RWD soft top

250882

Looking at getting a weekend car, something like a porsche 924 thats fun to drive but can maybe get away with classic insurance. any suggestions welcome

RobAMerc

I don't think the 924 was ever made as a cabrio - and the 944 is much too new for classic status (some ins companies might be ok with it but I doubt it).

You may be thinking of the 911 ? only classics ones though would be the Targa or Coupe afaik.

Otherwise there is a shed load of options - TR2/3/4/5/6
Spitfire - Stag etc

You might also get an MX5 on classic insurance ( not tax ) with some companies - if your not into the fettling a classic will require.

bitemybanger

MK2 escort?

RobAMerc

bitemybanger wrote: »

MK2 escort?

Soft top??

bitemybanger

RobAMerc wrote: »

Soft top??

And?? ive seen a few(probably conversions tho)

mloc123

mx5

Max_Damage

bitemybanger wrote: »

MK2 escort?

I've never seen a Mk2 Escort convertible. Are you sure you don't mean the Mk3?

OP: An Mazda MX5 / Eunos Roadster is probably your best bet.

whose-law-anywa

What are you willing to spend on the car.

unkel

RobAMerc wrote: »

the 944 is much too new for classic status

I'd be very surprised if you could not get classic insurance on a 944 cabrio from any of the usual classic car insurers

unkel

whose-law-anywa wrote: »

What are you willing to spend on the car.

+1

250882, you're not giving us much to go on. Classic insurance is a few hundred a year. Tax alone can be as much as €1.5k on a big engined car if the car is not yet 30 years old. And we haven't even discussed buying price, depreciation, maintenance budget, tyres, etc.

Alanstrainor

T-T78 wrote: »

T-T78's post removed!

Eh? are you trying to make a sale here or are you just stating that as a matter of fact?

T-T78

would have thought the fact that price is included would indicate that its for sale

Alanstrainor

T-T78 wrote: »

would have thought the fact that price is included would indicate that its for sale

take it to adverts for sales,
adverts

Anan1

Alanstrainor wrote: »

take it to adverts for sales,
adverts

Eh, the OP is looking for a 924.

Alanstrainor

Anan1 wrote: »

Eh, the OP is looking for a 924.

just letting him know, before a mod hands out a bannage, thought advertising your car was a no no, well that's what the charter says? i think

The Last Bandit

Alfa Spider, a series 1 or series 2. Soft top, rwd and loads of fun..

Anan1

Alanstrainor wrote: »

just letting him know, before a mod hands out a bannage, thought advertising your car was a no no, well that's what the charter says? i think

I think if you're lucky enough to find a thread where the OP's looking for your (quite rare) make & model of car then it may be ok.:)

Alanstrainor

Anan1 wrote: »

I think if you're lucky enough to find a thread where the OP's looking for your (quite rare) make & model of car then it may be ok.:)

yeah true:)

L-M

If u can find one get a TR4a, we've one are they're a cracker of a car... Not great power, but the looks counter act:D..

Anan1

How about this? http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=839043

Or this? http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/Alfasud/SPRINT-Veloice/843514/

galwaytt

The 924 does qualify for classic insurance - as does any Porsche over 15 years. My 968 is on classic insurance for Eur497 full comp. 944 is no problem.

Not classic tax though............:mad:

MX-5 is not eligible for classic insurance. Yet. But it will in 2010 !! So, you'll only pay normal insurance till then. There again, insurance on my 1990 one is currently..........Eur 290. ! Hard to see that going down, tbh.........

I wouldn't touch an old brit car (TR) etc, unless you fancy a life in the garage. With the '5, you just..........put petrol in it!

Slidey

Best of both worlds?
Something like this...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/345565.htm

unkel

Anan1 wrote: »

I think if you're lucky enough to find a thread where the OP's looking for your (quite rare) make & model of car then it may be ok.:)

Moved to classic cars where pimping is sometimes allowed - a bit

galwaytt wrote: »

Not classic tax though............:mad:

That's a lot of tax for half an engine

Sorry, couldn't resist

rugbyman

Friend of mine has a mk 1 golf convertible, black ,not a gti, carb engine,auto trans. better than average all round condition. currently uk reg so can be registered in your county. If it is of interest ,pm me. it is not cheap, but is a good car.

galwaytt

unkel wrote: »

That's a lot of tax for half an engine

Sorry, couldn't resist

Ha ! ....that's why I have.............2

So, that's 4 times more likely to start than yours, then

galwaytt

Anan1 wrote: »

How about this? http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=839043

Or this? http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/Alfasud/SPRINT-Veloice/843514/

Perfect !!

...except it's a) front wheel drive and b) not a soft top.


Like I said - it's perfect !:D

Dades

FIAT Spider?

Cheap, cheerful, RWD soft-top.
With all the tax, VRT and insurance breaks.

The OP seems to be a hit & run!

niceirishfella

hope this fits the bill..........

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Morris/Minor/convertible-convertible/724520/


LOL

rambler924

I am very biased when it comes to the 924 but here is my two pence worth anyway. If you are looking for a car that's great fun to drive and cheap to maintain and DIY friendly the 924 is a good choice.
They were not produced as a soft-top but do have a very large lift out roof; later versions have an electric tilt version of the lift out roof. You can come across a 924 professionally converted to a soft-top, very rare and mostly left hand drive.
I am not to sure on the classic insurance front, over 25 years is fine but they did accept my 84 car because I already had a classic policy on another car.
Vintage or normal tax? The 924 can cause a dilemma here, Post 1980 cars were fully galvanised whereas pre 1980 cars only had the lower body galvanised and all advice steers you in the direction of the post 80 cars which will incur full tax for a few years yet. A lot more information and advice can be had at:
http://www.porsche924ownersclub.webeden.co.uk/#
My advice is if you are considering a 924, don't dismiss it before you have had a drive in one.
The best of luck with your search!

250882

Not a hit and run just didnt get a chance to log in yesterday.
Budget is about 3-4K and the criteria is not nailed down. just looking for something that you could take out for a spin on a sunny weekend that isnt practical and preferably doesnt cost me a bomb in tax and insurance every year to keep stored in a garage most of the time.

Mx-5 is grand because the engine isnt too big so tax will be cheaper and I have a good no claims bonus and clean license so insurance wont be a problem but they are a bit common and the older ones are a bit hairdresserish.

Dades

3-4K not much to work with!

What about an old MG? Could probably pick up a runner in the UK for that.
Or a newer type MG like this one?

Do you have a second car?

v300

How a left hooker FIAT 124 cabrio.

Go ebay'ing it.

Italy is where all the best ones are.

Seth Brundle

Alanstrainor wrote: »

just letting him know, before a mod hands out a bannage, thought advertising your car was a no no, well that's what the charter says? i think

Baned now & posts removed!

RobAMerc

MG midget ? Should get a good runner for that money from UK, but join the AA and learn to tinker I would say . Still be lots of fun and the classic car meets are a nice way to meet folk!

Dirty-Old-Man

How about a Reliant Scimitar SS1?

S.I.R

rwd soft top... old mx-5 or saab 900-s ??

250882

fiat 124 looks good, did they come in rhd? and what engine options?

Dades

250882 wrote: »

fiat 124 looks good, did they come in rhd? and what engine options?

LHD only - unless you get a converted one which is unlikely as they are rare and likely to be over your budget. Don't be put off by LHD - no problem for a little roadster - you won't be doing much passing out on national roads anyway.

Best engine is the twin carb 1.6, lovely sound. Feels nippy enough when your driving it. Engines went up to 2.0 for later cars. After '74 all the cars came with impact style bumpers which ruined the look, so try and get an earlier car with the chrome ones. But at your budget you're really shouldn't be concerned with cosmetics too much and make sure you get a runner instead. There will be rust!

This was my old spider in a vid I made when I was selling it. I think one of the lads on here drives one too who might have more to add.

G'luck!

carlosfandango

This is mine, undergoing a bit of "prep" for the summer!



I've had this since early 90's and love it. As Dades says, most are lhd and you really need to dig deep to find a rhd example. DTR in the UK sometimes have a few, converted using parts from the 124 coupe.
They really are a great car and a cheaper alternative to the more popular Alfa Spider. Personally, I prefer the Fiat's styling. Very easy to work on and if you find one without rust (which is nearly impossible) it will serve you very well.
Parts are readily available with eBay being a great source (especially from the States & Italy).
The roof is beautifully engineered with a one handed operation for up & down and pretty watertight! I used use mine as everyday transport and always loved it. It lives a bit of a charmed life now, but will be put into service for the summer. Most likely going to take it to Durrow on Sunday.

Dades

carlosfandango wrote: »

Most likely going to take it to Durrow on Sunday.

Great stuff!
Will probably make it to Durrow and will drop by for a good look.

250882

That video really makes me want one!! what about the MG or something similar in a roadster, anything that size that came in a RHD. I dont mind rust(within reason) as I'm getting very handy with fibreglass.
personally I like the idea of removing everything non essential in the inteior, heaters stereo etc and just having a simple dash in the same colour as the exterior.

Villain

Loads of MG's out there something like http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/MG/BGT/midget/922450/ is nice imo or http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/MG/MGB/Roadster/978105/

BTW don't worry about insurance costs join a club and get classic insurance for €200 for the year!

Dades

Villain wrote: »

BTW don't worry about insurance costs join a club and get classic insurance for €200 for the year!

IF you have a second car. :pac:

You will pick up an MG much easier than you will a Spider. For me though, the Spider looks fab, is a bit bigger and has a very decent boot. Patience is your friend!

Why the hangup about LHD? It's so easy to get used to. In fact I preferred LHD for city/suburb driving.

250882

The hangup is really petty, I'm afraid that if I go back to a LHD a lapse of concentration might allow me to forget I am not driving on the continet anymore, its a small thing I know but I like the security of keeping the two seperate gearstick in the right hand for portugal, france and spain etc and in the left for Ireland and England.
I agree about the spider it does look a lot better but a quick search has really brought home how small my budget is. do you know of anything else in a convertible rwd, only needs to be a two seater (preferable as it will live in my small garage) doesnt need a roof or any of the fancy extras, something like an AC cobra(which I know I cant afford)

Oh and I have a second car (like the idea of roof down on a sunny day as fiancee wont let me get a bike)

Anybody know anything about one of these:
http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page.php/carno/29190