Something that pops and splutters

[CHN]

Is it possible to get a classic drivers car these days for less than £10k? It has to sound like it means business, handle well, be in good order (as in it's been looked after or restored fairly recently and we're not buying a shed/money pit) and look a bit special.

About 8 years ago I spent some time looking for a lotus esprit and there were quite a few about at this price range, but in the end I opted for a 928 and that was that. The 928 was a money pit and was sold on fairly recently for peanuts as a restoration project. I've had a look at some esprits again but the value has gone through the roof. I'm also partial to the classic alfa's.

So, back to the point, something special, that pops and splutters, from the late 60's to early 80s, in good order and great fun to drive for under £10k....is it possible?

[kambites]

Maybe an MGB V8? Not especially fast but immensely rewarding to drive and they do make a wonderful noise.

Or an old TVR?

[OllieC]

V6 Crapi ?

[anonymous-user]

You might get a slightly ratty Elan plus 2 for 10K, but you'd get a minty, and much more usable, Lotus Excel for much less than 10K. A Matra Murena pops and splutters, and would also cost a lot less than 10K. Another option might be a Lancia Montecarlo.

[anonymous-user]

A good Alfa GTV 6 from the 70s, or 2 litre Alfa 105 Spider, could also be had for under 10K.

[Krikkit]

kambites said:

Maybe an MGB V8? Not especially fast but immensely rewarding to drive and they do make a wonderful noise.

Or an old TVR?

This. There's a lovely blue factory GTV8 with tan interior knocking about that looks the dog's. That, or a TVR of any era would qualify!

[Captain Muppet]

My S1 Elise pops and splutters - 160 spec engine with a sports exhaust.

Lovely noises after a little blat in the countryside.

[ImpossiblyDaft]

Could also get an Alfa GT as well as the models mentioned before - the Junior models just come into budget but the 1750/2000 are way out.
Might make it a bit of a gamble as I'm sure any kind of '60s classic will need more work than something newer.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1976-ALFA-ROMEO-GT-JUNIO...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1976-Alfa-Romeo-1600-GT-...

[anonymous-user]

It is arguable that the best GT Junior is the 1300. Another small engined idea might be a Lancia Fulvia.

[Codswallop]

How about a Datsun 240z? Looks rather lovely imo.



Edit: having just had a browse of car and classic, it appears that prices have gone up somewhat since I last checked So erm, how about a 260z/280z instead?

Edited by Codswallop on Tuesday 30th October 14:33

[HustleRussell]

Not exactly a classic car, but fulfils the 'classic character' requirement well with it's twin webers and side exhaust. Pops and splutters aplenty, and two foot flames from the exhaust once it's nice and hot and the exhaust system joints have expanded. It's also faster than pretty much everything suggested so far- with only 100bhp but 520kgs.



P.S. I bought this within your budget with enough left over for a 'decent enough' 5-year old Mondeo daily.

Edited by HustleRussell on Tuesday 30th October 14:39

[anonymous-user]

The Caterham is a good idea. There is little to beat a Caterham for fun.

[CHN]

Funnily enough I was looking at the 240zs when I was looking at the esprit back then. At the time you could pick one up for 6 or 7k, not now!

Of the cars mentioned, the Alfas and the lancia Monte Carlo appeal, possibly the tvr vixen, 2500m. Not the MGB though, not something I could imagine hooning about in, though they do look and sound very nice.

Caterham/westfields are nice, but I couldn't imagine pulling up at a restaurant in one, hence it needs to also look a bit special too.

Edited by CHN on Tuesday 30th October 15:08

[anonymous-user]

At your budget, you could go for the best Montecarlo around. The engine is a pleasant twin cam two litre, albeit a tad underpowered for the car, but the handling is good. The car presses the buttons of being rare, mid engined, and a two seater, and some of them have removable roofs.

[HustleRussell]

Only 'restaurants' I drove mine to were Ace Cafe and mid-blat burger vans... Sophisticated motoring at it's best.

[anonymous-user]

This is over your budget, but could be a very good buy indeed if the chassis is OK. A good Europa is a real joy to drive, and it pops and splutters all you could wish. Haggle!


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-LOTUS-EUROPA-TWIN-C...

[g3org3y]

Unfortunately auto but you get the idea: http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

Though not sure how much 'pop and splutter' you'll get!

[DanDC5]

S1 Elise, decat and sports exhaust. Easy to find for less than 10k and will pop and splutter all day long.

[anonymous-user]

You would need a 2002 Tii for pop and splutter, and that would probably cost over 10K.

[HustleRussell]

Breadvan72 said:

You would need a 2002 Tii for pop and splutter, and that would probably cost over 10K.

I had a thing for these for a while, but the Tii mechanical fuel injection put me off big time. Shame the standard M10 cars barely had 100bhp and the 'Ti' (twin carb) models were LHD only.
The old 2002 is beginning to gain a little recognition now, I wonder if in the future I'll regret not buying the nice Atlantic Blue '71 2002 I nearly bought a few years ago.