Another what classic

[DocArbathnot]

Hi All

My Sunbeam Alpine is up for sale, I don't really want it to go but needs must.

To replace it I want another convertable this time it will probably live outside and used as a daily, the Sunbeam just fits the garage but it's a bit snug for anything bigger.

Thinking of a modern classic up to £10k budget

4 seater (rear seats don't have to be huge)
Power hood and A/C would be nice.
Decent luggage space.
A good level of refinement.
A sense of occasion whenever I drive it.
Home mechanicing possible.
Classic insurance (I do have access to another vehicle)

So far I have come up with a Merc SL or a W124 based cabrio, not very imaginative I know anything else I should consider

(I may be able to keep the Sunbeam, it doesn't eat anything but may not get much use if I had another car as well)

[CQ8]

An old Saab 900 convertible or a BMW 3 series e30 325i convertible would meet most of your criteria. Also consider a 944/968 convertible but I'm not sure about the back seats.

If it was me, I'd go for a r129 Mercedes SL500. I'm not sure about home maintenance on them but I am a mechanical numpty.

[DocArbathnot]

CQ8 said:

An old Saab 900 convertible or a BMW 3 series e30 325i convertible would meet most of your criteria. Also consider a 944/968 convertible but I'm not sure about the back seats.

If it was me, I'd go for a r129 Mercedes SL500. I'm not sure about home maintenance on them but I am a mechanical numpty.

The Saab is a good call but not quite special enough, I'm not keen on the BMW and have ruled out early the Audi 80 Cabrio (never a fan of that era of 80s)

[williamp]

CQ8 said:

An old Saab 900 convertible or a BMW 3 series e30 325i convertible would meet most of your criteria. Also consider a 944/968 convertible but I'm not sure about the back seats.

If it was me, I'd go for a r129 Mercedes SL500. I'm not sure about home maintenance on them but I am a mechanical numpty.

Thats a good list. Don't forget the XJS or XK8 too. A stag is great but not good to be outside in all weathers

The audi 80 convertible is looking really nice too these days. The A4 cab less so...

[niagra]

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C409388

This should do.

[DocArbathnot]

niagra said:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C409388

This should do.

I quite like the coupe the cabrio seems a bit well um..................................unfinished

[lowdrag]

What, no Vitesse and Herald convertibles? I had one briefly many moons ago and the wooden dash and stately driving (not much punch in a Herald) still made for a sense of occasion. here's an example:-

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C408113

[Travis Mcgee]

lowdrag said:

What, no Vitesse and Herald convertibles? I had one briefly many moons ago and the wooden dash and stately driving (not much punch in a Herald) still made for a sense of occasion. here's an example:-

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C408113

Love that.

[DocArbathnot]

lowdrag said:

What, no Vitesse and Herald convertibles? I had one briefly many moons ago and the wooden dash and stately driving (not much punch in a Herald) still made for a sense of occasion. here's an example:-

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C408113

I do like these, but I think I'm looking for a bit more waftyness. not much benifit over The Sunbeam, which ia quite good (I love driving it) and does have cursory rear seats, I may be getting soft but Mrs Doc only just tolerates my habits. A Stag has been suggested and still being considered

Edited by DocArbathnot on Saturday 3rd August 18:18

[XJ Flyer]

For working on it at home this would probably beat the Merc and auto obviously fits the criterea in that case although they can also be found with a manual option and air con probably wouldn't be a problem to sort out so it would be no contest if I was looking for a convertable.Although the Stag with a Rover V8 conversion and manual with overdrive or a 5 speed box would also be on my list.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIL97DN_j38

[DocArbathnot]

XJ Flyer said:

For working on it at home this would probably beat the Merc and auto obviously fits the criterea in that case although they can also be found with a manual option and air con probably wouldn't be a problem to sort out so it would be no contest if I was looking for a convertable.Although the Stag with a Rover V8 conversion and manual with overdrive or a 5 speed box would also be on my list.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIL97DN_j38

That is cool as f***

[Hooli]

DocArbathnot said:

XJ Flyer said:

For working on it at home this would probably beat the Merc and auto obviously fits the criterea in that case although they can also be found with a manual option and air con probably wouldn't be a problem to sort out so it would be no contest if I was looking for a convertable.Although the Stag with a Rover V8 conversion and manual with overdrive or a 5 speed box would also be on my list.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIL97DN_j38

That is cool as f***

+1

I was thinking a yank tank as soon as the OP wanted a power hood & other toys, they seem to have had had 'modern' equipment since the stone age

[DocArbathnot]

Sunbeam's gone to a new home, it's new owner seems chuffed and had a good run back. I hope he enjoys it as much as I did.

But I've sold out and going modern.

Looking for an R129 SL Merc, real value for money at the moment.

Still I'll have room in the garage for a cheapish Midget or Spitfire, something to play with and improve.

Edited by DocArbathnot on Wednesday 7th August 22:12

[ThunderSpook]

Now I just need to get my father to put me on the insurance!

[kekeme14]

very beatiful

[DocArbathnot]

Found one. Nice SL320. Photo's to follow.