Smartalox
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2009
- Messages
- 120
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So I'm sitting here, contemplating the day when my second childhood will kick in, and I'm considering something in a roadster. Not something to break the bank, but a classic little two seater... a convertible... sporty... eye catching... a little rakish... and most importantly, fun to drive.
Cost will be a factor in this decision, so I'd probably be buying used. I'd be prepared to invest a little time and personal effort into improving engine and suspension, but the car would have to have good bones. This would be a car for driving first and tinkering second - not the other way around.
Therefore no ancient Alfa / Fiat Spyders or (shudder) British electrical systems.
A BMW Z3 or Z4 comes to mind, decent handling, are plentiful second hand, and well serviced in the aftermarket, but I'm not a fan of their styling. Now the Z8 (or the 507) is more my style, but the price!
Miatas are fairly well engineered, but I loathe the way they look... and their ubiquity. They all look the same to me, and what they all look like is smiley and effeminate.
I'm seriously considering buying a used Miata or Z3/Z4 and installing a new / different body. Not the standard 'Cobra' or Daytona knock off (too cheezy) or something that will make a Miata look like a Boxster.
Something like Z4 to Z8
Or this: Z3 to MB190SL
Would you agree? I mean, Styleformers get their clothes tailored to express their individuality... what about our cars? I mean, within reason; I would prefer to hang a new body onto a professionally esigned and built Federal Motor Vehicle Safety certified chassis than risk a one-off handbuilt by someone who can't tell the difference between mild and hi-tensile steel.
Cost will be a factor in this decision, so I'd probably be buying used. I'd be prepared to invest a little time and personal effort into improving engine and suspension, but the car would have to have good bones. This would be a car for driving first and tinkering second - not the other way around.
Therefore no ancient Alfa / Fiat Spyders or (shudder) British electrical systems.
A BMW Z3 or Z4 comes to mind, decent handling, are plentiful second hand, and well serviced in the aftermarket, but I'm not a fan of their styling. Now the Z8 (or the 507) is more my style, but the price!
Miatas are fairly well engineered, but I loathe the way they look... and their ubiquity. They all look the same to me, and what they all look like is smiley and effeminate.
I'm seriously considering buying a used Miata or Z3/Z4 and installing a new / different body. Not the standard 'Cobra' or Daytona knock off (too cheezy) or something that will make a Miata look like a Boxster.
Something like Z4 to Z8
Or this: Z3 to MB190SL
Would you agree? I mean, Styleformers get their clothes tailored to express their individuality... what about our cars? I mean, within reason; I would prefer to hang a new body onto a professionally esigned and built Federal Motor Vehicle Safety certified chassis than risk a one-off handbuilt by someone who can't tell the difference between mild and hi-tensile steel.