Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22447 Location: UK

If you were in the market for an affordable, used, sporty two-seat convertible, would you opt for something like a Spitfire, Midget or MGB, or opt for a later used car such as an MGF or MX5, for similar money?

Has the affordability of used MX5s et al, knocked the market for these traditional "classic" rag tops?

RJ
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7119 Location: Edinburgh

In my view they are all moderns so no contest. I'd have the MX5. I might prefer an Elan Sprint but I think I'd opt for the ease of maintenance of the Mazda.

Peter
_________________
http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

Peter_L · Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 5:40 pm Post subject:

As a young man I dreamed of owning a Lotus Elan. I even had a photo of one on my bedroom wall, next to a smaller one of Ursula Andress.

I came very close to buying a bargain MGA, it was Red, looked immaculate and really shiny. My Dad insisted that our mechanic/RAF/neighbour took a look at it before lending me the cash to buy it. Just as well, it was seriously bodged. Pop rivets and vague images of Castrol and Duckhams oil cans peered through some thinner coats of underseal.

For several years I continued to drool over the image pinned to my bedroom wall but eventually realised that it would only ever be a dream..

mikeC · Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 6:00 pm Post subject:

I have owned Spitfires and MGBs in the past, and would be quite happy to repeat the experience; equally, I have never even ridden in an MX5, so would probably choose one just for the experience. Sadly, the MGF doesn't appeal.
But as I like to be different, I would probably hunt out something obscure, like an Innocenti Spider (I know it's just a Spridget) or a Berkeley Embarassed

kevin2306 · Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 6:56 pm Post subject:

I would love an elan or a spitfire with a gt6 engine.
I do have an early 1.6 eunos (mx5) which is a hoot and being an import is in great nick (no salt exposure on mine, plenty of rusty ones tho). The eunos is a lovely made and designed little sports car.

Kev

MikeEdwards · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 2471 Location: South Cheshire

I quite like the look of that new version of the Fiat 124 Spider that's been floating around for a week or two. Quite similar styling to the original, though I imagine given what they did with the relaunch of the 500, it's probably twice the size.

Ashley · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 1426 Location: Near Stroud, Glos

I've had loads of Sports cars over the years, the later they are the better they are and a few years ago I bought an MX5, which we had a good holiday in. It was easy to drive, very nippy and warm with the roof down. The steering was a bit too direct, there was very little luggage space, but the roof was easy to put up or down and parts very cheap.

I'd have one over older Brit sportscars and I have a Healey 3000 which is crude and deafening in comparison.

More recently my neighbour decided to sell her Boxster, so I paid what she was offered on a trade in and then took it to Porsche make sure it was okay for a trip to France. I could have bought another MX5 for what they charged me, but it is a fantastic car.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22447 Location: UK

Does anyone rate the Fiat Barchetta, or the BMW Z3?

RJ
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop

Ashley · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 1426 Location: Near Stroud, Glos

A friend had the Barchetta and loved it, even spent a fortune having specially trimmed leather seats and then he sold it and regretted it. They're good.

I also have a friend with a beat up Z3 he bought for a £1000 or so. He's raised the suspension and uses it for trials, it has done a huge mileage and yet it goes really well and he loves it. They're beautifully made and last for ever.

kevin2306 · Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 9:31 pm Post subject:

Keith D · Posted: Fri Nov 27, 2015 6:47 am Post subject:

Rick, I would dearly love a 6 cylinder Z3. In Australia the early 1.9 litre 4 cylinder units are considered a car for posing, but the performance of the larger sixes is very impressive.

Keith

lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1585 Location: Le Mans

Given the definition I've only had two I suppose which were a Frogeye and a 1275 Midget. The second was far more fun. I've often though, as anno domini weighs more and more, of buying an MX5 but am put off by the rust reports. If I ignore the specifications imposed, I'd love to have my M6 back. Tin top or not, that was one hell of an engine.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22447 Location: UK

Ashley · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 1426 Location: Near Stroud, Glos

ajlelectronics · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 168 Location: Gloucester

All rust buckets!

The ultimate is the Scimitar SS1, SST and Sabre range.
_________________
Evans Waterless Coolants
Find this and more at http://www.classicmicrocars.com
Sat TV / Aerial systems etc: http://www.ajlelectronics.co.uk