Cheap, slow, fun in the twisties, retro & not an MX-5?

[Paul]

I'm moving jobs in a few months, so my daily commute will go up from 30 miles dual carriageway luxobarge cruising to 40 miles of scenic backroad trundling - 'trundling' because, despite being really fantastic bendy sweeping roads, I'm likely to get stuck behind something with no way to overtake the whole way.

So to make life more interesting I'm looking for something retro (obviously), lightweight and fun without being too powerful (as I'll be unlikely to get above 50mph most of the way).

I've already scratched my MX-5 itch with a mk1, 2 and 3 at different points - any other suggestions?

[Imperial]

Hillman imp? but then I'm biased.
whack on some 5j wheels , monte springs and a decent set of shocks and it'll stick like glue, and even the sport spec lump (twin carbs etc) and still returns good mpg.
Of course if the bug gets hold, you can go lower, wider and more powerful but thats not what its about is it?

[colnerov]

Hi, James Hunt used to daily an Austin A30 because he could drive it on the cars limits, not get into too much trouble and not risk his licence. If it's good enough...

Colin

[jonk]

Peugeot 205 - I have one alongside an mx5 mk1 and I think it's just as much fun in a different way. Much softer but a really nice ride.

Or something like a morris 1000 which will make you feel like you're doing 70 when you're at 50 in a line of traffic.

[VW]

Slow and fun in the twisties to me means something that doesn't handle well.

A well handling car at low speeds is going to be dull.

Id go with something pre war (or at least pre war in design) but you may not want to rely on that for a daily? Otherwise id go with an old van.

Something like a sit up and beg with cable brakes, transverse leafs and crossplys will give you all the 'excitement' you can handle at 50mph in country lanes

[Adambt]

I guess MGF or MR2 are the obvious MX5 alternatives. But as colnerov says the ultimate smiles at low speeds are available in the older stuff, e.g. 60s or 70s but with prices theses days it's not normally a budget option.

[mylittletony]

Being as you'll be using it daily, some creature comforts wouldn't go amiss? And some reliability?

I'd go for an early hatch, 205, Nova, Polo maybe. Something 80s, maybe tighten the suspension and fit good but skinny tyres. I've been hearing good things about a Volvo 340.

I do a similar commute and apart from a stint in a loaned mx5 have been using the cheapest car I can find, which was a mk3 astra soon to be replaced by a focus. 30-50mph and twisty all the way so lots of fun. Don't get an astra though, it tramlines something chronic...

[discostew38]

First thought is a mini
I've had quite a few and it's one of them cars that as std it's not quick but you don't need to slow down for anything
Or as mentioned any of the hot hatches from the 80s 90s
When I was an apprentice at a FORD main dealer the XR2i had just come out
The 1.6 CVH wasn't quick but I still think it was great fun to drive
Another option is E30 BMW
I remember tiff needle saying he learnt car control in a Morris minor (skinny wheels bad suspension) ment you could drift it at 5 mph

[Midland Performance & Retro]

MGF or TF

[dbizzle]

106 Rallye!

[s1105117]

Not the cheapest in the world, but my x1/9 is very fun on the twisty roads. The sensastion of the speed, noise etc makes you feel like mario andretti at about 50mph. About 2k for a runner though... and not the most reliable thing, as i have been finding out! Wont lose money on one though, and you get pop up lights.

[jiminwatford]

Fiat Cinquecento or Seicento Sporting

Not big power but great fun in the corners. Handle great. Are cheap. Galvanised from the factory. Reliable

A bit like a mini but a lot more affordable and reliable

[Littlepixel]

Learnt to drive in an original Panda. Total fun. Very Mini.


Diahatsu Cuore / Mira / Mira Gino.
Dirt cheap - usually driven by grannies to shops so low mileage. Light and fun - ask Mighty Car Mods

Also Gino model has Mini chops




Ka/Puma. I hear these handle like they're on rails



Bit more cash - Bimmer 2002 Touring?

[astranaut]

This is why i love my mk3 Astra, it's too slow to get me into trouble but on low profiles lowered 60mm i don't have to slow for corners, it handles really well to be fair to it. Wouldn't mind a Corsa B SRi or Sport, they're very good fun on b roads.

[ivangt6]

I'd say something 70's. MGBGT/midget, Triumph Spitfire/dolomite/TR7, Hillman avenger, Ford Capri/Cortina/Escort/Anglia, Vauxhall Viva/Chevette etc

[xbl]

A Puma 1.7 is a great point to point car, they handle well and will have enough poke to pass when you can too.

[scimjim]

CVH powered Scimitar SS1?



Although this one may be Nissan turbo powered, galv chassis, heated seats and LSD

[robob]

Porsche 924?

[jaykay]

8v mk2 golf gti? Not a mk3 as their wibblepoo. Maybe not very cheap now though. Ka's are fun, and sport ka's are cheapy cheap now.

Or buy a shogun. Mine would feel like i was going to die at 50mph in a bend...

[accord83]

2CV?