Small leightweight coupe project?

[Z-man]

My suggestion: get something after they 'invented' galvanized steel and put them into cars.

My list:
Toyota MR2 MK2:


Ford Escort EXP:


Nissan 300ZX

Subaru SVX

Edit:
Adding:

Acura Integra / RSX

Buick Grand National

Avanti (May not meet my recommendation of galvanized steel)

Honda del Sol

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

What year is your Miata? Try as I may (full tune up etc.) I can only manage 25-27 mpg in my 1996.

But then I am kinda liberal with the use of the gas pedal.

Sorry for the hijack, to the OP, what about a BMW 3 series convertible?

Try resetting your timing to 14 degrees initial advance.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Buy anything yet? My list would be:

Boxster
1st gen MR2
2nd gen MR2
MRS (MR2 Spider)
1st gen Sentra SE-R
240/260Z
Datsun 510
4th gen Prelude Si
CRX Si
Integra GSR
any Miata
Fiat X/19
RX7 - punt on the good MPG thing
Alfa Spider
BMW E21/E30
1st gen GTi
944/951
Focus SVT
Saab 900 SPG

That's just a quick download from my head. Of the list, many are likely rusted, riced out, or both. Personally my two frontrunners would be the Boxster and one of the MR2 variants. Mid-engined, RWD, light weight, reliable, new enough that you can probably find one that's not trashed. The Toyota would win in reliability, the Porsche would win in experience. I'd go with the Boxster all day long.

[BK911]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Buy anything yet?

Nope, still looking. Basically scanning the local craigslist for a screaming deal.

Thanks for the list, couple on there that I will add to the search.

Found a lotus europa I may look at this weekend.

[BK911]

Ended up buying the Europa.
Sitting in a garage for >25 years.
Needs just about everything but looks complete.
Rear drums locked so what a pain to load/unload.
I just started another restoration project so not sure if I will work on this concurrently, or wait.
I will probably start!

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by BK911

Ended up buying the Europa.
Sitting in a garage for >25 years.
Needs just about everything but looks complete.
Rear drums locked so what a pain to load/unload.
I just started another restoration project so not sure if I will work on this concurrently, or wait.
I will probably start!

One of my all time favorite cars!

[KaptKaos]

Is that an early model? IIRC the later models had a different B-pillar/buttress.

Good luck! I've always like these, but I am not sure how well I would fit.

[BK911]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

One of my all time favorite cars!

I hope the looks grow on me.
Looks a little better in person.
But <1500# ~100hp mid engine coupe?
What's not to like?

1969 S2

[Tobra]

I love Europas.

[weseeeee]

I've never seen a Europa in person. Enjoy it!

[intakexhaust]

second that for a vintage 2002

Miata... check

Looking back and taking in consideration the OP, might try searching for an 1985 to 1987 Audi 4000/CS Quattro. Specific to those years.

[Aragorn]

Originally Posted by Z-man

Ford Escort EXP:

Very much want. 1984-85 EXP Turbo with TRX wheels. Finding a good rust free one is like finding hen's teeth. I had a 1983 coupe with 5spd and a 1.6 H.O. engine (before the later adoption of the Mercury LN7 rear deck with bubble glass as seen on the Turbo.)
Ford EXP - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Europas are nice... small but nice and light. Maybe Ford ZTEC or Toyota MR2 swap?

Europa engine swap? - LotusTalk - The Lotus Cars Community

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by BK911

I hope the looks grow on me.
Looks a little better in person.
But <1500# ~100hp mid engine coupe?
What's not to like?

1969 S2

I guess it is a love hate but I have been crazy about them since day one... there are/were several running around here in SoCal.

I know nothing about the mechanicals but I have seen some highly modified ones that could do burnouts (engine swap?)

[Mrmerlin]

that Lotus looks very cool,
I wonder how well the paint will look with a good buffing?
Can you say period correct patina.

If you dont do anything else to it, atleast replace the clear plastic fuel lines,
they have a nasty habit of cracking and then up she goes.
The new Gates barrier hose fuel lines should do the trick.

[VincentVega]

What's not to like?

uh.....

Good luck

[Heel n Toe]

Very cool, BK911... I have always loved them. Drove one once and loved that, too.

Check out this cool story about an S2...

Get Low | Miles From Nowhere

I always thought it was cool how once you remove that trunk bin/liner, you can climb right in to have access to the engine:



Or not:



Anyway... superb choice, and should be a fun adventure... please keep this thread going as you dig in.

[afterburn 549]

fiat X19 is a GREAT car, (once you throe most the Fiat parts away)...LOL

[recycled sixtie]

It has been mentioned several times but an older Miata is cheap to fix and gets good mileage. I see you have several P cars but I have a 2001 Boxster which I love but does not get good gas mileage but is more expensive to run than a Miata but is way more car.

I had an older Mini but was too small and got no respect. Original VW bug loved them but are getting expensive to buy and can be rusty. The Miata I think is one of the most underrated cars on the planet but is vulnerable in an accident.

If I had unlimited garage space I would add:
old VW bug but must be rustfree
Miata
Opel GT as mentioned above
BMW 2002

[AFC-911]

Recycled Sixty, you do realize the OP has already bought a car, right?

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Love the front...Too bad about the hideous rear end though.

[MMiller]

no affiliation... I just wish it was in my garage.

1974 Vintage BMW 2002 Classic Great Car