Mazdax605's recent post, and a reference to another thread in that, got me thinking about practical classics that can seat four people (with no search, I can't find the other thread).
So what are some reasonable classics (nice examples for under $5K) of four seat fun cars? Of the top on my head, I'd say the BMW 2002 and the Volvo 140's. The old Mazda RX-2,3,4 are funky and cool. What else?
Thanks
Saab 900 Turbo. Saab 99.
1982 VW GTI would be fun if you could find one.
I'm constantly thinking about this very thing. Here's my ebay watch list of the moment...also, a Corvair might be a good option.
MGB/GT as long as everybody is 5'6" or smaller. Civic SI first gen. PPE
I like the idea of old Toyota's as well,and I have been on the look out for one on a few different sites. It seems there are more old Toyota's available,and there seems to be more parts for them as well in comparison to the Mazda's I have been looking at.
I also was looking at a few Volvo 2 door wagons on fleabay the other day,and they seem very cool. I know nothing about them though,so I have yet to do any bidding.
SAAB's seem like a cool option,but they are all FWD correct?
BMW 22202's have been on my watch list as well,but they seem to be all over the map according to value,so I can't get a good gauge on what they are worth,or what models/years are the better ones to own.
I like unique cars that don't need to be the highest performance vehicle,heck I like wagons,but I don't want a car that has no soul if you get what I mean.
I took the Rx-7 out last night to my volleyball league,and WOW I forget when I don't drive it that often how much I love that car! It is the model of simplicty,powerful enough for me,and in my opinion flat out sexy.I can't imagine not owning that car.
Chris
79 RX-7 GS 74 REPU
Fiat 124 sedan or coupe. Fiat 850 coupe. 128 is cool as well. There is a nice Ferrari Mondial in Tulsa that is for sale.
Cheers Ron
I've got MGB/GTs and they are not four seaters, even for small children.
Not very quick, but I love my 1966 Beetle for four people.
--Carl
It's not your Grandfather's GEO Metro!
Chris,
What models were offered in two door wagon? Those would be a hoot.
I'm with you, I prefer RWD.
J
Volvo had a number of 2-door wagons. Chris is probably thinking of the '72-'73 1800ES, but there was also the 445/P210 Duett series produced from the '50s into '67.
No pics handy right now, sorry...
I have seen both the Volvo that Vclassics mentioned in a two door,and a few Toyota Corolla wagons in two door form. I am not familiar with the chassis alphanumeric system Toyota uses,but these guy on the toyota forums all refer to the cars as TE-72,38,etc.. I know Mazda chassis numbers but not Toyota yet.
The idea of a Toyota RWD Corolla is growing on me,even though I like Mazda's with a passion.
Chris
Funky: Early Corvair 4 door (REALLY funky looking)
Cool: Late Corvair 4 door (actually a very good looking 4 door)
Both of the above are pretty rare (no one saves 4 doors)
I second the Fiat 124 Sport Coupe for a classic family car. Generous interior space, even the back seats are adult usable. Fairly large trunk, swallowing an easy up, cooler, toys and a few chairs for last weekends Best of France and Italy Car Show. Oh, and mileage in the mid to high 20's.
How about the mid '60's Mark I Ford Cortinas...I wonder how much they go for now? Boy, I hardly ever see any! Maybe none are left.
I always liked them, querky but cool style, reasonably roomy back seat, can be good performers especially the Lotus versions. If you forego the Lotus editions they came in 2 door and 4 door and station wagon versions.
The Cortina's are sweet, but I fear a little to costly and scarce.
Coupfan, tell me more about the Fiat. How easy are they to find and maintain. What kind of potential do they have for auto X? Links and other info would be great.
<a href="
">I'm on board with the Ford Cortina as well. I will even suggest the MK II which might not be as spendy as the MK I. They're light and fast, a skilled driver can give the Porsche crowd real headaches. There's a few that race here in the NW and do very well.
Dougie
If you want RWD, the Datsun 510 is a great car, but like all these examples, it's getting harder to find a decent one at a reasonable price.
A rwd ~Toyota Starlet~ might be a good choice too.
I had a MK II Cortina (street) and I've rented one to drive in a one-hour enduro (you can see that race-Cortina ~HERE~.....in the background).
The Cortina's not my favorite car to drive....great engine, but even the race car had dead steering and lurched around the track.
For what it's worth, I much-preferred my old Datsun 510 or my old FIAT 124 sedan.
NBS2005:
Coupes were made from 1967-1975. They came with 1400-1800 CC DOHC engines, 5-speeds, 4-wheel disk brakes. Almost 50/50 balance. Mechanically identical to common 124 Spiders. Body panels and other bits are rare. Nice ones show up on Ebay and such. I wish my website was still up, it had an incredible amount of information on them--got to migrate it to a new host. Makes a decent autocrosser, but it's more of a road racer. There's not much available in 'off the shelf' suspension parts for them. Hop around the internet and I'm sure you'll find much more info.
<a href="
">I forgot about my old favorite the 510. With its IRS and and balanced weight it was always very easy to flog around. The motors will take a lot of abuse. As for the Cortina's dead steering it's a dream compared to the big
Healey. If the rears not sliding, your not turning with any speed.
Dougie
Check this out:
http://classicmotorsports.net/forum/classic-cars/my-first-classic-what-will-it-be/1841/page1/#post24283
I found it easier to find a borderline exotic like the Alfa GTV than a good 510, ironically.
Those Cortinas make me tingle. I wish the RWD Escort was more prevalent here in the States.
Cortinas are tough to find. I think you could source a German built Capri easier (and arguably have a car just as good or better).
RWD Escorts are pretty plentiful in the UK and are legal to import. However, what I'm reading in the Brit magazines for pricing, they aren't cheap. Apparently the Escort love-lust is very strong over there, though it seems a automatic saloon or a plain estate isn't too costly. A Mexico with a twin cam? Better bring some Euros.
510s are getting very rare. I find it somewhat ironic that good 510s are worth as much or more than a 240Z. For the most part, 510s were disposable cars when new, its very sad.
I'm gonna second the 124 Coupe suggestion, one of the more underrated classics out there.
As soon as they hit the market, and ever since, I've always liked the 124's, both the spiders and the coupes. I talked my cousin into buying a new one in the early '70's.
Not trying to instigate on Cortinas, but this one is now for sale on ebay for ~$1500 U.S.D., no rust Cali car, Kent crossflow 1600cc, 133k miles, blah blah
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