Cheap vintage sportcommuter

Junkyard_Dog wrote: 914. Can't believe nobody (including me) figured this out yet.

The "bad doctor" would hate you for bastardizing another one. All the more reason to do it!

Maroon92 wrote:

Junkyard_Dog wrote: 914. Can't believe nobody (including me) figured this out yet.

The "bad doctor" would hate you for bastardizing another one. All the more reason to do it!

Bastardizing? They're perfectly fine stock....but a Subie or 911 engine isn't a bad idea either

I'll go back again and vote for the car I commented on initially, the Volvo Amazon. Even the 1800 would work. Get either in an estate version. Awesome rides, and stupid easy to fix. You wrecked it? They make excellent Lemons cars.

Junkyard_Dog wrote: 914. Can't believe nobody (including me) figured this out yet.

hey look at my second post!

Four door BWW CSI

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/2181627807.html

Midget

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/2179965662.html

Volvo 1800

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/2181129413.html

Old School Japanese

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/2180708516.html

1974 was the beginning of the dark ages for automotive enthusiasts. Which cars were ahead of their time back then?

Posche 911 and 914 BMW 2002 Datsun 240Z and 510 Alfa Spider and GT

David

Maroon92 wrote: I want a 70 mustang with a new BOSS Hurricane 302. You should too!

This.

stroker wrote:

Maroon92 wrote: I want a 70 mustang with a new BOSS Hurricane 302. You should too!

This.

+1

Alfa GTV
Mazda RX3
Early 911
Ferarri

Not sure of your price limit

DWNSHFT wrote: 1974 was the beginning of the dark ages for automotive enthusiasts. Which cars were ahead of their time back then? Posche 911 and 914 BMW 2002 Datsun 240Z and 510 Alfa Spider and GT David

I would add the Fiat 124 (as somebody already mentioned

The Volvo p1800.. in any form.. would be fun. If you do not mind FWD.. How about a tiny Saab Sonett?

Want to second the P1800 that's a hella stylin car. Same thing on the 914. I'm amazed that I haven't owned a 914 yet. I've driven a 914-6 and a 914, and loved them both, but failed to pull the trigger each time out of rust related fear.

On the topic of rust related fear, how about an E9?

What is the going rate for a 914-4 in Northern CA right now?

You said you were on a budget, but you didn't tell us how much. Some people are on a $25,000 budget and some are on a $2500 budget. A little guidance here would help.

Anyway, I have to vote for an early Datsun. A well tuned and good running original example 240z/260z with round top SU's and factory gearing or a 5-speed swap (stupid easy) can make 30mpg's relatively easy. Adding some useful aero mods can improve this as well. Specifically a decent air dam to move the air around the car rather than letting it go under.

If you are in CA you can get a '75 or older model and be exempt from the bi-annual smog test. This opens the door for the Fuel Injected 280Z which can be upgraded nicely with MS&S and the elimination of the AFM and about 100 miles of vacuum hoses.

Bear in mind, you are exempt from the test, not from COMPLIANCE! If you get pulled over and have something "unnatural" under your hood, you can be sent to the referee and get a hefty fine. This doesn't stop most people, but you should be aware.

Out of everything mentioned so far, I haven't seen anything that meets your criteria better than a classic Datsun. But hey, I could be wrong... ;)

If it were my choice, A first gen celica with a 4age or 2zz-ge engine.

This much style and 30+ mpg

That is damn sexy especially with the low profile wing mirrors on the fenders. Unfortunately, the Celica's of that vintage don't have a fraction of the aftermarket the Datsun's have...

+1 for rareness, +1 for coolness, -5 for supportability and use as a daily driver.

ww wrote: That is damn sexy especially with the low profile wing mirrors on the fenders. Unfortunately, the Celica's of that vintage don't have a fraction of the aftermarket the Datsun's have... +1 for rareness, +1 for coolness, -5 for supportability and use as a daily driver.

Well, if parts availability is what you're after, just step up to its larger American cousin:

Though it isn't what I would necessarily consider cheap or economical

As much as I wanna agree with GTwannaB on the E3 (I miss mine like I miss being 25yrs old), the E3 rusts almost as badly as the E9.

Sanman, that Celica is sweet, but ww's right about parts. How about Mazda's little effort in that market segment..the RX-3?

Almost as hard to find a clean one as it is to find a clean Celica, but doesn't Mazda support their older models more than Toyota does?