Decisions... decisions!

Pondrew

Pondrew

Lifer
Spaldingski
Hello,
Just bought an E89 for summer toy for me and wife.

I also want another car for fun only, not a daily driver.

I am really torn between three very different ideas I'd be interested in others' opinions:

Idea one:

Buy a 5-6 year old BM 435i or Audi S5 cab. £20k ish for a low mileage of either. Stick it in the garage and drive it when the sun shines!

Idea two:

Buy a 1987 TVR 350i wedge at auction (I have seen one and am registered to bid) and restore it back to it's former glory. Lots of work, quite a bit of money and end up with a Blackpool kit car with an SD1 engine!

Idea three:

Build a replica AC Cobra from the chassis up. Proper job with big yank V8 and all the trimmings.
This is something I've been toying with for many years now but the cost, the amount of work, the SVA headaches and the sheer aggro has always put me off. This has been my ultimate petrolhead dream for a long time but the costs could spiral beyond my means.

Or keep the money, drive my Volvo and use the Z4 when the sun shines if and when SWIMBO allows?
 
Ole gits rule said:
Why not buy a replicator's AC or are they more expensive?

for me buy an Elise as a pure fun drivers car
Click to expand...

To buy a built Cobra of the spec I want is £40-50K. IMHO too much for a second hand kit car! The building is the challenge and the money is spread over a long period.

I agree about the Elise but have owned a Lotus so sort of ticked that box. Also can't get my head around the Rover K series engines! :oops:
 
Nictrix said:
Most people would probably have another car and have the Z for the weekend
Click to expand...

I already have another tin-top DD Volvo V90 oil burner. It is the most boring car in the world but does it's job. The Z4 is mainly for the wife.
 
To buy a built Cobra of the spec I want is £40-50K. IMHO too much for a second hand kit car! The building is the challenge and the money is spread over a long period.

I agree about the Elise but have owned a Lotus so sort of ticked that box. Also can't get my head around the Rover K series engines! :oops:
[/quote]

Try a Toyota powered version - better car all round or an old Elan could be a interesting option

How about a Caterham or similar to build - should be easier and more cost effective than a Cobra although I love the idea of a Cobra
 
Ole gits rule said:
How about a Caterham or similar to build - should be easier and more cost effective
Click to expand...
Looked into that for those very reasons. Nearly bought a 7 type a few years ago. Hideously uncomfortable stripped down go-karts and still not very cheap to build.
 
I was seriously looking at a Porker 997 cab recently. Just can't justify £30k plus for a 15 year old car (and they do have have some very serious and expensive issues). :o

Also looked into a GTR 34. Too complicated and the image is not me (I'm 53)!
 
Ole gits rule said:
How about an old alfa spider or fiat 124 - something different
Click to expand...
Funny, I have looked a Alfas. Not really powerful enough and their prices are rising out of reasonability. 124s are getting into classic car territory where everybody seems to think these days their "classic" is worth a million quid. :)
 
I was in negotiations with the stealer about buying this
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012106949284?include-delivery-option=on&sort=relevance&model=E%20CLASS&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&advertising-location=at_cars&aggregatedTrim=E500&postcode=pe111xn&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&radius=1500&page=1

The engine was what I wanted but his price was too high!
 
Well you have the dreary Volvo for the daily grind, the e89 for long distance cruising and finally a classic for the occasional drive to the coast when it suits.

Maybe a muscle car - Mustang or Bette.

Like the e-class but not really something I would buy as a "special" third car - would want something more unique :D
 
Personally I wouldn't buy a 435i or S5 just for weekends. I know they'll be quick, but they're probably too capable to be that much fun. If I bought one of those I'd sell the Volvo and use the 453/S5 every day!

I like the idea of a TVR, but personally would go for something other than a wedge.

The Cobra kit sounds like a great project, but it could be a long time before you ever drive it so that idea would be more about the build really.

Why not just buy yourself a Z4M or a 35i/35is?
 
If I was to have a 2nd toy car I'd also go for some American muscle, probably a c3 corvette, camaro or something of that ilk
 
Ole gits rule said:
Like the e-class but not really something I would buy as a "special" third car - would want something more unique
Click to expand...
Exactly (and the fact it is too expensive IMO) why I pulled out.
 
Exactly (and the fact it is too expensive IMO) why I pulled out.
[/quote]

SLK AMG maybe - or an Z4M as suggested but guess if you have an e89 then maybe would want something different I guess :)
 
mr.tourette said:
If I was to have a 2nd toy car I'd also go for some American muscle, probably a c3 corvette, camaro or something of that ilk
Click to expand...
That's where the Cobra comes in. American muscle engine but in right hand drive and I get to choose the spec (albeit that I have to build it).
I really do want a V8. As a petrolhead there is really nothing comes close. As the Americans say "you can't beat cubes" :)

I'm too old to have left hand drive. Also it's got to fit in my garage (with the Z4). :oops:
 
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