Damn, that thread brings me to think over a few decisions about my car-park. i wanted to sell this car soon, but maybe... This tiny little bend-loving shoebox is my first own classic car. Yes, it handles superbly, but with its stock engine (around 50hp) it is not really going like stink, even with it's weight around 640kg But you can imagine the fun with this go-cart on the hairpin-bends here in the alps. Allways fun to see the distressed facial expression of other drivers when they realise, that they can not leave this clown-car behind on the downhill
My buddy bought an 850 Mini new in 1961 because it was the cheapest family car he could find (right around $1000!!) I rode to work with him one summer along Sunset Blvd, a famous fast/winding street in LA. Nearly every morning we'd pick up a race with a TR, an MG or a Porsche, and NEVER EVER lost to any of them! The Mini barely had the power to pull the skin off a pudding, but he'd just drive through all the corners so quickly that the conventional small sports cars of the day never had a chance.
Nope....German. It was Borward's entry-level economy car..had a little 4 banger with front wheel drive.
@50fraud: Exactly the same today! Damn... shall i really sell this car? @lethargic: Looks like a Lloyd Alexander, it was a german manufacturer from bremen, belonged to Borgward.
I drove a '66 Cooper 1275S, left hand drive to boot, and it wasn't slow at all. Pumping 109hp in it's slalom racing trim, it was not insulated, but did have comfy Recaro racing seats, a mean tuned motor, and modern rubber on real 10" Minilites. I chased motorcycles around Lake Casitas until they pulled over to see what the hell they had a hard time loosing. Never a more fun-to-drive car have I found... I sold mine, and will forever regret doing so.
The difference between an 850 Mini and a 1275S was night and day! I can certainly believe that the S was huge fun.
I keep thinking about getting one of these. There are a lot for a cheap price. I always wanted to put a 3.8 Supercharged engine in one. 260-300HP in a light package and kick to drive. Being a little more HAMB friendly, I always wanted a little Dodge Lancer or Plymouth Valiant with Big Block torsion bars, a 360 dressed up like a 273 backed by a 4-speed. It would handle and scoot at the same time.
Guess you didn't read the thread. I owned a race-prepared Super Seven for 17 years, and I certainly know the capability of those cars. I'm not looking for spartan now; I'm looking for reasonable comfort in a small, quick car.
What's your budget? Because a 356 Coupe is a LOT of fun, use a 912 engine, 1750 cylinders, the right carbs... 120hp and a LOT of fun. I LOVE them and will get mine on the road again one of these days... Problem is, they have gotten stupid expensive. What about a vintage kit car, like a Devin?
how much comfort are you after? I'm thinkin a little Alfa gtv with a high winding small block? I love your track T ,and am building one myself with a 300hp 327 which should go like stink and with good engine set back and well sorted susp should go round corners like they ain't there ...but probably not as comfortable as a Jaguar tho!!
That O/P Lotus 7 looks sooo goood. Rug up! 50Fraud, some not- totally- silly aussie HAMB spam- discover hot old Holdens! 2250 lbs; inline 6- straightforward g/box / suspension tango- bingo!- spunky lil' sedan.
My .02: Sprite or a Midget. I just sold one that was in pretty decent, mostly original condition, which is good, because I was seriously considering tearing into it and making it a little devil. It handles great, fits your size requirement, doesn't cost an arm and a leg (project cars can be had up here in the Northeast for $1500-$2500, parts cars can be had for next to nothing), uses standard BMC parts, and can be built to the hilt using aftermarket parts. Plus, they were raced competitively by the likes of Sir Stirling Moss, among many others. Getting in and out of one takes some practice, but once you're in, there's plenty of room. Maybe not so much once you start cutting away to fit a V-8, but with your requirements, there's bound to be tradeoffs. dan
OK Tony. Here you go. I believe this fits ALL of your criteria. Aluminum bodied with a Kurtis-Kraft chassis, American V-8 powered, giving you comfort, handling, speed, and decent looks.
Uh oh, Tony! What are you up to!? Think you better come to breakfast tomorrow! Front engine or rear engine? Budget (ish)?
Cheetah cars are being built again and you won't see one of those on every street corner. Do a search.
How about a Mk 1 Jag. Prettier than the Mk 2 for my money and could no doubt take a V8 (the Daimler version had one anyway).
Of course with a Daytona Coupe there easier on the old body and can be had with A/C! Gads. We're talking Ford engine in most of them 'tho.
I liked the Porsche suggestion, but you could adapt a V8 if you so desired...Rod Simpson made a lot of parts to do just that. How about using the Simpson adaptor bits to put an American V8 and a Porsche 911 transaxle together, then wrap a Karmann Ghia coupe body around it, with the 911 suspension and Ghia pan/body welded into a semi-monocoque? On the other hand, 928s are nice.
I'll add another suggestion, Ive always wanted one of these with a ford small block and a upgraded suspension: volvo p1800 small but not too small closed top ample interior room enough space to stick a healthy motor under the hood
How about a Zipper lakester or lakester modified (cab or no roof version) great suspension, independent rear available. Your choice of mill. The new owner I've heard is still kicking out quality work. Still kicking myself for not building up a frame and body when I worked for him.
How about a small block powered Simca like John Calles 303? Drag, road race and hill climbing. It took on all comers, according to the magazine at the time. Can't find a photo though.
The 1800 coupes ARE beautiful cars. And someone, sometime has put a SBF in one. Anybody got the Hot Rod mag with that article?
The Jalopy Journal
