Cheap drop-top for the summer?

[Revs_Addiction]

After the hoon to the classic car show last Sat, I have decided I need to experience open motoring!

I think it was a combination of looking at all the old Jag XK Drop Head Coupes, and the drive down with David, Nigel, and Neil with their roofs down, but I need to experience the joys of a burnt scalp and bugs in my teeth!

Only problem is a limited budget as I won't be selling the teg, so max £2,500.... Is there anything out there that'd be worth having for that budget or am I living in dream land?

It'd only be for the summer, and just for general wafting...

PS - An Mx-5 is no-go as I don't fit in them

Over to you lot!

[touching cloth]

Alfa Spiders are pretty cheap (talking the fwd GTV shaped model here) - I had a 96 model which I passed on to my Mother quite a few years ago now - the bugger is still going strong today. Bodyshell is not that rigid (at all) but it you want cruise around looking quite stylish then they still look very pretty - as an out and out driving machines then probably there are better options.

[muppets_mate]

A quick trawl of AutoTrader for your requirements is fairly depressing...

Alfa Spiders as previously mentioned are probably the most PH, followed by older BMW E30 3 series cabriolets, 306 cabs, and well, not much else!

Although, how about a leftfield (and LHD) choice, Fiat Barchetta? . ...

At this price point you're unlikely to get a 'proper' open top sports car (someone correct me, please!), but you should still be able to get something a bit fun.

[bmwdrivernigel]

You might just squeeze (financially ) into an Audi cab, but not sure how good they are. I would guess 2.5k gets you a mid 90s something, but if its just for summer use and a bit of a toy it might be worth looking at some old 60/70s stuff.

[MadDad]

muppets_mate said:

Although, how about a leftfield (and LHD) choice, Fiat Barchetta? . ...

And prey tell what is wrong with a Barchetta (in less than 100 words please!!).....

2.9k bought me this one last year............



Prices are stable so you can probably sell it for the same at the end of the year.........warning though, while they are no TVR you will become attached to it as they are a huge amount of fun for the money!

[dougc]

Theres a 280i in the classifieds within budget?

[AngryS3Owner]

I doubt andy would fit in that, it's probably closer to a shoe

ETA - The Fiat!

Edited by AngryS3Owner on Wednesday 14th May 22:26

[MadDad]

AngryS3Owner said:

I doubt andy would fit in that, it's probably closer to a shoe

ETA - The Fiat!

Edited by AngryS3Owner on Wednesday 14th May 22:26

One for each foot?

[bmwdrivernigel]

Just a few to be looking at.

http://www.petrolheads.co.uk/sales/495112.htm
http://www.petrolheads.co.uk/sales/467215.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/508806.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/328823.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/367519.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/455022.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/502171.htm

[muppets_mate]

MadDad said:

muppets_mate said:

Although, how about a leftfield (and LHD) choice, Fiat Barchetta? . ...

And prey tell what is wrong with a Barchetta (in less than 100 words please!!).....

Chill Winston

In a word... not much Ok, that's two words but less than 100!

I didn't suggest it to ridicule it. The was in anticipation of the P-O-W-E-R! oversteer! element of PH putting the boot in. IM(v)HO, the Barchetta is a great, fun car. It doesn't pretent to be something it's not. It does what it says on the tin: it's cheap, it's stylish, it's fun.

[bmwdrivernigel]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

The early spiders are great fun, I bought one last year for twice what these are advertised for and it has been a dream, not that I have driven it yet!

Class personified

Edited by bmwdrivernigel on Wednesday 14th May 23:11

[Robatr0n]

bmwdrivernigel said:

The early spiders are great fun, I bought one last year for twice what these are advertised for and it has been a dream, not that I have driven it yet!

You kept that one quiet!

How abot a Triumph Stag? Although at that price they may well be abit dog eared!

[bmwdrivernigel]

Robatr0n said:

You kept that one quiet!

Its in foreign climes and I have to try and steal it back from someone

[Robatr0n]

bmwdrivernigel said:

Robatr0n said:

You kept that one quiet!

Its in foreign climes and I have to try and steal it back from someone

Just say the word!

[bmwdrivernigel]

Robatr0n said:

bmwdrivernigel said:

Robatr0n said:

You kept that one quiet!

Its in foreign climes and I have to try and steal it back from someone

Just say the word!

Dont tempt me, I think it would cost more than its worth to bring it back so the fking bh can keep it.

[Robatr0n]

Just be happy in the thought that one day it will break down and never want to work ever again.

Honestly though, it is all abit stty!

[MadDad]

muppets_mate said:

MadDad said:

muppets_mate said:

Although, how about a leftfield (and LHD) choice, Fiat Barchetta? . ...

And prey tell what is wrong with a Barchetta (in less than 100 words please!!).....

Chill Winston

In a word... not much Ok, that's two words but less than 100!

I didn't suggest it to ridicule it. The was in anticipation of the P-O-W-E-R! oversteer! element of PH putting the boot in. IM(v)HO, the Barchetta is a great, fun car. It doesn't pretent to be something it's not. It does what it says on the tin: it's cheap, it's stylish, it's fun.

Hehe, I was only kidding - as you say only 130bhp, 140 with an induction kit and about 150 with a s/s exhaust and re-map, not much but it weights bugger all!!

Oh, the other consideration was that I drive it every day in all weathers so a 280/S would not have cut the mustard!

[_daveR]

That light blue spider really is quite lovely.

Out of interest, how big do you have to be to not fit in an MX5? Id been toying with buying a cheap one but at 6'1 and (a good) 17st its not sounding feasible?

[AngryS3Owner]

I think I'm taller than that and I can fit in the passenger seat of one so I'm guessing you'll be okay.

[touching cloth]

Re Mx5 fitting, 6ft and er... 18 of her majesty's finest stones and have driven 2 examples owned by friends recently, had no problem getting in or driving the thing - an Alfa has way more room though. Another option is the troubled little MGF, again prolly no bigger than a Fiver so might rule that out for young Revs but little Diz will be ok if he's joining the hairdresser set - bit plasticy inside, the notorious HGF woes from the K series and Rover being gone mean prices are CHEAP but they are actually quite fun, rwd and mid engined to boot.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/477387.htm

.... I'd still take the Alfa though despite it being fwd, it just looks better and is less girly.