Affordable classic for short commute and trips away

[oblio]

Folks

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated for a 2 seat convertible for use on a short commute (3 days a week) plus occasional weekends away and an annual Euro road trip. I am also open to suggestions on 4 seats as well if this helps.

Something with some substance and style over sheer speed and performance (although Im not averse to both )

...and as reliable as is possible please

Budget around 5k plus 5k for getting her right (and/or keeping an amount in the bank incase of anything untoward happening )

Any suggestions would be great?

Thanks

[The Surveyor]

First thought was a TVR Chimaera until I read

oblio said:

...and as reliable as is possible please

How about an XJS Jag?

Paul

[85Carrera]

Triumph Herald or Vitesse would seem to fit the bill and be within budget

[benjj]

Sorry to keep doing this but...

[velocemitch]

Alfa Spider, probably an S3 at that budget.

[PoshTwit]

Scimitar GTC?

[Astacus]

TVR S series

[sunbeam alpine]

velocemitch said:

Alfa Spider, probably an S3 at that budget.

S4 Spider is also very good. Should be within the price?

[deltashad]

Can see these only appreciating...

[ToneyCaroney]

The Surveyor said:

How about an XJS Jag?

Paul, you are a disgrace

XJS a good call though!

[davepoth]

MX-5.

[mickyveloce]

This is my 300-24SL . Almost certainly the best made and safest convertible for the money . A pleasure to drive and surely a class or two higher than anything else at this price .

[fulvia griff]

MGB? Not very imaginative from me I'm afraid

[quiraing]

Triumph Staaaaaag.

[Trevithick]

Second that the Staaaag is a fantastic buy at present. Also TR7 convertable, Ford Corsair crayford (beyond cool), sadly the MGB, Sunbeam alpine (possibly), GTC, or why not take a chance on a 8-9k Jensen Interceptor and hope it's ok (Keep the 2k back for hicups)and open the window. BTW I believe the germans make cars but they are a bit too reliable and boring

[MGgeordie]

Stag, got to be a Stag. Even buy one with a wrong engine fitted (Triumph 6 Cylinder, Rover V8 or Ford V6) and get it for a song!!!

[anonymous-user]

Lancia Beta Spyder 2000. Great engine, five speed gearbox, very usable in modern traffic. Easy up and down hood/targa roof. Two plus two seating, big boot. Not as rusty as people allege.

In fact, why not buy this one....

Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 16th April 06:53

[oblio]

Thanks folks - some great responses and food for thought

That Lancia is a mighty pretty thing isnt it?

[occrj]

MGgeordie said:

Stag, got to be a Stag. Even buy one with a wrong engine fitted (Triumph 6 Cylinder, Rover V8 or Ford V6) and get it for a song!!!

That's the first car that came to mind for me too, most are pretty sorted now even with the original engines so £5k+£5k should see a good one on the drive I'd have thought.

RJ

[owen k]

Fiat 124 spider.