A lot of the cars I think are underappreciated classics may very well be underappreciated for good reasons. Nonetheless, I've always liked the Peugot Mi16, its always nice to see one still driving around.
A lot of the cars I think are underappreciated classics may very well be underappreciated for good reasons. Nonetheless, I've always liked the Peugot Mi16, its always nice to see one still driving around.
The Mercedes SLC's are growing on me. Such an absolutely fantstic highway car. And the last MB coupe with a classic looking interior. And a rally heritage. And you can get into a decent on for 3 grand.
The Alfetta GT series number is 116GT.
I've owned two Alfetta GT/Sprint Veloces and although I think they look cleaner and nicer than the GTV6, the GTV6 is a better car. Night and day difference.
Even though I have my heart set on a Giulietta Sprint (if my pocketbook catches up), I'd have another look at owning an Alfetta. Strange thing is that in talking to my Mom the other day, out of all the cars I've owned, this is the one car she remembers in particular. She really liked the looks and the sound of it with an ANSA exhaust.
This thread cracks me up as I had (and loved) a 1980 Corolla, and a Mk1 Scirocco. I'd snatch up a clean example of either car if I found one these days. That Corolla took an amazing amount of abuse, and continued to run.
It didn't hold up to rolling so well though....
Volvo anyone? There are a couple that race with me in the vintage grid here in the NW. The do pretty well. <img src="
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I just saw the word "Volvo" so I figured I'd throw in something of a custom street rod that gets my respect and love...this one has Volvo power...though of course I'm thinking of something built along these lines but maybe with a 1JZGTE motor and great handling
Wow, man. That thing's worthy of it's own thread. I'm stunned. It just looks so right. Where is that? I want to go see it in person. Check out those front brakes. I wonder what's in the case in front of the rad? A laptop? What kind of tires are those? I wanna drive it! 
-Ted
Did someone say Fiat 128?
My "old" 1972 128 Sedan racer:
Sold this past fall to make room for my newest project:
BTW, if anyone wants more 128 info, let me know. I still have the original text from the 128 article I wrote for GRM back in 2002.
Chris H.
Ted, I love that car too. The very simple, clean, elegant look, but somewhat deceiving since it is also technically advanced. This is a good summary: "...The entire build is typical of Leif Tufvesson's style. Lean. Aesthetically elegant. Stylishly minimalist. Largely because most of the components have been hidden away inside the body. For instance the springs and dampers, the electrical components and exhaust system. The result is that the body and axles look like they are floating in the air..."
It will be touring shows in Sweden and then during 2008 it will also be shown in the U.S. Here's a link for info about it...it's called Hot Rod Jakob in honor of a 1927 Volvo also called Jakob. Lots of more pics and facts here: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/hot-rod-jakob-a-stunning-tribute-to-first-volvo/
Mr. Tufvesson also built some other cool cars, but this Jakob is my favorite.
I may be biased, because the one in my garage always starts...runs great...and the performance will put Triumph & MG to shame...I hereby nominate the Jensen Healey Mk.II There were a few issues with the early JH's but by 1974 they had ironed out most of the engine issues and build quality was much improved. Lotus power, decent handling and reliability...puts a smile on your face.
My apologies... however I just sold my Dodge Viper to purchase a 1971 TVR Vixen. I have been dreaming of owning a TVR for the last three years. I'm haunted by TVR's
Please pray for me ;-)
On a semi-related note, a 107-chassis Benz is also a really nice car.
"My apologies... however I just sold my Dodge Viper to purchase a 1971 TVR Vixen. I have been dreaming of owning a TVR for the last three years. I'm haunted by TVR's
Please pray for me ;-) "
I just saw your Vixen in the reader's rides. Did you buy that one that was for sale recently? It was too far away for me, but if it hadn't been I would have bee very interested in it. Nice color too! Check out mind in the reader's rides, although they aren't as nice as yours. -Jim
Jim- I just bought it and you can see it listed in Hemmings- I jumped on the car as soon as I saw it. I hear there was a long line behind me if I backed out. The car is on a transport from ST Louis headed for New Hampshire as I type. I should see the car in my driveway Sunday Morning.
I'll look for your. Thanks!
-Jeff
I have a soft spot for the Peugeot 504 diesel. Give me one of these in light green with one of those huge sunroofs and point me in the direction of the horizon.
I am biased of course, but a Maserati Merak SS never gets the respect that a 308 gets, yet in many ways it is a better road car....alot less expensive too.
How about Lotus M100 Elan?
FIAT/Bertone X1/9 Lancia Scorpion/Montecarlo Citroen ID / DS / SM / CX series. Renault R5 Turbo, Fuego Turbo, R12,R15, R17, Alliance cup cars & Sports Renault and R16 which gave birth to the Lotus Europa, Alpine A110, A130, A310. Abarth cars in general. ISO-Griffo Matra three seater. Lotus Elite(two versions),Excell, Eclat, Carlton and all Lotus Race cars. Lola race cars (Eric Broadley designed the FORD GT-40 chassis). Swift race cars. Chevron race cars. Brabram race cars. Van Demien race cars. Ralt race cars. *McLaren vintage race cars. I can go on from here.
Why are significant vintage race cars not in technical detail or covered in a magazine like CMS? There was a golden age in the 60's of Detroit powered, US built sports cars.In the extreme, Cam Am. This could have been the US exotic car cottage industry, but was never allowed to blossom. Very sad.
Beyond the cars there were significant personalities, Colin Chapman, Frank Costin, GP Dallara, Eric Broadley, Brian Hart, Mr. Bertone, A. Lampredi, A. Gordini, A. Lefebvre.... So much chat about the cars, but so little about the individuals who created these cars. Why is this untold story of sports, innovative and race car world never really discussed in the automotive media?
There are so many luscious cars in this thread. Thanks guys. I've never owned an Alfa, but I can't think of any model that I wouldn't like to have. Here's my nominations:
Vintage dirt track racers - Oh so cool looking, and there's a thriving race scene for them.
Citroen Traction Avant - high style, very innovative for it's time, and a really interesting history (They were the getaway cars of choice for the French resistance. The cars that the german military were using couldn't keep up)
Fiat Topolino
Volvo 1800ES
40s and 50s Studebaker trucks 
+1 on the M100 Elan, David. As a lifelong Lotus fan(atic), it's on on my list to actually own. In the meantime, I'll nominate the Mk. 1 Toyota MR2. Sure, it's not '70s or earlier (neither is the M100), but my '89 is 19 years old, and the first-year '85 is 24, so I'd say it qualifies.
I keep looking at other cars, but when push comes to shove, very few have the combination of handling, reliability, performance, fuel economy and luggage space (as long as nothing is in a square box) of a good Mk. 1 MR2. I can actually carry an ice chest, helmet, folding chair, umbrella, floor jack and four mounted R-tires without removing the passenger seat! My car runs perfectly, beats half of the other cars at autocrosses (but not those D___ Miatas!), and has averaged 35 mpg for the last 28,000 miles. It's even too good for a 20v swap, so I'm looking for another one for that.
So two big thumbs up for the Mk 1 MR2 and the M100 Elan!
And depending upon who you believe, the MKI MR2 was either worked over by Lotus, designed by Lotus and sold to Toyota, or had no Lotus enfluence at all! 
double post
Lots of folks "dis" the later 1500 Midgets because of the "jacked-up" stance and the god-awful rubber bumpers (they look even worse than the ones on the MGBs). Also, they have the less-durable Triumph based engine.
But underneath the safety stuff, these things are pure Spridgets through-and-through.
A Bugeye nose will even drop onto one if so desired.
Here's my '78 which I club raced for years and now use for vintage racing. It runs at least 10 events a year including several 3 and 4 Hour enduros in recent years. I've run it at Watkins Glen, Lime Rock, Summit Point, Shenandoah, Pocono, BeaveRun (PVGP), New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Shannonville (Ont), the Hershey Hillclimb and lots of other places.
The engine is almost bone-stock and very reliable. Just gotta change rod bearings and thrust washers on a regular basis.
Since it's pretty low-power, it's easy on tires and other wear items. Parts are inexpensive and plentiful.
Probably the cheapest way to go racing in a "classic".
Jensen Healeys get no respect. Even my favorite car mag has just about completely ignored them. 
It's comfortable inside, has very good brakes, good handling and a decent amount of trunk space. The 907 Lotus has plenty of punch and can easily be upgraded to make stupid big power. Richard Appleyard Engineering has FI'ed one in Old Blighty that dynos around 235 HP with stock internals. It's possible to swap a later 9xx motor for a real power boost.
Weak points were the top design (no worse than an MGB when you get down to it), an alternator which at 43 amps wasn't really big enough and only average panel fit. The first six months of production had a lot of teething problems, those cars have all been pretty well sorted out by now.
On second thought, let's don't let the word get out about how good they are; leaves more for me.
Agree with you Jensonman. I've wanted a J-H since I saw my first one back in the late 70's. Never been in a position to get one though and probably won't till I either finish or clear out all my projects. The projects I have were too good to pass up when offered to me and will take a long time to finish.
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