So I'd better show you my thinking behind this so it almost makes sense.
I currently own three cars...
My Punto Sporting...
...1.6 eight valve for reliable fun around the country lanes and "B" road battles cleverly disguised as my commute. The MkI Punto is easily one of the best handling cars Fiat ever made and replacing the rear wishbone set up for the beamed MkII was a travesty. The 1.6 engine that dates back to the 128 makes a solid 90bhp and enough torque (compared to the 1242cc 16V Sporting) to keep up and humiliate some modern traffic if needs be. A few modifications to enhance the ability of the already agile platform.
My MX5...
...pure sports car with pop up lights and the option of running with the roof down. UK 1.8 model with no power steering and very little else to go wrong. Slower than my Punto but still a nice drivers car.
...and of course my mighty Panda...
...proper classic rather than the Mazda pretender. Cheap insurance, fanatical following and the Mexican wave of...
"I haven't seen one of those in ages"
...whenever I drive past anyone.
Having three cars is stupid, selfish and I really need to do something about it. With a modest £1,500 budget it's time to get a shopping list together.
So I need something that is as quick, fun reliable, tunable, economical and as good on track as my Punto.
As much of an antidepressant on wheels as my MX5; preferably with pop up lights, rear wheel drive and topless.
Also a proper classic, with a cult following and plenty of internet back up and support from owners clubs like my Panda would be ideal.
Wanting everything in one car is a bit of a tall order and I have considered several options.
Chrome bumper MGB? For my budget it would either be crap or a rubber bumper ringer.
Midget? Rust bucket.
Spitfire? Great car but the same problems as the Midget and B.
Lancia? Last time I bought a Lancia it came with a free divorce.
Build a kit car? Whatever the budget add £400 for an IVA/SVA that it will fail.
Buy a kit car? Drive something someone else has put together in their shed? No offence I'm too much of a control freak.
Porsche 924? Good shout but a bit "red braces" for me.
Porsche 944? Insurance issues.
Porsche 928? V8 running costs and the most expensive parts bin of the proper Porsche's.
Stag? V8 running costs and for the budget the car would be a complete shed.
Jag'? Try finding one with a proper gearbox that isn't a Mondeo in a frock for the money.
80's Hot hatch? Silly money or sheds.
90's hot hatch? As above and add needing a laptop to fix the bloody thing if you drive through a deep puddle (Clio Williams
).
Alfa GTV? Twinspark is too heavy for the engine and a V6 would be either beyond budget or thrashed half to death. Also not classic insurance yet.
Fiat Coupe'? "Council estate chic" has wrecked the reputation of these fantastic cars. I'd love another one but not this time around. Premium price for a well looked after one, try finding it within budget from all the ones that have been neglected, thrashed and run over with a polishing mop.
So what have I bought?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-FIAT...JtdySI6kexIj6BQTPKN2k%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
I was looking forward to a road trip to collect her but life is getting in the way so delivery will be tomorrow.
So pop up headlights, topless, virtually the same engine as my Punto (as reliable, tunable and economical), classic insurance, cult following, rear wheel drive sports car with a practical sized boot, 13 inch wheels for cheaper tyres and a the...
"I haven't seen one of those in ages"
...chorus.
Pretty ideal eh?