4 seat convertibles, any ideas?
Discussion
A car-nut mate is pondering this, I thought I would put it to the massive.
Budget to maybe £10k. Already on the table; XJS, SAAB, XK8/R, Merc SL500 (R129). I suggested Herald Vitesse Mk2 but he's not bowled over, Moggy / 2CV same, (heathen).
Anything non "hair by Philip" he should consider? Thanks all.
Budget to maybe £10k. Already on the table; XJS, SAAB, XK8/R, Merc SL500 (R129). I suggested Herald Vitesse Mk2 but he's not bowled over, Moggy / 2CV same, (heathen).
Anything non "hair by Philip" he should consider? Thanks all.
From Wiki,
"Coach Builders limited(1983–1988)Coach Builders limited converted XJS from coupe. It has 4 seats compared to factory convertible. Number produced is unknown".
From car and classic: "Standard features of our XJS include rear seat conversion (by TWR and including seatbelts)",
Did see one myself quite a few years ago, thought it was a factory made one for some time.
"Coach Builders limited(1983–1988)Coach Builders limited converted XJS from coupe. It has 4 seats compared to factory convertible. Number produced is unknown".
From car and classic: "Standard features of our XJS include rear seat conversion (by TWR and including seatbelts)",
Did see one myself quite a few years ago, thought it was a factory made one for some time.
Axionknight said:
A Volvo C70, the ones with the flat pack metal roof.
It's one of the few with genuinely usable rear seats. The XK8/R is hopeless and most of the others are really 2+2. The BMW 6 series isn't too bad in the back, the A4/A5 is a bit squished and so is the 3 series.Edited by dme123 on Wednesday 3rd December 13:15
belleair302 said:
Old school Merc E 320 (W124 model).
No question.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C551303
Dapster said:
Saw a red one parked in Brent Cross carpark today with the roof down(!).Looked incredibly classy amongst the sea of blingy RRSs and other modern toss.
I see someone driving one of these, and I assume they are a thoroughly charming individual that has their priorities straight. Probably owns several Barbour jackets and a pair of Hunter wellies too, which is a good thing in my book.
Folding tin-top Volvo is a great shout. Truly classy convertible imho. Anders from Workaholics opted for one- 'nuff said.
E46 M3 (manual rather than SMG please) would probably be my choice, as I only own one car and like to go fast. Often driven by undesirables- men with sparkly earrings, that sort of thing. Wouldn't put me off. Splitty floor issue might scare me a little- has its prevalence been overstated à la IMS bork in 996s?
Lots of E90 3 series convertibles sub £10K now, no M3s ofcourse, but some rather nice engines and specs in budget. Still regarded as a properly modern BMW by Joe Public, if such things are a concern.
A4 convertibles would suit, but you wouldn't have the metal roof or range of engines available in the E90. Suspect it wouldn't be as dynamically entertaining either.
Im rather fond of Saab convertibles, and much like the Volvo and Merc they say good things about the owner (imho, ofcourse). Surprised at the comment about interior quality, but Ive never driven one so it may well be accurate. The Swedish interior certainly looks like an acquired taste, I'd have (wrongly?) assumed it would be well screwed together, weird ignition barrel location and all.
I've spent plenty of time scouring the classifieds for a good XJ convertible sub £5K (I like to treat myself to a cheapish convertible each summer), but they're always just out of reach for me. £10K would buy a spiffing example. V8 wouldn't be an issue for my 3-4K miles a year usage, would your mate be able to swallow the fuel bills?
Can we pass off the 996 911 as having '4 seats' by the way? If so I may retract the E46 M3 as my pick. Pre-facelift 3.4 manual convertibles with sub 100K miles/ history for sub £10K- how short are your mates/ children?
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