Only for cheapskates

[Cedric]

We are always discussing fast, sleek, majestic, artistic, fantastic, astronomic, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious cars, but I have been wondering if there are well-maintained classic cars about which can be acquired for little money and which can pass for something that is more or less sporty, and among which you can find convertibles. (I am not talking about restoration projects, but vehicles in good condition).

[Matra et Alpine]

Hundreds of them, but no classic can really run without regualr maintenance. Things aren't built to last forever, the older they are the more work needs to keep them 'fettled'. Usually just service items on the 'good ones'

have a look at a Matra Murena - unbelievably cheap for a car that won't ever rust Course it's French so watch out for the one bit NOT galvanized - the rear arms, but remanfucatured versions out there now. Looks REALLY fast, if only performance matched looks But at least insureance is cheap
Sadly the convertible come up VERY seldom as very few were converted

Would you consider kits ? Ginetta, Caterham, Quantum ? Is LHD important ??

[Revo]

May I suggest Ford Escort cabriolet from 1980es. Or VW Golf I cabriolet perhaps? Or even little Renault 5 if you would like to have something different. None of them can be compared to Matra et Alpine's proposal though

Cheers!

[Cedric]

Yes, lots of cheap 80s cars about, but I meant classics, i.e. over 25 years old. An 80s Ford Escort is not my idea of sporty. A 70s Escort can be made sporty, if you put some money into it. A Matra Murena however, is rather sporty (and a three-seater!). Are those Matra parts easily available? I guess the better looking -my humble opinion- Matra 530 is a lot more expensive, and what about the Matra Bonnet Djet? Those babies aren't ubiquitous, are they?

[Cedric]

Oh yes, and kits are big fun too. I am considering to buy a second-hand one in a few years. In some countries registration can be hell.

[PerfAdv]

Try searching a classic car site like hemmings.com, based on price. Cars may pop up you had no idea even existed. I found this 'Gentle Giant' from when America was still the worlds sweetheart. Pretty good shape for $8,900. For sale in Canada so I don't know if that's US or Canadian money? Not exactly sportly but it'll be a show stopper in Belgium, exclusivity-wise!! We don't even see too many in the States.

EDIT: It's a 1964 Pontiac Parisienne, before this becomes a what is it thread.
more info:http://www.hemmings.com/index.cfm/fu...ieds.carsearch

[Cedric]

American classic cars in Belgium are actually omnipresent, if you leaf through some magazines you will find mostly American classics, which drink a little bit too much taking contemporary Belgian fuel prices into account. btw, here in Belgium I have seen cars I had no idea they even existed, last month I saw a very radical 1950s Osca on the motorway. I bet there are some Belgian collectors around who have virtually everything.

[Matt]

Old Alfas and VW Beetles and and MGBs are quite common and can be picked up for a pretty reasonable price, depending on condition.

[Esperante]

DeLorean (VERY similar to Matra Murena)
Saab Sonnet III
Porsche 944, 914 (ask Egg Nog)
Fiat Spider, 124 or 2000 (models, not years)
Alfa Romeo Spider (1980's-1990's)
MG's, (of nearly any generation)
Triumph's
Jaguar, XJ-S (1980's)


All I can think of right now.......

[Matra et Alpine]

A Matra Murena however, is rather sporty (and a three-seater!). Are those Matra parts easily available? I guess the better looking -my humble opinion- Matra 530 is a lot more expensive, and what about the Matra Bonnet Djet? Those babies aren't ubiquitous, are they?

Well you're guaranteed to attract attention with the Murena when you're 3 up
parts are OK being from PSA parts bins and the rear arms are now remanufactured.
www.carjoy.nl alwys has Murena's for sale.
and www.simon-auto.de
Going on to national Matra sites usually turns up cars for sale through the clubs. See http://www.matramania.be/
The M530 is another 'stand-out' styling, parts are simple but getting harder and no remanufactued.
The D'Jet is getting to be VERY expensive due to the exclusivity.
The 530's the only one to come 'convertable' from the factory.

[jcp123]

As a matter of fact we have a 1967 Ford Mustang convertible for sale...

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum...ead.php?t=8096

scroll till you see the sexy green droptop...

[Distress]

What about a BMW 2002 or Alfa Romeo Giulia GTV?

Just a thought.

[Matt]

What about a BMW 2002 or Alfa Romeo Giulia GTV?

Just a thought.

The prices on 2002s are quickly going up. If you can get a hold of one cheap, hold onto it.

[henk4]

www.lovejoy.nl alwys has Murena's for sale.

Are you sure??

[Matra et Alpine]

Are you sure??

ha-ha-ha

Too much talk of back seat action over in the Aussie forums !
lovejoy SHOULD BE carjoy
I'll go back and change the link in the thread too.

www.carjoy.nl

Sorry