Wanting a new toy; RX7? Celica GT? 240Z?

[Vipergrün]

So, been Porsche-less for a while. Don't really want to do a Boxster or later model Porsche, cannot afford a 25K air-cooled hobby at the moment, so I am expanding my horizons.

I want something easy to DIY, parts readily available, fun to drive, trackable.

Based on those criteria, I have started to look at some early generation RX7's, Celica GTs, and 240Z's

Which would you choose and why?

Anything else to consider? BMW 2002's could be an option

Thanks for your thoughts!

-Brad

[JJ 911SC]

a 240Z's would be a nice project.

[lane912]

was thinking the same things when I was selling my 912 project off-
turned out falling into a 2001 MR2 Spyder-
think modern 914 with 140 hp-
very fun to drive
lots of performance parts available as its a Toyota-
and fun to drive

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by lane912

was thinking the same things when I was selling my 912 project off-
turned out falling into a 2001 MR2 Spyder-
think modern 914 with 140 hp-
very fun to drive
lots of performance parts available as its a Toyota-
and fun to drive

This sounds like a great idea!

I love all the cars you are talking about (240Z, Celica, RX7, 2002) ... but they all have a following so buy in might be a little high (depending on your budget).

[BK911]

914!!

[stomachmonkey]

240's are tough. Rust issues. Frame rails up front can be a nightmare. What about a 240 SX? A bit more modern, still RWD.

Had a 1st gen RX7, awesome little car. Was not fond of the 2nd gen styling. If I were to pick one up it'd be a 3rd gen.

[herr_oberst]

Fiat 128 Sport! Fiat X1/9.

Just kidding.

A buddy of mine had a Turbo MR2. (The second generation Mister two.) A very nice car, great interior, sticks like road paint, plus it's a Toyota.

[lane912]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Fiat 128 Sport! Fiat X1/9.

Just kidding.

A buddy of mine had a Turbo MR2. (The second generation Mister two.) A very nice car, great interior, sticks like road paint, plus it's a Toyota.

I got a series 3 car- the mr2 turbo was a second gen car-
and only paid 5.5k for a one owner car in great condition

[onewhippedpuppy]

All great options. The only problem with the Japanese sports cars is finding one that hasn't had the Fast & Furious treatment.

Why no Boxster? I think it's the funnest car that you can buy for under $10k, and typically prefer them to a similar year 911.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

240's are tough. Rust issues. Frame rails up front can be a nightmare. What about a 240 SX? A bit more modern, still RWD.

Had a 1st gen RX7, awesome little car. Was not fond of the 2nd gen styling. If I were to pick one up it'd be a 3rd gen.

Yep, and people wonder why I want so much for my project

[t-tom]

The 240z is a lot of fun. They are a lot like the 911 when there right they can be a blast to drive. You really have to watch for rust. If you do go that route try to find one from the desert southwest. The good thing is they make everything for them and most of the parts are pretty cheep.

[recycled sixtie]

Miata a tad on the small size? Cheap to run and reliable. Even my wife suggested that for me today! Well when it warms up that is. BMW2002 is a great little car but a good one could be hard to find.
Guy

[Robert Adams]

This would make an awesome project. Buy in is sure good! Rare car by any standard.
https://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/4799042231.html

more what I was originally looking for.
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/4849618160.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/4845270568.html

These are cheap now, but wait a few years I think..
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/4803950279.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/4833784882.html

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I've had many 240Zs and think they are the best bang for the buck for a reliable vintage sports car. Easy to work on, fast, super tossable and extremely forgiving at the limits. My best one had dual Webers and headers, no idea on hp, but the car is so light, even the base 150 is a good starting point.

Find an AZ car and have a blast.

[pavulon]

Datsun 510 or Toyota or Mazda equivalents

[ScottT80]

I'm fond of the Mazdas myself... I've had quite a few Miatas and Rx7's. I prefer the first generation of both. Miatas drive very similar to the early RX7's.

I also have a 1998 Boxster... while not a 911, I like it a lot for what it is and they can be had cheap as noted above. If a Miata is too 'slow', try a Boxster. Loads of fun and very balanced.

I like the Datsun/Nissans... but haven't had much experience with the early Z cars. I like the 300ZX series a lot though.

[Rick V]

A fellow that works with my son has a 510 project he is selling off. It needs pan work but it comes with the factory engine and trans and a later 240 engine and trans, mini lites and is already stripped interior. I am not sure what he wants for it and shipping across the country may not be cost effective but if you are interested I will put you in touch with him. Just PM me

[slow&rusty]

All great choices, but the straight six gets the nod.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

other than the somewhat homely All Trac, did any other Celicas come with turbos?

What about an older MR2?

[IROC]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

What about an older MR2?

+1. The 1st gens are sort of small and most lately seem to be basket cases. A 2nd gen with a V6 Camry engine installed would be fun.

I always thought an Opel GT with a better drivetrain would be fun, too.