What Car? Not My Money Edition...

Budget ~$40k.
Status car
Manual or Paddle Shift
FAST
Something people would pay $200+ to drive for a few laps
Durable. Needs to take abuse from non-enthusiast drivers all day long several times per year.
Not impossible to get in or out of (Lotus Exige/Elise already eliminated)
Stability control is actually a plus
Would be joined in the garage by Ferrari 360 and Lamborghini Gallardo.
Current leading vehicle is older 911 Turbo.

Annnnd go!

Rare that I will say this but....

IDK how pricing of these are but thinking they are in the range by now.

C6 Z06?

Viper. It doesn't meet the stability control requirement, but should check all the other boxes.

The layman's perception of fast and impressive for laps would be NASCAR or something similar.

For me, Ford GT (GT40) but not likely for $40k.

NSX

I was going to say GTR but doubt it meets price point. NSX? They are pretty stout but not really fast by super car standards.

25-year rule is up....time for one of these. I know a lot of people who would pay for a few laps in one, even if it's no faster than a regular old WRX...

Kenny_McCormic wrote: C6 Z06?

This

Status car? The most Aston Martin that money can buy.

Durable status car that can survive amateur lapping? Under $40K? If lapping I'd guess consumables might be an issue?

That nixes the silly cars...

Other than the GT500 and the Z06, I don't know... Viper GTS?

used cayman s or contact cbrd about an evo massaged by them

JohnRW1621 wrote: The layman's perception of fast and impressive for laps would be NASCAR or something similar.

And you can definitely find some sort of decent ex-stock car in that price range - that would get my vote if street use is not a requirement.

What about a Pro-Touring '67-'71 Camaro? Or ' 60's Mustang or Mopar? Think "Are You Faster Than A Redneck?"

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C5 Z06 with mods is the easy answer. Also, maybe a 350-370Z, various Mustangs already mentioned. $40k will buy any of these with plenty of money for go fast parts. You could even build the worlds fastest 944 Turbo. You basically have limitless options within reason.

For me though, it would be the C5 Z06.

To me, it's almost a no brainer. C5 Z06 or even a C6 with Z51. IMHO one of the best bang for the buck cars out there.

MadScientistMatt wrote:

JohnRW1621 wrote: The layman's perception of fast and impressive for laps would be NASCAR or something similar.

And you can definitely find some sort of decent ex-stock car in that price range - that would get my vote if street use is not a requirement.

This. Find one without a motor and add in a mild LSx. Dead nuts reliable, and will sound the part with an open exhaust.

Caterham 7, used. What's cheaper than consumables for a car that weighs 1300-1500lbs with Ford Focus engine in it? It would be a different type of status car, it would be the car-nerd's status car not the 'I drive a leased 7-series' status car.

I know why you are asking and while the Mustang is not the exotic that the other two is it will offer a different and BRUTAL perspective to the other two cars you guys are running. I like the fact that the Mustang can be docile or a beast with the only difference being the angle of the accelerator. Plus, compared to the Italians, the maintenance is dirt cheap.

If I had the money to spend, and the resources to maintain it, I would look into a Lotus Elise with a prepped suspension but they are off the list.

Gimp wrote:

MadScientistMatt wrote:

JohnRW1621 wrote: The layman's perception of fast and impressive for laps would be NASCAR or something similar.

And you can definitely find some sort of decent ex-stock car in that price range - that would get my vote if street use is not a requirement.

This. Find one without a motor and add in a mild LSx. Dead nuts reliable, and will sound the part with an open exhaust.

Actually a pretty good idea as well, except you have to be the size of Lesley to get into them.

Ariel atom, Ferrari 328/308, cobra replica (or any FFR car)

Klayfish wrote: To me, it's almost a no brainer. C5 Z06 or even a C6 with Z51. IMHO one of the best bang for the buck cars out there.

While I agree with you if I was buying one for ME to drive, who's gonna pay $200 for 15 minutes behind the wheel of a car you think you see every day? Same with the M5 up there.

Gotta be visibly exotic or at least appear to be unobtainable for mere mortals.

FFR cobra, or better yet FFR Daytona Coupe

Obviously for one of those "pay for a few laps in a supercar" businesses.

I'll second the C6 Z06. I'd second the Caterham but those have no "status."