[seebaruk]

I've got a little Corsa back up North, I really miss having it around, especially since public transport in this country sucks. A delorean would be spot on, load it up with garbage and fly off to work.

[UPtimist]

Well, it's not exactly mine, but something along these lines:

Mazda 626.

(Edit): I now read the sentence, and it sounds a bit wrong. I mean, actually that car is almost exactly the one I am talking about (I'm not sure if that's like a slightly newer model or not, most likely not, actually) but the car isn't exactly mine

[jjacob]

Originally Posted by Thrift Store Scott

A bit of historical context here: E-Types were introduced in 1961, rode on skinny 7.00-15 bias-ply tires (that translates to 177/82-15 in the modern measuring system), and had neither power steering nor power brakes. At the time, they were a revelation in handling and responsiveness.

Oh I know (well, apart from the tire measurements, if you remembered that off-hand, my hat goes off to you, sir ), and I do find it one of the sexiest car designs in automotive history (the shelby cobra has nothing on this design), but I still find it a bit silly that they're worth well over the price of a regular home. I do think it's awesome that there are shops specialised in turning these cars into high-tech modern-handling cars, even though it sort of negates the purpose of buying a classic car, but still, who wouldn't want one of these AND the benefits of modern electronics

[playing_games]

Here's my car.



I refuse to call it a trunk as it's an SUV in name only. It feels and drives like a car and I get 23 HW miles per gallon so it's not a gas guzzler either. I have had it for almost 5years now and I love it.

[Erwin_Br]

Originally Posted by SakSquash

If I could choose anything, it would be a:



But for now, it'll have to be something less kick ass.

OH MAN! I've always wanted to own that car. There are currently only 2 for sale in the entire country, and they are not cheap I tell you.

--Erwin

[jjacob]

Originally Posted by Erwin_Br

OH MAN! I've always wanted to own that car. There are currently only 2 for sale in the entire country, and they are not cheap I tell you.

--Erwin

Really? I don't think it's that special or good looking (although it does have the value of being unique). Still, if you want, you can pretty much modify any mainstream car with those kind of doors, or lamborgini doors, or even suicide doors

[playing_games]

Originally Posted by jjacob

Really? I don't think it's that special or good looking (although it does have the value of being unique). Still, if you want, you can pretty much modify any mainstream car with those kind of doors, or lamborgini doors, or even suicide doors

Nah, that car is priceless. It's a time machine, you know.


I think Scott once observed that De Loreans have various problems that make them less than ideal and he's one dude whose opinion on cars (and aluminum sidings), I will accept without hesitation notwithstanding his questionable penchant for Macs.

[Sage]

Originally Posted by jjacob

Oh I know (well, apart from the tire measurements, if you remembered that off-hand, my hat goes off to you, sir ), and I do find it one of the sexiest car designs in automotive history (the shelby cobra has nothing on this design), but I still find it a bit silly that they're worth well over the price of a regular home. I do think it's awesome that there are shops specialised in turning these cars into high-tech modern-handling cars, even though it sort of negates the purpose of buying a classic car, but still, who wouldn't want one of these AND the benefits of modern electronics

Hehehe! We take a bit less sophisticated approach here in the US. Basically, any Jaguar built before 1987 that is A. Still on the road, and B. Not a museum piece, has had it's Jaguar 6 or 12 cylinder engine replaced by a Chevrolet V8. The Chevy engines are slightly lighter, worlds less complex and maintenance-intensive, and more powerful as well. Since Jaguar used GM automatic transmissions until being bought by Ford, the Chevy engines bolt right up and the only fabrication necessary is the engine mounts.
Rumor has it that word of this practice made it's way back to the Jaguar headquarters, and the 1987 and later XJs were designed specifically NOT to accept Chevy V8s.

[jjacob]

Originally Posted by playing_games

Nah, that car is priceless. It's a time machine, you know.


I think Scott once observed that De Loreans have various problems that make them less than ideal and he's one dude whose opinion on cars (and aluminum sidings), I will accept without hesitation notwithstanding his questionable penchant for Macs.

But seriously, who would buy a car solely because it was the star attraction of Back to the Future (aside from the hoverboard )? IMO the car is not really attractive, even for those who love 80s car design, and indeed finding a replacement part for a frickin' De Lorean must be automotive hell

Originally Posted by Thrift Store Scott

Hehehe! We take a bit less sophisticated approach here in the US. Basically, any Jaguar built before 1987 that is A. Still on the road, and B. Not a museum piece, has had it's Jaguar 6 or 12 cylinder engine replaced by a Chevrolet V8. The Chevy engines are slightly lighter, worlds less complex and maintenance-intensive, and more powerful as well. Since Jaguar used GM automatic transmissions until being bought by Ford, the Chevy engines bolt right up and the only fabrication necessary is the engine mounts.
Rumor has it that word of this practice made it's way back to the Jaguar headquarters, and the 1987 and later XJs were designed specifically NOT to accept Chevy V8s.

That is awesome, I can only imagine the joy of driving one of those E-Types, that must be in no way comparable to driving a modern DB9 (which already is, by all accounts, the best car if you're planning a 3000 mile car trip ). But these companies don't just change the engine, they change the entire package, modern suspension, driveshaft, transmission, even modern tires (though they aim to keep the lovely 'rims' intact), ABS, frickin' EBD, airconditioning, mp3 player, hell, they'll even throw in a hot-water dispension if you want to make tea on the go

In short, they turn it into a modern car. I can see how certain fanatics would consider this blasphemy, but on the other hand, it's far less likely to crash in one of these, and we owe it to our grandchildren to keep as many E-Type chassis intact Man, if I ever get rich, I will no doubt buy such a car.

[Melanie68]

One of my favorite Rush songs:

Red Barchetta

My uncle has a country place
That no one knows about
He says it used to be a farm
Before the Motor Law
And on Sundays I elude the eyes
And hop the Turbine Freight
To far outside the Wire
Where my white-haired uncle waits

Jump to the ground
As the Turbo slows to cross the borderline
Run like the wind
As excitement shivers up and down my spine
Down in his barn
My uncle preserved for me an old machine
For fifty odd years
To keep it as new has been his dearest dream

I strip away the old debris
That hides a shining car
A brilliant red Barchetta
From a better vanished time
I fire up the willing engine
Responding with a roar
Tires spitting gravel
I commit my weekly crime

Wind
In my hair
Shifting and drifting
Mechanical music
Adrenaline surge...

Well-weathered leather
Hot metal and oil
The scented country air
Sunlight on chrome
The blur of the landscape
Every nerve aware

Suddenly ahead of me
Across the mountainside
A gleaming alloy air car
Shoots towards me, two lanes wide
I spin around with shrieking tires
To run the deadly race
Go screaming through the valley
As another joins the chase

Drive like the wind
Straining the limits of machine and man
Laughing out loud with fear and hope
I've got a desperate plan
At the one-lane bridge
I leave the giants stranded at the riverside
Race back to the farm
To dream with my uncle at the fireside


I think this is the correct car?

[Sage]

Originally Posted by jjacob

But seriously, who would buy a car solely because it was the star attraction of Back to the Future (aside from the hoverboard )? IMO the car is not really attractive, even for those who love 80s car design, and indeed finding a replacement part for a frickin' De Lorean must be automotive hell

'70s design. John Z. DeLorean had the car's basic design locked up by about 1975, then spent the next five years finding someone to build it. They use the Peugeot/Renault/Volvo V6 and a Renault ZF-style transaxle, so mechanical bits are fairly easy to get. As far as body and trim parts go, you'd better buy a spare and pray.

Originally Posted by jjacob

That is awesome, I can only imagine the joy of driving one of those E-Types, that must be in no way comparable to driving a modern DB9 (which already is, by all accounts, the best car if you're planning a 3000 mile car trip ).

A friend of mine had a Series II convertible that he let me drive one night. It was okay, but not the cargasmic experience you'd expect. The windshield is very short, very upright, and very close to your face. The old-school bucket seats (which look like an actual bucket cut at a 45 degree angle) were surprisingly comfortable and fit me very well. The separate toggle switches (one for dash lights, one for headlights, one for parking lights) mounted in the middle of the dash were odd, but easily acclimated to. The nose is very long and falls away in a manner that keeps you from seeing where it ends, which causes extreme parking paranoia.

Originally Posted by jjacob

But these companies don't just change the engine, they change the entire package, modern suspension, driveshaft, transmission, even modern tires (though they aim to keep the lovely 'rims' intact), ABS, frickin' EBD, airconditioning, mp3 player, hell, they'll even throw in a hot-water dispension if you want to make tea on the go

In short, they turn it into a modern car. I can see how certain fanatics would consider this blasphemy, but on the other hand, it's far less likely to crash in one of these, and we owe it to our grandchildren to keep as many E-Type chassis intact Man, if I ever get rich, I will no doubt buy such a car.

Depends on the car. Series I E-Types command the really big bucks, Series II E-Types differ only in detail yet they are considerably less valuable, and Series III cars are just old cars.

[jjacob]

Originally Posted by Thrift Store Scott

'70s design. John Z. DeLorean had the car's basic design locked up by about 1975, then spent the next five years finding someone to build it. They use the Peugeot/Renault/Volvo V6 and a Renault ZF-style transaxle, so mechanical bits are fairly easy to get. As far as body and trim parts go, you'd better buy a spare and pray.

You know too much about cars (though one can never know enough about cars)

Originally Posted by Thrift Store Scott

A friend of mine had a Series II convertible that he let me drive one night. It was okay, but not the cargasmic experience you'd expect. The windshield is very short, very upright, and very close to your face. The old-school bucket seats (which look like an actual bucket cut at a 45 degree angle) were surprisingly comfortable and fit me very well. The separate toggle switches (one for dash lights, one for headlights, one for parking lights) mounted in the middle of the dash were odd, but easily acclimated to. The nose is very long and falls away in a manner that keeps you from seeing where it ends, which causes extreme parking paranoia.

Yeah I heard that on the Top Gear review of the convertible version, as I recall, they didn't really like it, especially the short windshield, which pretty much obstructs the view of any even remotely tall person (and us Dutch.. ). I guess they should really add a bumper camera for people who have trouble parking it, it'd be a shame to get a scratch on such a lovely car (the coupe, that is ).

Originally Posted by Thrift Store Scott

Depends on the car. Series I E-Types command the really big bucks, Series II E-Types differ only in detail yet they are considerably less valuable, and Series III cars are just old cars.

I'll get the Series II then, no one will notice

[Sage]

Originally Posted by Melanie68

I think this is the correct car?

"Barchetta" means "little boat" in Italian, and is the spiritual equivalent of "Roadster" in English: A small, stripped-down, minimalist open car designed for weekend competition as well as everyday driving on the streets. The song doesn't specify an Alfa Romeo barchetta, but that could easily be it.

[jjacob]

Originally Posted by Thrift Store Scott

"Barchetta" means "little boat" in Italian, and is the spiritual equivalent of "Roadster" in English: A small, stripped-down, minimalist open car designed for weekend competition as well as everyday driving on the streets. The song doesn't specify an Alfa Romeo barchetta, but that could easily be it.

There are "Barchetta" kits for 2CVs starting from 10,000$ and up, and considering for what they going around these days, that's a bargain Ofcourse you'll have to construct it yourself, or pay extra. This is the Barchetta model they're going for;






Ofcourse the engine won't sound as sweet, but you'll still be a happy camper

edit: whoops wrong pictures, and now I can't find it anywhere, d'oh!

[Sage]

Originally Posted by jjacob

You know too much about cars (though one can never know enough about cars)

I'm 39, I had subscriptions to Motor Trend, Car And Driver, and Road & Track at the time DeLoreans were introduced, and I remember the furor they caused at that time.
Be glad I didn't go on and on about the incredible simplicity and cleverness of Jaguar rear suspensions. Of all the contributions to the world that the British Empire has made, they are by far the best.

Originally Posted by jjacob

Yeah I heard that on the Top Gear review of the convertible version, as I recall, they didn't really like it, especially the short windshield, which pretty much obstructs the view of any even remotely tall person (and us Dutch.. ). I guess they should really add a bumper camera for people who have trouble parking it, it'd be a shame to get a scratch on such a lovely car (the coupe, that is ).

My thought at the time was that a couple of wide-focus pinlights mounted atop the grille guard would be a great boon: the closer you got to the car in front of you, the smaller the circles of illumination thrown by these lights would be. Of course, a camera would work during the daytime as well...

Originally Posted by jjacob

I'll get the Series II then, no one will notice

Exactly. Why pay top price if you're going to modify it anyway?
I've always liked the looks of MG As, but their mechanicals are about as sophisticated as your average lawn tractor. I've often fantasized about making a fiberglass MG A body and filling it with modern driveline and suspension, then mounting it on a chassis that's somewhat less flexible than a folded sheet of A4 (unlike a real MG A).

[Sage]

Originally Posted by jjacob

There are "Barchetta" kits for 2CVs starting from 10,000$ and up, and considering for what they going around these days, that's a bargain Of course you'll have to construct it yourself, or pay extra.

Ofcourse the engine won't sound as sweet, but you'll still be a happy camper

A barchetta kit for a Deux Cheveau? LOL! That gets an "A" for cheek, if nothing else!
Actually, 2CVs have a certain unpretentious charm all their own, so I'd rather have one in it's original state.
By the way, when you listed the Citroen DS as one of your dream cars, you almost made me sad you're straight! Citroen fans are few and far between, and we've gotta stick together.
So, how do you feel about SMs and CXs?

[jjacob]

Originally Posted by Thrift Store Scott

A barchetta kit for a Deux Cheveau? LOL! That gets an "A" for cheek, if nothing else!

Oh I think there are even E-Type kits for 2CVs, for those who can't afford their dreamcar but are willing to sacrifice a 2CV plus ten grand to get the next best thing

Originally Posted by Thrift Store Scott

Actually, 2CVs have a certain unpretentious charm all their own, so I'd rather have one in it's original state.

Same here, I think I actually prefer 2CVs to Beetles, though only by a little. It's one of the cheapest cars to own and maintain and it just has that Citroen "je ne sais quoi" But some of these kits are total awesomeness, there's a Dutch company that builds 'racecar' roadsters out of 2CV, they make some truly amazing stuff; burtoncar.com
And keep in mind like 99% of such a car used to be a Deux Chevaux - they even re-shape/hammer the chassis to make it into this:











(perhaps you should add a "beware dial up users" remark in the thread title)

Originally Posted by Thrift Store Scott

By the way, when you listed the Citroen DS as one of your dream cars, you almost made me sad you're straight! Citroen fans are few and far between, and we've gotta stick together.
So, how do you feel about SMs and CXs?

Are you kidding, I love those cars, and what's not to love? Too bad Citroen has really gone downhill from there. My Mom had a nineties AX and CX model and they were both not that good, save perhaps the suspension. Like every month little stuff would break down, which I wouldn't mind if the cars actually looked good but they didn't. The latest models do look mainly nice though, I love the C1, C2, C4 and C6 (original names ). But SER-IOUS-LY, who can in all honesty say they don't like the looks of these:


Citroen CX


Citroen SM (the only car ever to succesfully pull off gold paint )


SM once more


And finally the mother of all french cars, the DS, not the best picture, but still

[[toj.cc]Phantom]

A 1969 Pontiac GTO (I want)


A 1971 Road Runner (I want)


A 1998 Ford Ranger (What I Have)

[Sage]

Originally Posted by [toj.cc]Phantom

A 1969 Pontiac GTO (I want)


A 1971 Road Runner (I want)


A 1998 Ford Ranger (What I Have)

Clearly, you are a man of quality and substance. I agree with you especially about the Road Runner, but as I like a few creature comforts I'll see your Road Runner and raise you a GTX...

[SakSquash]

The first car I ever had was a silver chevy Lumina. I got it up to 230,000 miles, then my muffler fell off and I sold it for $200. There was constantly a puddle on the floor in the back for some odd reason, and when it got cold it would freeze, giving me an ice rink.

Scott, since i'll be buying my first car in a few months, what do you reccomend?