Retro cool and reliable on a budget?

[maxp]

Is it actually possible to buy something with even a hint of coolness for under £1750 to use as a daily drive?

Must also be reliable, and the smaller the better.

The mk2 golf gti is very cool in my eyes, but ive already had one when i was young, poured my heart into it so dont think i could get another as it wouldnt be the same.
The (original mini) is also very cool, but again, not something id be confident in using as a daily unless I was able to dedicate some serious monthly spanner time to keep it tip top.

Suggestions?

Thanks!

[davepoth]

So we're looking for something later than a Mk2 Golf, but that's still retro (i.e. not "just old")?

That's a fairly tight window. E36 BMW?

[CampDavid]

A Merc W123 CE, in ropey nic

Any old Jag

[Petrolize]

Merc 190
E30 BMW

[P I Staker]

MK1 MR2.

[AndyCowman]

Merc 190E
BMW E30 or E36
Golf Mk1
Corrado
Porsche 924 / 944 (for cheap avoid the Turbo!)

Retro and cheap - just remember that they can all be reliable but you will most likely need to sort some niggles out and will need to look after them

[JAHetfield]

190E is definately worth a look. Cheap as chips and will go forever if you get one with a good body.

[J4CKO]

205 GTI

306 GTI6

Corrado

Audi Coupe

Saab Viggen/Aero

Honda CRX (poss scene tax on those now though)

BMW E30

[AndyCowman]

Thinking about the E36 - a great car (I had 328 and it was superb) is great, but I think it is a bit modern looking to be retro and therefore should be discounted.

[J4CKO]

AndyCowman said:

Merc 190E
BMW E30 or E36
Golf Mk1
Corrado
Porsche 924 / 944 (for cheap avoid the Turbo!)

Retro and cheap - just remember that they can all be reliable but you will most likely need to sort some niggles out and will need to look after them

Would love to find any kind of 944 Turbo for 1750 !

[falkster]

XJ40 - supercool

[D200]

A W124 Merc or E21 BMW - the BM would be cooler and more retro, esp with a set of nice bbs style alloys on it, but probably less reliable than the Merc

[Golaboots]

Volvo 850T5, preferably a bright yellow estate.

[kamilb1998]

falkster said:

XJ40 - supercool

This. Although I might be slightly biased

[16v stretch]

How about a corrado or scirocco if you like older VW Metalwork? You'd get an end of the line Rocco GT, or a mintish early valver for that money.