Back to the 80s!
Discussion
Rewind back 30 years to 1984. You've just passed your driving test and have been left a small inheritance to spend on a new car. Assuming you're fairly successful in your work (but not super rich) and can afford to buy a new car every year for the next 6 years, what would you buy?
First car (1984)
then (1985). Too early for the 16v sadly but the new 8v has just come out.
1986
1987
Time for something a bit more grown up!
and something rwd:
1988. The 2.5 version has just come out, so one of these:
1989
The Quattro's swansong. Quattro 20v!
and something for the weekend, now with the 5-speed gearbox.
Sadly I was only 4 in 1984, so never got to own any of these new/nearly new but this is when I first got into cars and when "normal" cars (with the exception of rustproofing in some cases) started to get good IMHO. What cars would you have bought?
First car (1984)
then (1985). Too early for the 16v sadly but the new 8v has just come out.
1986
1987
Time for something a bit more grown up!
and something rwd:
1988. The 2.5 version has just come out, so one of these:
1989
The Quattro's swansong. Quattro 20v!
and something for the weekend, now with the 5-speed gearbox.
Sadly I was only 4 in 1984, so never got to own any of these new/nearly new but this is when I first got into cars and when "normal" cars (with the exception of rustproofing in some cases) started to get good IMHO. What cars would you have bought?
1984: Ford Cortina Crusader
A reasonable first car, and assuming I was in a job paying well enough a car with a nice, straightforward image could never be a danger. The Crusader trim level would simply be the icing on the cake.
1985: Ford Sierra XR4i
Since they released in 1983, I imagine I could find a gently used one or two year old example after selling the Cortina (taking advantage of hostility to the Sierra's appearance).
1986: Ford Sierra Cosworth
Sell the XR4i, get the Cosworth, live on a shoestring budget for the next twelve months.
1987: Vauxhall Carlton
A return to a more sensible image with a semi-executive car of sorts. Likely either brought on by the Cosworth being stolen or something similarly unfortunate. I'd be looking for a relatively humdrum specification here, to recuperate the Cosworth expenses.
1988: BMW 318i / 325i (E30)
Slightly more yuppie again, but also not a particularly high-end model. I would probably pass on the M-Tec kits, etc.
1989: BMW 525i (E28)
Taking advantage of the new E34 model, I'd lift a relatively fresh E28 with a nice spec. The 525i seems most probable though a 535i would be absolutely fine in my book.
Or, depending on prices for an E28, I might just go for the new Sierra Cosworth. Crystal Blue, if you please.
A reasonable first car, and assuming I was in a job paying well enough a car with a nice, straightforward image could never be a danger. The Crusader trim level would simply be the icing on the cake.
1985: Ford Sierra XR4i
Since they released in 1983, I imagine I could find a gently used one or two year old example after selling the Cortina (taking advantage of hostility to the Sierra's appearance).
1986: Ford Sierra Cosworth
Sell the XR4i, get the Cosworth, live on a shoestring budget for the next twelve months.
1987: Vauxhall Carlton
A return to a more sensible image with a semi-executive car of sorts. Likely either brought on by the Cosworth being stolen or something similarly unfortunate. I'd be looking for a relatively humdrum specification here, to recuperate the Cosworth expenses.
1988: BMW 318i / 325i (E30)
Slightly more yuppie again, but also not a particularly high-end model. I would probably pass on the M-Tec kits, etc.
1989: BMW 525i (E28)
Taking advantage of the new E34 model, I'd lift a relatively fresh E28 with a nice spec. The 525i seems most probable though a 535i would be absolutely fine in my book.
Or, depending on prices for an E28, I might just go for the new Sierra Cosworth. Crystal Blue, if you please.
Ilikebeaver said:
What cars would I have bought?
Exactly the same as above.
Still trying to now!
Good luck! I've sort of owned some of them. A 205 GTi albeit in 1.6 guise, a 325i but a convertible rather than a Sport and a Corrado VR6, which is better than the Golf in many ways but overlight steering and not as adjustable IMHO! I think I've pretty much missed the boat on the others though. I would love to have an Alfa Sprint tucked away in the garage for dry weather use only!Exactly the same as above.
Still trying to now!
1987: Vauxhall Carlton
A return to a more sensible image with a semi-executive car of sorts. Likely either brought on by the Cosworth being stolen or something similarly unfortunate. I'd be looking for a relatively humdrum specification here, to recuperate the Cosworth expenses.
Shirley the GSi 3000 would have been the one to have?
[quote=thegreenhell]1984:
Love these. My neighbour growing up had one exactly like this on an A-plate and always drove it in a spirited manner! He then went on to his and hers Uno Turbos for a few years but I always liked the Abarth best. At the time, my dad had a newer but far less cool Fiat Panda! Later I know, but I would also love a Tipo 16v if one ever came up, preferably in black (so cool IMHO but I might be alone in thinking that)!
Love these. My neighbour growing up had one exactly like this on an A-plate and always drove it in a spirited manner! He then went on to his and hers Uno Turbos for a few years but I always liked the Abarth best. At the time, my dad had a newer but far less cool Fiat Panda! Later I know, but I would also love a Tipo 16v if one ever came up, preferably in black (so cool IMHO but I might be alone in thinking that)!
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