A classic 'what car' for the Monte

[benjj]

Hello all,

I've decided, after watching a million youtube clips of the Monte Carlo Rallye Historique, that I need a car that I don't mind banging around a bit for the race.

So, this threat is to ask for ideas on what I should buy... The regulations are quite specific so...

1) Car must feature on the eligible Monte cars list here: http://www.acm.mc/rmch/index.php?page=2012/voiture...

2) The car must be the specific car mentioned and also one of the specific model/trim levels mentioned.

3) Total budget for preparing the car for the race is £10,000 - I was thinking of c.£7k max for the car, the rest for prep. Ideally any money I could save is welcome!

4) Car must be pre 31/12/79 registered if it is a model that went over 70's into 80's.

5) I am big (yes, really, 6'3'' and very well built) so a Mini is out. Preference is for front engined, rear wheel drive but really I'm pretty open minded.

That's about it.

Cheers,

Ben

[v8250]

volvo 120 series...tough as old nails, good parts availability, very comfortable, and when set-up properly go really well +++huge fun

[v8250]

benjj, pls see links...

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/view-classic-c...

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/102/amazon/

and this one looks ripe for prep'ing for monty!! http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C248966

[benjj]

v8250 said:

benjj, pls see links...

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/view-classic-c...

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/102/amazon/

and this one looks ripe for prep'ing for monty!! http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C248966

Thanks for these - that GT does look very promising - thanks! Certainly big enough for a big rascal like me too and do like a cheeky twin carb intake noise...

[Leithen]

You might not fit into it sadly, but how about a SAAB Sonett?

[benjj]

Leithen said:

You might not fit into it sadly, but how about a SAAB Sonett?

Yep, bit small I'm afraid. However I am considering (having a look at) a 99 EMS if I can find one.

Also - your name 'Leithen' - John Buchan fan? If so me too, member of the society and everything!

[Leithen]

benjj said:

Yep, bit small I'm afraid. However I am considering (having a look at) a 99 EMS if I can find one.

Also - your name 'Leithen' - John Buchan fan? If so me too, member of the society and everything!

Very much so - brought up on his books, remarkable man, remarkable life. Always preferred the Edward Leithen novels over the Hannay ones.

[benjj]

Leithen said:

Very much so - brought up on his books, remarkable man, remarkable life. Always preferred the Edward Leithen novels over the Hannay ones.

Top man, me too, Leithen is a much richer character as he is almost entirely autobiographical (imo). I used to have my head in them so much that my father called me 'Fish Benjie'... Just thinking about reading Sick Heart River still brings a tear to my eye today.

[Leithen]

Sick Heart River - great, great book. Anyway, enough of the Buchan reunion society - back to the Monte.

Mercedes 250 CE bargain basement, no problem with size or space.

[Leithen]

Or, with a bit more poke, a 280 CE

[v8250]

Mmmm, "BIG MERC-Mountain??" always a popular choice ala Frank Fennell & some of the Dutch drivers. You may find the Sonett's ground clearance is a little too low for long-distance rallies. If it helps, buy a copy of Philip Youngs very good and very funny rally-prep' book "How To Build A Successful Rally Car"[first printed 2001]. Lots of practical tips to ensure you finish the event with bucket-loads of common sense...and without the need of unecessary blingy-type gadgets that many think you need to compete on this type of bash; good luck.

[aeropilot]

Volvo 120 is a good call.

Also, an Avenger GT or Tiger is a good bet. Great rwd chassis, and plenty of period comp parts knocking around still.... one or two guys in my old motor club are still competing in Avengers.

[6fire]

Of the triumphs, you'd pick up a decent GT6, or a very good spitfire for your budget. Despite being small cars you should just about fit.

Handling and performance are OK, parts are cheap and easily available. And they're fun to drive.

[Johnboy Mac]

BMW 2002, right on the money with a bit to spare. Plenty of parts availability, easy to work on, great visibility and no shortage of interior space (well in the front anyway).

[RicksAlfas]

http://www.classicalfa.com/products/1977-Alfetta-G...

£6995. Stick some knobblies on it and you've loads left over for cheesy baguettes.
Oui?

[leyorkie]

How about the eligible Fords?
You should be able to find something that has been prepared for rallying.
If you want to prepare your own the Mercedes look good but there are so many parts avaiable for the Fords.

[braddo]

early 928?

[alvis]

You won't get a 1600hf but a Lancia Fulvia coupe well in your budget. Plenty of history in the monte,and a 1300 has 90 bhp, 5 speed box, 4 wheel disc brakes and front wheel drive for the snowy bits. Comfy too. Twice world rally champion.

[benjj]

Thanks for all the suggestions here chaps, much appreciated.

I think I've got it whittled down to four:

Lancia Fulvia
Saab 99 EMS
Mercedes 220S Fintail saloon
Mk I Golf Gti

Bit of a mixed bag there.

I've had experience of both the VW and the Saab before. Had a few older Mercs and the Lancia is a total unknown (to me) but by far the prettiest.

I'm going to have a good look at how the groups break down. I've no doubt that I'd be most competitive in the Golf but suspect there will be quite a large number of others thinking the same.

I'm also thinking Dec/Jan will be the time to buy when sellers are a little bit more in need of cash money...

Cheers,

Ben

PS - if by some miracle a tidy sub £25k Alpine A310 comes on the market in Europe before then it will be getting bought. Full stop

[leyorkie]

Like this?
http://www.lva-auto.fr/petites-annonces.detail.php...

Or this? Just in budget
http://www.lva-auto.fr/petites-annonces.detail.php...

Edited by leyorkie on Friday 21st October 10:15