1970's sporting saloon

unfit2006

Hi,

I am looking for suggestions for a restoration project that I have in mind. It mightnt go any further than the drawing board but sure the planning stage is half the craic.

I am thinking of a 1970's saloon for use in some form of mild competitive event. ( maybe night navigation, but not sure yet). Must also be capable of normal road use for attending shows etc.

Some boxes to tick would be:

1970's saloon with some competition pedigree.
Cheap entry price. Something in need of work would be preferable.

I have ruled out most Escorts that I have seen advertised due to price and I am not that keen on going the Mini route again (although I have not ruled one out entirely).

Blue850

Triumph 2000/2.5 PI ticks all your boxes

ianobrien

unfit2006 wrote: »

I am thinking of a 1970's saloon for use in some form of mild competitive event. ( maybe night navigation, but not sure yet)

If you're thinking of Night Navs - get a Impreza n/a estate or ex PSNI Vectra. There isn't much else that'll take the punishment of a night nav (except a 90's Toyota). You won't last long with a relatively standard BL/Ford/Vauxhall from the 70's.

If you insist, have a look at the Volvo PV544 or 140/240's. Not much else would survive navs without constant care and attention.

Edit - Don't forget the max 2000cc rule in night navs. That'll rule out the big triumphs, 2.3 Volvos etc....

corktina

Cortina Mk1 or 2...lots of opportunities to up grade, even better if you start out with a 1600E

DaveCol

Rover 2000 TC?

unfit2006

Thanks for those suggestions.

The Vectra/Subaru option would not really appeal to me although I can see why you would recommend them for night navigation use. My primary interest is in the restoration and preparation of a 1970s saloon. It would be an added bonus if I could use it in some form of competitive event. However I would not require the car to be outright competitive if you know what I mean

The Cortinas are an interesting option especially the 1600E or GT option.

I have always admired the big Triumphs and the Dolomites and I keep going back for another look !! They certainly have an appeal.

Other options I thought of were a Hillman Hunter, Sunbean Rapier Series IV or Series V, Sunbeam Rapier Fastback, or an Austin A40 Farina. There have been some nice rally prepared versions of most of those in the past.

Any other suggestions ?

Grimreaper666

Here you go...........www.cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/vintagecars/4661110

unfit2006

DaveCol wrote: »

Rover 2000 TC?

Had not thought of that. Interesting.

mb1725

Bit crude, but fun car and different to usual Escorts



http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/vintagecars/4576613

unfit2006

Grimreaper666 wrote: »

Here you go...........www.cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/vintagecars/4661110

Something like that would be a contender alright. Would make a very interesting project. Bit pricey for initial investment though. It would leave the budget seriously depleted.

jimmyw

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Talbot_Sunbeam_Lotus_-_Race_Retro_2008_01.jpg

Talbot Sunbaem

or

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page/185171/1973-hillman-avenger-tiger/

Hillman Avenger tiger

unfit2006

Thanks for those 2.

A Sunbeam or Avenger would be a nice base to work on, as would a Chevette (another favourite of mine).

Looking back at it, the 70's and 80's were great times for manufacturers to market their wares through participation in various forms of motor sport. Nearly every manufacturer seemed to have a motorsport division. It gave drivers of ordinary every day cars a connection with the rally and track cars of the time, even though in most cases the road cars were light years away from the event winning works cars they saw on TV and in magazines.