Next purchase?

Seems like everyone is always eying their next purchase. So, what's on your short list?

Still in the process of planning the purchases as the money for them wants to be saved up first.

• Something track-able. Despite me looking at other vehicles, this one looks awfully Miata-shaped. Especially given that I'm already bench-building it
• Probably either another 911 (I have to sell mine in the UK by the looks of it as I've got problems insuring it there as a non-resident, and I won't leave it there for 3 years uninsured) as I don't think I'm done with them yet. If I do pull the trigger on one, I'll most likely go for a decent driver that I can hot rod a little - good bucket seats, rear seat delete w/ roll bar instead etc. If I don't pull the trigger on a 911 I'll probably go for an Acura NSX.
• I'd really like a classic Jeep - we're living in the middle of Jeep country and there are tons of trails to explore. Maybe 2011 we'll find a Jeepster worth doing up, otherwise a CJ-5 or -7 will do.

For a nice summer car that my wife can drive also - she still refused to drive anything that doesn't have an automatic transmission - I'll probably just keep improving the C4.

Well David, the list is down to three. For our retirement wine tour company in BC's Okanagan Valley, it'll be a big old Daimler DS420 - but it'll have to be a newer one [late 80's-early 90's] that's built with XJ6 rather than 420/MK X bits as we'll need both front and rear air conditioning - we might have to go to England to find the right one. You guys should do a story on that one - or maybe I will for you. It will be a fine companion to our blown MGTD. Then there's always a 2200cc Weber-equipped Karmann Ghia with Porsche brakes and Fuchs 5-spoke 911 wheels - the trouble with that package is that's it's way more expensive than a low-mileage Boxster. But it, too, would be a nice distant cousin and stablemate for our '95 993 Carrera C4. And finally there's a supercharged/4-speed 1964 Studebaker Hawk GT - still reasonably priced, though climbing quickly. With a good set of shocks, springs, and modern rubber it would still be a competent high-speed touring car. But we're knee deep in snow on the northern prairies, so I'd best stick to the CRV with a brand new set of Michelin Ice's to pave the way...

Tow vehicle.

And some race stuff naturally.

hehe

we put a major hole in our bank account when we upgraded both our daily drivers this fall... so I'm stuck with having to take a hiatus for a bit... but a clean 2 door 510 would make a nice little city runner.

My minds is already made up.

TR7 coupe to match up with my TR8 convertible and can hopefully find a decently priced 16 V DOHC Dolomite Sprint engine to swap into it.

A small GT with 2+2 seating, and not too expensive. I like projects. This limits my choices somewhat, but I'm a bargain hunter.

While there are a lot of cars on the 'like' list, practicality and price remove many from contention. Assuming I keep the BMW race car and just replace the Mini, here's a few choices I'd seriously consider:

I'd also consider a 50s American car. Why no sports cars? Well, I've kind of BTDT and haven't lived with any American classics. I'd like to try something different. They tend to be more comfortable for longer journeys and easier to work on. The downside is you go to a car show and you're just one of several others. The Capri is the exception; it would be very hard to find, very rare and is a car I feel I have unfinished business with (having dumped a 1972 V6 in a foolish trade before I ever got it on the road years ago).

Aston Martin

Hey ddavidv,

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/ctd/2045318617.html

Assuming I don't restore the Z after all, one of the following:

1. An already restored Z
2. Lotus Europa
3. Datsun Roadster
4. '85 MR2
5. 944 Turbo

This is my short list.

Of course i should mention that my wife has her heart set on a '41 hot rod Chevy truck, in red.

ddavidv wrote: The Capri is the exception; it would be very hard to find, very rare and is a car I feel I have unfinished business with (having dumped a 1972 V6 in a foolish trade before I ever got it on the road years ago).

I bought 74 that had been sitting for 15 years and the entire rear was rusted out. Online resources are slim to say the least. The Yahoo Capri group was run by a guy that didn't allow you to sell parts except during his "online swap meets." I got so discouraged, I sold it just to be rid of it.

If you buy one, get the very best one you can.

Seems like forever my short list has been: TR3, GT6+, Volvo P1800 / 1800S, Volvo PV544, Volvo 122 2-door. But since I've already gotten cold feet purchasing good examples of 3 of the 5 during the past year or so (at great prices I might add), I doubt I'll actually pull the trigger anytime soon. A co-worker says I enjoy the hunt more than making the the kill. Maybe he's right. I justify it by saying the Spitfire isn't done yet and don't have the garage space.

Series 3 or 4 Alfa Spider is next. May go as early as 83 but more likely to do a 91-93. Have never owned one from these eras.

I have very nice CJ 7 I'm planning on selling and it includes all parts required to convert to a 4.0 head and Mopar fuel injection and a new Banks header if you're so inclined.

Tahoe wrote: I have very nice CJ 7 I'm planning on selling and it includes all parts required to convert to a 4.0 head and Mopar fuel injection and a new Banks header if you're so inclined.

Got more details on it?

This is boring a hole through my head.

In reply to KaptKaos:

Can't remember the last time I saw a Capri on the road. A friend raced on in "B" Sedan back in the day. They must be rare nowadays?

Got a TR4 two weeks ago, so I'm good for a couple of months. Will be selling the 911 in the spring to finance the TR4 conversion to vintage racer. Keeping the MG for the $2011 challenge.

TR8owner wrote: In reply to KaptKaos: Can't remember the last time I saw a Capri on the road. A friend raced on in "B" Sedan back in the day. They must be rare nowadays?

Not just rare, non-existent unless you live out west. I haven't seen on here in the east in probably 20 years. The few still clinging to existence in the junkyards were so rusty you couldn't do anything with them.

Though I prefer the more 'pure' early Capri I'd considered importing the now-legal last generation from the UK. Much easier to find in nice shape as a lot of them were pampered:

In reply to ddavidv:

Actually apart from the language barrier you're probably better off importing a Capri from other parts of Europe (Germany, for example) - cars don't seem to last that well over in the UK due to the wet weather and the inclination to chuck salt on the roads if the calender says 'winter' and the temperature falls below 40F.

Plus, one from the continent will be LHD.

As with most of us, I maintain an ever evolving mental list of obtainable cars that I would like to own. I've always had a soft spot for the Volvo P1800, and recently spied one in a farm yard that looks like it hasn't moved in awhile. I think that guy is going to get a visit sometime soon.

But what I would really like to have is an Alpine A110. I really have no idea what these go for, though I'm sure I would have to sell something first. Hhhmmm... and the idea of owning a rare French car is a bit daunting.

Then there is the early Datsun Z, early Toyota Celica, 71-73 Pinto, early Ford Bronco, a Mini would be cool, or how about an early 60s Galaxie wagon..... yeah, there's no shortage of potential 'owns'.

I'm still coming to grips with my last and ill-conceived 'next purchase'... so as soon as that is in the past, my next purchase will hopefully be a shop so I'll have a place to work on the current project.

After that, I have an unhealthy 'want' for another Spitfire... although I'm sure SWMBO will have other ideas...

Lotus Europa