What small or "classic" car for general fast road use/trips
Discussion
I'm loving the Stradale, but it is a little wide for some of the trips I take to Scotland and Wales. These trips involves little B roads and sometimes even single tracks roads. I've been wondering if I might be "quicker" or be able to weave through corners better if I had a little more room.
I am slowly but surely being being drawn to the idea of a smaller, perhaps less powerful car that I can drive at 80% of it's capabilities, 90% of the time on the trips. For me, it's not about the straights, it's about the cornering and the ability to take a corner with room to spare. The Ferrari tick all the boxes, but it does take all of the road in some places, so you do need to dial it back where if you were in a smaller car you wouldn't need to and it would be perfectly safe.
So I'm considering going to down one of two avenues:
(1) If I'm looking at something contemporary, a Honda/Audi engined Exige seems to be the absolute best bet. Any thoughts on alternatives?
(2) I've also been turning my thoughts to a little classic car (everything over 20 years is so much smaller!) that I can play with as well. It will need to be powerful enough to stay with the other cars I tend to go out with (moderns Porsches, etc) and also be able to take the wear and tear. The only thing I can think of is an Alfaholics GTA, but is there anything else worth considering? I'd love an Eagle E-type (it's the right size and narrow) but they're rather expensive.
The car would purely be used for spirited driving, so it doesn't matter if it's not entirely practical. However, it does need to be watertight and to be able to take a couple of overnight bags!
I am slowly but surely being being drawn to the idea of a smaller, perhaps less powerful car that I can drive at 80% of it's capabilities, 90% of the time on the trips. For me, it's not about the straights, it's about the cornering and the ability to take a corner with room to spare. The Ferrari tick all the boxes, but it does take all of the road in some places, so you do need to dial it back where if you were in a smaller car you wouldn't need to and it would be perfectly safe.
So I'm considering going to down one of two avenues:
(1) If I'm looking at something contemporary, a Honda/Audi engined Exige seems to be the absolute best bet. Any thoughts on alternatives?
(2) I've also been turning my thoughts to a little classic car (everything over 20 years is so much smaller!) that I can play with as well. It will need to be powerful enough to stay with the other cars I tend to go out with (moderns Porsches, etc) and also be able to take the wear and tear. The only thing I can think of is an Alfaholics GTA, but is there anything else worth considering? I'd love an Eagle E-type (it's the right size and narrow) but they're rather expensive.
The car would purely be used for spirited driving, so it doesn't matter if it's not entirely practical. However, it does need to be watertight and to be able to take a couple of overnight bags!
Edited by AdvocatusD on Thursday 22 May 14:42
Advocatus,you need to try a good Noble.
I'm on my second,had it 8 years now and will never sell it. Last week whilst up at my dealers for service, they threw the keys to this at me http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n... and asked me to come back and tell me what I thought...(I've no affiliation to the garage other than I've been a customer for years).
This actual car is astonishing, buy far the best example I've driven in a long long time, not only is it as close to a new 3R as you'll ever get condition wise,(other than a small chip on the bonnet) but the spec and upgrades are spot on, and it is mightily, shockingly quick. Try it,I honestly think you will get out grinning from ear to ear.
They are asking top money for it, but it's worth every penny ( the previous owner is a PH-er as well).
I'm on my second,had it 8 years now and will never sell it. Last week whilst up at my dealers for service, they threw the keys to this at me http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n... and asked me to come back and tell me what I thought...(I've no affiliation to the garage other than I've been a customer for years).
This actual car is astonishing, buy far the best example I've driven in a long long time, not only is it as close to a new 3R as you'll ever get condition wise,(other than a small chip on the bonnet) but the spec and upgrades are spot on, and it is mightily, shockingly quick. Try it,I honestly think you will get out grinning from ear to ear.
They are asking top money for it, but it's worth every penny ( the previous owner is a PH-er as well).
Something like the Alfaholics GTA would be perfect. 
The Guilia Alfas are a superb base for what you're after in terms of size, robustness, engineering quality and availability of modifications.
The Wrynose Pass from memory
Another classic option might be a re-engineered Lotus +2 Elan? There is firm that does them with Zetec conversions and new chassis etc
The Guilia Alfas are a superb base for what you're after in terms of size, robustness, engineering quality and availability of modifications. The Wrynose Pass from memory
Another classic option might be a re-engineered Lotus +2 Elan? There is firm that does them with Zetec conversions and new chassis etc
Don't discount a K-Series powered (VHPD) Exige S1. They have bags of character and have the best handling balance. No doubting that a converted car is faster, but don't assume reliability. Given you are considering more expensive cars, i'd consider getting the conversion done under your own watch.
The Alfa GTA is a beautiful car and i'd have one just to look at. Was going to buy a race one until i was told a Lotus Cortina is faster and cheaper.
The Alfa GTA is a beautiful car and i'd have one just to look at. Was going to buy a race one until i was told a Lotus Cortina is faster and cheaper.
AdvocatusD said:
The only thing I can think of is an Alfaholics GTA, but is there anything else worth considering?
That was my first thought when I saw the thread title! Any 105 coupé will be a hoot on the twisties. I've got a 1750 Bertone GTV which is great fun, although without PAS it's a good workout!Regarding your comment about B-roads I'm always a bit nervous about ground clearance with these. The sump is very low and exposed.
Alfaholics do a sump guard kit which I've got fitted on my 105 Spider. It's very solid and gives excellent protection. It does however lower the ground clearance by a couple of cm - leading to regular clangs! A couple of years back, on a PH hoon to the Jaguar Sunday Service, we hit the ground so hard on a back road close to Stowe School that the engine cut out and wouldn't restart. After about half an hour (just at the point I was about to call roadside recovery), it started again!
They are however absolutely brilliant cars
DuncsGTi said:
What about something like a Mk 2 escort? A relative of mine has one with a 2.0 pinto and it can certianly hold its own amongst modern metal.
Light weight and RWD too
Which modern metal ?Light weight and RWD too
Good fun, but they were never all that fast and a Mk1 Golf GTI would piss all over them, never mind moern stuff.
Did Alfaholics do anything with the GTV driving position?
I had a 2000 GTV. The driving position was true italian and for my tastes uncomfortable. I loved the car, but would hesitate before buying another for long drives.
All RHD drives have floor mounted brake/clutch pedal. Prety sure that LHD went to proper hung pedals for the later cars? I don't know if anbody tied to retro fit to RHD, or if the bulk head wasn't suitable.
I had a 2000 GTV. The driving position was true italian and for my tastes uncomfortable. I loved the car, but would hesitate before buying another for long drives.
All RHD drives have floor mounted brake/clutch pedal. Prety sure that LHD went to proper hung pedals for the later cars? I don't know if anbody tied to retro fit to RHD, or if the bulk head wasn't suitable.
balls-out said:
Did Alfaholics do anything with the GTV driving position?
I had a 2000 GTV. The driving position was true italian and for my tastes uncomfortable. I loved the car, but would hesitate before buying another for long drives.
All RHD drives have floor mounted brake/clutch pedal. Prety sure that LHD went to proper hung pedals for the later cars? I don't know if anbody tied to retro fit to RHD, or if the bulk head wasn't suitable.
People install aftermarket steering wheels (momo/OMP etc) with spacers which seem to do the job for most people. I quite liked the floor mounts pedals; nice and easy to heal-and-toe. I had a 2000 GTV. The driving position was true italian and for my tastes uncomfortable. I loved the car, but would hesitate before buying another for long drives.
All RHD drives have floor mounted brake/clutch pedal. Prety sure that LHD went to proper hung pedals for the later cars? I don't know if anbody tied to retro fit to RHD, or if the bulk head wasn't suitable.
The Honda Elise/Exige route looks good. I have been looking at these myself. Slightly at the top-end of my budget though for a second car. Man maths can only do so much!
Anyway.....
There have been some nice Ford Duratec conversions done too by Steve Willaims http://www.swlotus.com/lotus-elise-duratec-convers... From what I have read the duratecs advantage is that it is a lighter engine than the Honda K20. Not sure if it would have the excitement of the mad Honda K20
This was on PH a while back, not sure if its still for sale but this add seems still live http://forsale.classicandperformancecar.com/privat...
Nice predicament to be in though OP!
Anyway.....
There have been some nice Ford Duratec conversions done too by Steve Willaims http://www.swlotus.com/lotus-elise-duratec-convers... From what I have read the duratecs advantage is that it is a lighter engine than the Honda K20. Not sure if it would have the excitement of the mad Honda K20
This was on PH a while back, not sure if its still for sale but this add seems still live http://forsale.classicandperformancecar.com/privat...
Nice predicament to be in though OP!
I'm in the same predicament as the OP, not fussed for much in the way of straight line speed plus I have a small garage. I've been looking at elise/exige's but I'd be happy enough with the std engines, a HG costs pennies to fix anyway. I'm actually starting to consider building a caterham/westy, can't argue with them for back road banter at lower speeds (only thing that puts me off is the front engine)
Hope you get sorted out with something tasty
Dunc.
Hope you get sorted out with something tasty
Dunc.
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