i don't have them wound all the way in. TVR's and Marcos cars were designed for the company owners who were all very tall, so tend to suit the taller person. If you do test drive these cars make sure you have had a go at adjusting the peddles (the marcos often have peddle boxes that slide in and out.) Failing that there will be plenty of room in a yank tank ....
I feel your pain, I'm 6'6 and looking for the same sort of thing at the moment.
Sat in a few 996s, they ain't great, the 997 is better but out of my price range for the time being.
Thinking of an M3, but not really keen on the overall boy-racer image they carry with them....
Currently thinking of just getting an MX5 NA/NB and just putting a go kart seat in the damn thing!
Sat in a few 996s, they ain't great, the 997 is better but out of my price range for the time being.
Thinking of an M3, but not really keen on the overall boy-racer image they carry with them....
Currently thinking of just getting an MX5 NA/NB and just putting a go kart seat in the damn thing!
JTSmith said:
I feel your pain, I'm 6'6 and looking for the same sort of thing at the moment.
Sat in a few 996s, they ain't great, the 997 is better but out of my price range for the time being.
Thinking of an M3, but not really keen on the overall boy-racer image they carry with them....
Currently thinking of just getting an MX5 NA/NB and just putting a go kart seat in the damn thing!
Don't buy an E46 M3 with a sunroof. I had a couple and my head touched the roof with the seat at its lowest and I'm a mere 6'2". The top of the screen was to low, so I couldn't see enough going up steep hills and the rear view mirror blocked part of my view. The CSL was fine, with much more headroom, thanks to no sunroof, thin roof lining and lower, fixed sports seat.Sat in a few 996s, they ain't great, the 997 is better but out of my price range for the time being.
Thinking of an M3, but not really keen on the overall boy-racer image they carry with them....
Currently thinking of just getting an MX5 NA/NB and just putting a go kart seat in the damn thing!
Hello!
I realise this is a rather old threat... is anyone still listening though?
I currently run a MGB GT as my daily and I fit in ok - 6'5" and feet size 14. Well, when I say ok I mean: it's a fair old squeeze and I needed to fit a smaller diameter steering wheel to do controlled left hand turns, but it does fit.
Now, I have finally managed to get myself into a position where I could run a proper 2 seater sports car (budget max £15k).
Yesterday, I sat in the car of my dreams: Lotus Elise S1. Only to exit weeping: I do not fit. I can't engage 5th gear on the move and whether I could ever control the steering wheel on a spirited drive, I very much doubt. Clutch and brake usage with those boats for shoes is also unlikely to work.
Question 1:
Does anyone know whether the S2 tub is changed enough to possibly allow more space more "giants"?
Question 2:
Does anyone know of any other sports car, sub 15k, that might fit better? (I have read the entire thread above, but most/all suggestions are above my budget)
Question 3:
What about keeping the MGB and tickling more out of it? Does anyone know if a stage 2 head, fast road cam, better carbs, sports exhaust and manifold would turn the car into a little "rocketship". or whether we're still talking rather modest power gains?
Thank you very much!
I realise this is a rather old threat... is anyone still listening though?
I currently run a MGB GT as my daily and I fit in ok - 6'5" and feet size 14. Well, when I say ok I mean: it's a fair old squeeze and I needed to fit a smaller diameter steering wheel to do controlled left hand turns, but it does fit.
Now, I have finally managed to get myself into a position where I could run a proper 2 seater sports car (budget max £15k).
Yesterday, I sat in the car of my dreams: Lotus Elise S1. Only to exit weeping: I do not fit. I can't engage 5th gear on the move and whether I could ever control the steering wheel on a spirited drive, I very much doubt. Clutch and brake usage with those boats for shoes is also unlikely to work.
Question 1:
Does anyone know whether the S2 tub is changed enough to possibly allow more space more "giants"?
Question 2:
Does anyone know of any other sports car, sub 15k, that might fit better? (I have read the entire thread above, but most/all suggestions are above my budget)
Question 3:
What about keeping the MGB and tickling more out of it? Does anyone know if a stage 2 head, fast road cam, better carbs, sports exhaust and manifold would turn the car into a little "rocketship". or whether we're still talking rather modest power gains?
Thank you very much!
Snake the Sniper said:
Try something "lower" down the 7 ladder. There are MUCH bigger version out there. I have an MK Indy, and am 6'3" and quite long in the leg. My seat still has 2 clicks to go on the runners. And there are even bigger version again. The Luego Viento is absolutely HUGE. It's maybe an extra 15cm wider than mine and about a foot longer in the cockpit. MNR also have an in house tall person who is 6'5" IIRC and has size 13 boats shoes to fit in!
This. I have a V8 Viento and I'm around 6'3" and I don't need the seats right back, it's very spacious. Also, there is no roof, not even a fabric one... so you can't bang your head on it. 
(I may be selling it also...)
Sterillium said:
This. I have a V8 Viento and I'm around 6'3" and I don't need the seats right back, it's very spacious. Also, there is no roof, not even a fabric one... so you can't bang your head on it.
(I may be selling it also...)
Hi!(I may be selling it also...)
Thank you very much. An old friend has got a Luego Viento - big chap himself.
However, sadly I can't do without a roof. It'll be my daily and be parked outside work during the day. So, as much as I like to think I'd be able to brave the drive in any weather, I don't think the car will last long if everything I exposed to the coastal weather all day/winter.
Thank you, keep the suggestions coming.
Oh, by the way, which TVR are people seeing below the nominal 15k budget????
If you are happy with an older car, the mk1 MR2 is surprisingly roomy (built for the American market).
With a 15k budget, you should get a very nice one with money left over.
If the std engine is too low powered for you, get a supercharged one. Or fit an import (JDM) Corolla engine. Or the 2 litre swap. Or the v6 swap. Or modify the stock 1600.
With a 15k budget, you should get a very nice one with money left over.
If the std engine is too low powered for you, get a supercharged one. Or fit an import (JDM) Corolla engine. Or the 2 litre swap. Or the v6 swap. Or modify the stock 1600.
jaykay42 said:
Hi!
Thank you very much. An old friend has got a Luego Viento - big chap himself.
However, sadly I can't do without a roof. It'll be my daily and be parked outside work during the day. So, as much as I like to think I'd be able to brave the drive in any weather, I don't think the car will last long if everything I exposed to the coastal weather all day/winter.
Thank you, keep the suggestions coming.
Oh, by the way, which TVR are people seeing below the nominal 15k budget????
A Griffith can be had for this sum but you would have to be prepared to do some restoration, Chimaera, many to be had for this figure but again look carefully for the typical TVR problems; both are great fun cars.Thank you very much. An old friend has got a Luego Viento - big chap himself.
However, sadly I can't do without a roof. It'll be my daily and be parked outside work during the day. So, as much as I like to think I'd be able to brave the drive in any weather, I don't think the car will last long if everything I exposed to the coastal weather all day/winter.
Thank you, keep the suggestions coming.
Oh, by the way, which TVR are people seeing below the nominal 15k budget????
Thank you very mich everyone!
Incidentally, of the entire TVR range I do like the Griff the most - I just fear that for the time being it might be above budget. That is purchase + running costs, esp. considering it would serve as my daily d.
Anyone got thoughts on the additional space in the Elise S2 tub compared to the S1?
Incidentally, of the entire TVR range I do like the Griff the most - I just fear that for the time being it might be above budget. That is purchase + running costs, esp. considering it would serve as my daily d.
Anyone got thoughts on the additional space in the Elise S2 tub compared to the S1?
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