Best companion for GTE? Part 2?

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lukek
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Best companion for GTE? Part 2?

Post by lukek »

I have in the past posted a thread about getting a more modern Ferrari to keep my V12 company. After some deliberations and your input I came to the conclusion that only the 355 would be modern enough, and it exceeded my budgetary limit (wife said no).

This opens up the possibilities. I need to act quickly, or the money will be spent on something completely useful, like a new roof on the house.
The budget is $35K. What would the GTE like as a roommate?

A few criteria: I sold the 74 Alfa Spider, so a convert would be nice, but not a must. 2 seaters are OK. A fuel injected, A/C car would get more use and be a nice contrast. Something that would keep its value would be novel for a change. No projects. I do like oddball cars, rare ones, and tend to be biased towards Italians and Germans. Old American ones are OK, too. A few I have driven:

2000 Porsche Boxster, Series 1, or 1.5 XKE (barely for 35K), Cobra replica (5 litre FI Superperformance), Bentley Turbo R, 93 Rx7, old Cadillac 62 series, older Corvette. I have ruled out obvious choices like M3s and 911s, they seem to be the "Camaros" of Silicon Valley.

As you can see, I am all over the place and clearly need more guidance. What would you do?
Ex 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE, 99 Modena 360, 11 Maserati QPorte S, 08 merc gl550, 67 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Convertible, 2008 Ducati Hypermotard S, 2006 MV Agusta Brutale S, 1991 Ducati 907i.e.
Matt F
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Re: Best companion for GTE? Part 2?

Post by Matt F »

Take a look at an 83 or 84 308 GTS quattrovalvole.
Here's why:

--It's right in your price range.
--It's got a good amount of power.
--Parts are widely available
--It's got the best of both hardtop / convertible worlds
--It's advanced enough to have reliable fuel injection, but it's not overly complex
--It's great for twisty roads

I think it's an ideal complement to a V-12 GT.

--Matt
Koll
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Post by Koll »

I would get a MKIV Supra.

You've already got THE car, so you can do something completely different.

Technologically, these cars are second to none. Perhaps some of the funky suspension stuff Porsche did with their AWD 911 turbos or the killer F1 style trannys in the new Marinellos aren't there. But these cars have it all. The toughest inline six ever built. Getrag 6 speed. Double wishbones on all four corners. Torsen diff. Twin sequential turbos, DOCH, 4 valves per cyl. Motronic FI, etc.

Get an unmolested example like this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 63670&rd=1

You can bump the HP to 400 RWHP with $1000 worth of parts and still drive it in rush hour traffic without worry one.

I'm showing my Toyota bias here, but these are everything they're cracked up to be. Plus, it can easily last 200K.

That being said, some people hate 'em as they're the #1 wish car of every dorky kid with an annoying Honda.
Rudy van Daalen Wetters
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Post by Rudy van Daalen Wetters »

Lukek,

What about a 1968 Maserati Mexico, 5 speed, four overhead cams, 150 mph and Italian. You may even have some spare change, just in case.
I have one and it is a great touring car. The V 8 motor is quite nicely balanced. Good luck in your search.

Rudy van Daalen Wetters
1963 GTE s/n 4001
Charlie_Dodge
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imho

Post by Charlie_Dodge »

I have a real Mazda bias. If I was in your shoes, I'd spend 12-15 k on an unmodified series 3 RX-7. Budget 3K for the rebuild when the rotor seals go and spend the rest on a memorable vacation with the wife. You won't regret it.
Charlie Dodge
1966 330 2+2 series 2 sn 8095
1967 BMW 2000cs
1974 BMW 3.0cs
2000 BMW 323it
2001 BMW 325ci
1991 Miata
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Yale
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Post by Yale »

Damn Rudy, you the man. A Mexico, nice. I always look at the compition, Maserati and Lamborghini and wonder what the differences are. How does the Mexico compare to the GTE? I would assume heavier, more grunt lower down, and even less agile.

There is a guy on this board with a Islero, I always wanted one of those, or how about an Alfa GTA, or 2600?

Dare I mention a Lancia, (as Rudy just got rid of two of those).

How about a Mustang, Tom has one and loves it....911?

Oh wait a second, this is my list.

Yale
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lukek
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Post by lukek »

I have always wanted a Mexico. They are so hard to find in good condition.... I have driven one at a dealer in San Diego, but it was hit hard in the rear once, so I passed. My window of opportunity lasts for a short time, you see... Can I buy yours?
In terms of Japaneese cars, I do like Miatas, NSXs, and Rx7s (I had an 85 and loved that little sawing machine zing zing sound). While the Supra and the WRX have performance that cannot be disputed, my superficial self has issues with styling/boy racer image. They are competent machines, though.
I did own a Mustang Fastback GT, a 1990 911 C4, just like Tom. I only regret selling the Ford.
I am thinking about Boxsters, perhaps an S. While it is a dot.com car, I like the mid engine, everyday reliability, and the sound is quite nice. Trunk space is even usable. The only other thing on the short list (today) would be the M roadster, either the 240 hp, or the 315 hp breadvan. The convertible would be a nice bonus, after I let the Alfa go for a pittance...
Keep it coming. I like the way you think !!!!
I have also been wanting an Espada, but sticking to FI might make this an everyday driver, so I can get rid of the leased A4, making a smaller hole in the budget...

thx
luke


thx
luke
Ex 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE, 99 Modena 360, 11 Maserati QPorte S, 08 merc gl550, 67 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Convertible, 2008 Ducati Hypermotard S, 2006 MV Agusta Brutale S, 1991 Ducati 907i.e.
Enzo250GTO
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Post by Enzo250GTO »

Don't get a Boxster S. You see like 30 in one day. How about a Porsche 928 S4. I haven't checked on the price but I'm guessing they are above or right at the 35k budget. Here is one in Burbank:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 16829&rd=1

Above the 35k limit but very nice (928 GTS):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 61997&rd=1

If you are going to go the Japan route consider the following:

Fairlady Z
Infinity G35
RX-7 (at least 1995)
John in CT
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Garage mate....

Post by John in CT »

Porsche 968 Cabriolet. Fast, stylish, rare. Largest most powerfull NA four cylinder on the planet. Akin to 1950's Testa Rossa engine one could argue.... You can buy the best '95 in the country for under 25K, change the timing belts on schedule and this is a 250K mile motor. here's a sweet one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... egory=6435

928's are well know money pits,

Best,

John
John
airsanford
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Post by airsanford »

Lamborghini Espada. Wildest four-seater ever built. Buy a mint one for 25K.
jsa330
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Post by jsa330 »

'65 or '66 Vette.
Current: 1983 308 GTS
R.I.P: 330 2+2 s/n 5409
fest
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acthung

Post by fest »

E55
AKB
~~~~~~~
400i SI 32635
judge4re
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Post by judge4re »

Luke:

I did my homework on Bentley Turbo R's but once I started seeing what the repair bills are like, I'd rather get a first generation Testarossa.

You could get a 348 Challenge that has been raced for that price as a track car if that is what floats your boat.

A well sorted 308/328 GTB/GTS is in that range and can be used as a daily driver.

412?

As for odd balls, and others, the list is endless. I still woundn't mind having a sorted BMW 2002 tii.

Good luck,
Erik
365 GT4 2+2 (18759)
Mondial 8 (39343)
308 GTS QV (47071)
Rudy van Daalen Wetters
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Post by Rudy van Daalen Wetters »

Yale,

Yes, the Mexico is a heavier car and feels that way too. One reason is that mine does not have power steering and at low speeds the steering is quite heavy. One the other hand, at high speeds it feels very precise. I understand that power steering was an option for the Mexico. The car does have more low end power and the engine is smooth and vibration free. The clutch and transmission feel very refined with smooth engagements and precise shifting. The car is ideal for long distance trips and with its five speed transmission has some 'long legs' for high speed touring. I also like the fact that this car has character, something I really miss in todays cars. They all seem to be the same. Here in Southern California, you see the Boxters all day long. If a GTE is to have a companion it should be something exotic and different just as the GTE itself.

Rudy van Daalen Wetters
1963 GTE s/n 4001
1968 Maserati Mexico
1960 Fiat 500 Sport
1958 Aston Martin DB 2/4 Mk III
1967 Jaguar E- Type Series 1 1/2
1949 Talbot Lago Record T-26 Coupe
1939 Bugatti Type 57
1931 Bugatti Type 40 A
1961 Jaguar Mark IX
1982 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit
2004 Daily Driver made in Japan
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lukek
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Post by lukek »

Hey...Vipers, like 94 Roadsters, can be bought in the low $30s. An aftermarket hardtop and ViperMania side windows would actually make it useable everyday. Wife would vote for the Boxster S, me thinks, but I could have something exotic, and very different indeed. The thought occurred to me on July 4th....
:)
And...compared to the Boxster, it might not depreciate as much, yet it has FI and A/C.

Am I crazy?

thx
luke

PS. Any one poster to this thread gets a free beer while in northern california. I saved a whole bunch on counseling, so it is the least I can do...
:)
Ex 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE, 99 Modena 360, 11 Maserati QPorte S, 08 merc gl550, 67 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Convertible, 2008 Ducati Hypermotard S, 2006 MV Agusta Brutale S, 1991 Ducati 907i.e.
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