The Spotted Week That Was | Rallye, Vanquish, 350Z
Old Astons and new Nissans have PH scrambling for the classifieds this Sunday
S2 Peugeot 106 Rallye, 1999, 89,000 miles, £10,995
There's lots to love about this time of the year. The cooler evening air lends naturally aspirated engines a few extra horses (or feels like it does, anyway), but the tarmac still holds heat from the day, so summer tyres remain within their optimum window. I was reminded on a drive earlier this week that cars like my old Clio 182 feel particularly spritely in these climes; actually, you could argue that French performance hatches in general seem to go particularly well in them. That might help explain why this week I've been typing 'Rallye' into the search box on more than one occasion.
This is right up my street. Arguably not as desirable as the S1, the S2 106 Rallye is absolutely capable of making the most of September's dense supply of evening air. The revvy characteristics of its 1.6 four-cylinder - there's 103hp at 6,200rpm - combined with an 868kg kerbweight and those little wheels mean it looks perfect for the brief. And the feedback provided by the chassis, famed for its keen front axle and adjustability, would be quite welcome on roads that grow slipperier as the cold months approach.
This particular example is said to be immaculate and totally original; with 89,000 miles on the clock, it suggests it's lived a life of love and affection to go with decent usage. And now, more than ever, I think it looks absolutely spot on, its white panels and those matching steels creating a purposeful, completely inoffensive theme. At £11k, while a lot, I can't think of many cars better set to slap a grin across your face on those special evening drives. SS
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish S, 2005, 20k, £139,950
The Vanquish is included this week for two reasons: firstly, because our recent drive of the CALLUM 25 car made me remember how fond I am of an original Vanquish. Secondly, the DB5 Goldfinger has put me in a Bond mood. And there was that new trailer for No Time To Die - three reasons, then.
The Vanquish is still my favourite of the modern Astons to look at, just beating out the old Vantage, a V12 flagship that's suave, sophisticated and genuinely really handsome as well; for something designed more than 20 years ago, I think it's a triumph.
Well used cars are available for less than £70k - as are the later Vanquishes, too, which is interesting - but with the freedom to choose there's only one I want: a Vanquish S, in a dark colour, with the Works manual conversion. Here's just the thing!
Not only does this Vanquish have all those (plus contrast leather - result) there's been another £12k spent on an Alpine sound system recently. Which, if unexpected, will surely be welcome; call it a bit of the way to a full CALLUM 25 experience for a chunk less cash. A lot less than any DB5, too, even though the Vanquish surely has to rank alongside its illustrious forebear as one of the best-looking Bond cars ever... MB
Nissan 350Z, 2008, 65k, £9,380
Believe some of my colleagues and there's a lot of yours truly in the Nissan 350Z: brawny, muscular, a little crude on occasion and maybe a tad heavy as well, but also irrepressibly charming and quite the handsome old brute in truth. They must want a pay rise.
But all those factors most certainly apply to the 350Z, Nissan's glorious resurrection of the Zed sports car for the 21st century. Furthermore, with more details being confirmed this week of a new Z for 2020, expect interest in the old car to climb. Because the 350 was arguably a more successful reincarnation of the formula than the 370. If this new car can excite sports car fans as a Nissan did in 2003, it'll be quite the feat.
This car looks about as good as 350s get, yet is still less than £10k. One of the last facelifted GT models, it comes with the 313hp V6, gorgeous forged Rays and a six-speed manual - ideal, in other words. Combine that with decent condition, an apparently comprehensive Nissan service history and a six-month warranty from the dealer and this Zed looks a winner. Let's hope the new Proto is, too - a legion of fans awaits... NC
Anyone looking should also check the brand of the 'new' tyres - good modern tyres like PS4s make a huge difference to the 350Z's poise on wet roads. Also check the oil pressure when the engine's at warm idle - should be 15psi minimum, there's a gasket that fails on these HR engines which is a cheap part but requires expensive engine disassembly to do, thick end of a grand.
Are you Donald Trump operating under a pseudonym...?
Now...
With that out of the way, imagine all the aftermarket goodness that a determined owner could bring to the 350Z -- versus buying a 370Z or buying most anything else two seats and sporty.
I'm not necessarily agreeing the seller's price; I'm just noting the potential for big value.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10757380?c...
Same seller...
Its worth as much as someones willing to pay for it, after people are spending 40k plus on a 4 pot merc, to me that is utter madness AMG or not, but for many they love it and good luck to them.
We all have different values on different things, so best to respect other peoples views.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10757380?c...
Same seller...
Its worth as much as someones willing to pay for it, after people are spending 40k plus on a 4 pot merc, to me that is utter madness AMG or not, but for many they love it and good luck to them.
We all have different values on different things, so best to respect other peoples views.
Gets people in a right froth but don’t see the problem - if you don’t like it, someone else might
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