I don't mean established classics like E-Types and the like, but run of the mill stuff that's maybe 20 years old give or take, and you still feel odd pangs of desire when you see a nice one.
On the way into work this morning I was overtaken by an absolutely immaculate mk2 Astra GTE 16v. It was finished in that lovely metallic burgundy, and was probably the first one I'd seen for as long as I can remember that looked a) immaculate, and b) as standard as it left the factory. It rode at the correct height, and sported the original "turbine" alloys and the standard square tailpipes. I found myself thinking "what a cracking looking car". I drove one many moons ago and remember a truly magnificent engine and terrifying performance with virtually no traction or handling. I had however long since forgotten it - apart from the odd chavved up one wearing a ridiculous bodykit, they just aren't about any more.
Has this happened to anyone else recently? If so, what car was it?
Cheers
DP
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'Rover 2000' with the 3500cc engine, mind you it's about 30 years since they were made last I think.
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Peugeot 405 or 205 still look stylish in an understated way. None of the modern bulk you get with the 207 or 407 with their hideous front end look. They also don't rot so much which aids preservation, unlike Vauxhalls and Fords of that era. Hence the rareness of the Astra.
The Astra GTE I remember had the option of the digital dash display, one of the first I think.
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Agreed, my black 405 Mi 16 Dec 88. I would be happy to have it now.
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The Cavalier Mk3 hatch ( pre facelift) is still one of my all time favourite shapes for a car.
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Indeed GSB - I had a 1988 405 GTX injection in black with the alloys and chrome trim - looked the business 'take my breath away' as in the TV ad of the era.
Bit fragile tho' - head gasket was on it's way when it was sold but regret it now, future classic perhaps especiall in diesel format.
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Alfa GTV6 - haven't seen one for ages, so they must have all rusted away....
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I do like a Mk1 XR2. Used to have a red one in the early nineties. Cracking car!
205GTi is a great looking car, especially in red.
80's big Merc coupes look very sharp...
Oh, if only I had money. And a big garage!
Alex.
--
Dr Alex Mears
MG BGT 1971
If you are in a hole stop digging...unless
you are a miner.
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Peugeot 305 Estate- I owned one of them over a period of 16 years and 279K miles. I was very sorry when it finally gave up the ghost. (2001)
Good looking, comfortable, roomy and with excellent handling- better balanced than the saloon version.
P.
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Agreed, my black 405 Mi 16 Dec 88. I would be happy to have it now.
Ditto. I had a J-reg Mi16 in metallic blue. What a great car, handling was brilliant; but sadly mine was in terminal decline when I got rid at 120k miles. Seen one or two about since and had pangs of nostalgia; would have another one but it would have to be in better nick than mine was!
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Seen a very nice looking Mazda 626 GT coupe recently, about a 1990 model. Refreshingly different, as was the nice Civic CRX I saw.
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Mk2 Golf Gti, nice standard condition ;o)
All good looking cars have round headlamps don't they?
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Peugeot 406 Coupe.
659.
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Mk1 GTi Campaign in Helios Blue or Lhasa Green still does it for me!
Glad there's a few votes for the 405 estate - I'm still driving one and think it's about as good as they come for a 14 y/o car. Mine's a metallic green Hunter and still looks good washed and buffed.
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Agreed, my black 405 Mi 16 Dec 88. I would be happy to have it now. One car I really would love to have a go in!
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there is still an active group within the peugeot sport offical owners club dedicated to the 405 Mi16 and 405 MI16x4 - they are a hardy bunch dedicated to the cause!
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'Rover 2000' with the 3500cc engine, mind you it's about 30 years since they were made last I think.
Not wanting to be a pedant but the Rover 2000 was just that ie 2000cc.
Presumably you mean the P6 and not the later wedge SD1 or earlier rounder P5b ( b for Buick as that was what the 3.5 V8 came from).
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1989 to 1991 (pre-face lift) Mk 3 Cavalier SRi hatchback in Carmine red or a Cavalier GSi 2000 hatchback in any colour. A Carlton GSi3000 in red comes a close third.
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Great replies!
Funny enough, I was discussing the 405 Mi-16 with a work colleague recently He had one until last year and still rates it among the best cars he's ever owned.
Cheers
DP
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Peugeot 306 just looks right, first ones were 1992 and they still look comtempory.
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Most Peugeots (maybe excepting 204, 304) before the design team got drunk..... original 205 XS is gorgeous. Or the Roland Garros model in green, although I might be coloured in that by the fact that a nearby beauty owned one and therefore I was always pleased to see it on the road...
Original Mk 3 Escort, plain, unadorned..... didn't like the fussier later ones. Original jellymould Sierra, but only in Ghia form. Remember the hideous basic version? Yuk.... I also liked the 2.0iS (1986ish). Cavalier Mk 3 SRi in black and white
Original Renault 25, very handsome. Saab 9000.
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Rover SD1 3500 Vitesse....oooooohhhh......dribble.........
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I used to see a minter around Uxbridge when I lived there. It was on a C plate in Moonraker Blue with the wire effect alloys and the big Rover centre caps.
I don't know what was better - the looks or the noise.
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I like the look of just about all the old cars. I guess it's just that I'm the nostalgic type. Especially Fiesta Mk III, probably because that's what I used to drive.
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Am I allowed the Lancia Delta Integrale? It's kind of a normal car.
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The Renault 18 was a looker in its day. GTX estate in silver with the chrome roof rails and those very Gallic alloy wheels, especially with brown tinted windows. I had one and thought it very pretty.
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Good man Lud! I didn't dare say the R18!!! My dad had a GTS and I absolutely loved it.
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1970-75 Opel Manta in burgandy with Rostyles please - I see one parked outside a house in the middle of nowhere quite often, in mint condition and it just looks so right.
Agree on the SD1 Vitesse - a car for men who feel inadequate if ever there was one!
I see a V8 VDP auto in gold quite regular burbling down to the local stables - in very fine condition it is too. The V8 SD1 is still quite numerous for such an old car and has a high survival rate.
Theres still over a thousand of them on the road compared to less than 100 2.0 litre versions and I think it was 9 Turbo Diesel ones. Not sure about the 2300/2600.
I rather like the Lancia Thema for some reason, just such an understated car although ive never even driven one!
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Yes - I always liked the big old Rover 3.5 litre .
A company one that I took up the M11 not long after it opened showed me my highest ever 'on the road' speed with me driving at an indicated 130 mph.
I also like the Reliant Scimitar GTE ( although hardly a common motor ) and the Dolomite Sprint , both of which I drove in the seventies and give me that nostalgia twinge.
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I'm with you on the Manta.
Also, the Renault 15 on a similar theme was attractive in its time, vaguely similar to the Manta and not so heavy round the back end as the 17.
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Thought of another- Corrado. Preferably Storm. Mmmmm.
Used to have a silver 16v. Lovely car. Electric spoiler... pointless but fun!
a.
--
Dr Alex Mears
MG BGT 1971
If you are in a hole stop digging...unless
you are a miner.
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I'd a Corrado G60 around 1991 so not at quite the 20 year mark. But still turns my head.
Had a Renault 18TL in red. Only 1340cc , but a great looker.
--
I wasna fu but just had plenty.
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The Corrado is a cracker. Had forgotten about that one.
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Escort Mk III(?) Escort RS Turbo, especially the first series all-white ones.
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I still think the original Range Rover looks so right i'll admit that from certain rear angles it looks a bit awkward but overall it's bang on
I'm sorry to have to disagree with a lot of people here but i think the 405 has dated very badly compaired to say the 205 which still looks fresh
Others i still think look good
Audi 80 Coupe/Cab
Mk1 Golf
mK2 Golf
Alfa gtv any model
Later Sierra's still look reasnoble
Corrado
Scirroco
Mk 1 & 2 astra's
Old 900 Saabs
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The original "Sweeney" Ford Granada still looks the business.
Agree with SD1, Alfa GTV, Integrale and the Scirocco, but what about earlier, I saw a sixties Ford Zephyr a couple of months ago and it still looked good.
Austin Devon pickup, my grandad had one when I was growing up, happy days rumbling around the pickup bed while he drove to the shops in the country.
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Well, I think my Triumph 2000 mark 1 is a good looker, and so surprisingly do modern yoof. "Cool car" I overheard one saying recently.
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A (younger than me) friend of mine has a Triumph 200 Mk 1, with hydraulics that make it dance. I think it achieved cool status after being on the Levi's "Twister" ad....
This bloke is, like, the ultimate surf dude.... pierced everything, long hair, jeans down by his ankles.... so the 200 MUST be cool...
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Prefer the cleaner look of the Ford Orion to the Escort. Ghia spec with the pepper pot effect alloy wheels, not OTT but still smooth, lovely.
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^^^ The 'squarer' one not the round one (Bleuch)
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How about the Reliant Scimitar GTE? The first of the sporting estates/tourers.
Not many around now though, and a design well ahead of its time.
Or the Opel Manta? That looked so good but a bit of a let down to drive apparently.
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citroen CX and SM (OK - the SM isnt 'normal') and DS (prob too much of a real classic though)
saab 900 (the SAAB 900 not the gm thing)
also saab 96
lots of lancia/alfa's
fiat X1/9 anyone?
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Nobody has said the Triumph Stag (have they?). Austin 1100/1300 - pretty car. Reliant Scimitar definitely. Most of all though, the Alfa Romeo GT Junior, I have always wanted one.
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I'm sorry you all suffer from a lack of taste and imagination:-)
my list is quite small:
1936 Bentley 25/30hp saloon with coachwork by...can't recall.
1954 Bentley Continental 4.5 big bore
1959 Lotus ELise
1955 Jaguar XK 140 Coupe
1963 Ferrari GTO
1980s Mercedes 450SL
2001 Peugeot 406 Coupe
madf
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All absolutely stunning cars, no arguments there, but with the exception of the Pug, all expensive classics. I was thinking more along the lines of bread and butter motors that Joe Bloggs could afford to buy and run either new, or out of the paper today.
Cheers
DP
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Or the Opel Manta? That looked so good but a bit of a let down to drive apparently.
Yes that always put me off the Mk.2 Manta a bit (I was a car mad teenager at the time, I never drove one); looked great but only had the 2.0 4-cyl engine, when Capris had the V6 option. If they had put the 2.5 or 3.0 Senator straight six in the Manta it could have been a monster!
As mentioned above, the early '70's Mantas looked cool too. My Grandad had one, then sold it and bought a Mk.2 Capri 3 litre Ghia...
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In that nice light gold metallic it used to come in.
That was my (real world) dream car back in 85/86!
Steve>> Prefer the cleaner look of the Ford Orion to the Escort.Ghia spec with the pepper pot effect alloy wheels, not OTT but still smooth, lovely.
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Forgot to mention MK4 Cortina 2.3 S or the 1977 to 1985 Granada saloon, as seen regularly in the Professionals. Almost all disappeared now due to tin worm. Prefer the S or GL variants than Ghia which is a bit OTT.
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Forgot to mention MK4 Cortina 2.3 S or the 1977 to 1985 Granada saloon, as seen regularly in the Professionals. Almost all disappeared now due to tin worm. Prefer the S or GL variants than Ghia which is a bit OTT.
Dad had the Granada in signal yellow, looked stunning. With the exception of red bright colours seem to be limited to saml cars these days.
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In that nice light gold metallic it used to come in. That was my (real world) dream car back in 85/86!
That's what our old one was - yes, it was lovely! Suited that car better than Fiestas etc.
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Some more I really like:
E34 BMW 5 Series, the best looking large BM ever IMO, especially before the wide grille facelift.
W123 Mercedes, whether saloon, coupe or estate, a really well balanced design.
Audi 80/Coupe (the post 1992 versions)
Some big french cars that are now forgotten like the Peugeot 505/604, Citroen XM; very elegant when you really look at them properly.
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The beautiful Triumph Stag and, for older BRs, Vauxhall Viva estate - stunner in its day .. wonder if any are left?
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Toyota Corolla (shock, horror!) GT Coupe AE86 (the rear drive one). I'd almost give Toad the Supra for a minter.
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Mark 1 Toyota MR2's are still my fave version of the MR2, shame theyre all rotting! Like them in red or white.
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Triumph 2000 mk1........with the rounded nose cone and twin headlights....
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I just have to say Ford Capri Mark 3.
Would also add Vauxhall Viva HB and Triumph 1300.
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Fuego
R5 GT Turbo
Ascona 400
GS
DS
405 SRi
Mk I Lotus Cortina
Mk I Escort, GT / Twin Cam / RS1600
Mk II Escort, Mexico / RS1800
Mk III Escort RS1600i
Europa
XJ6/12 Series I
356GTC
308GT4
288GTO
456M
911S 2.2
944 S2 / Turbo
928 S4
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Though they were rust boxes I loved the look of the VX/Opel Monza, especially the 3.0 GSE in Black & the good old Ford Sierra 3dr Cosworth RS500 pref in white or black .
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I liked the Monza too, there's a really nice Manta A in metalic blue near me and the rear drive Kadette coupe really is a pretty car
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Lotus Carlton - looks the part.
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madf
We're talking 20 ish years old.
But older vehcles which make me step off the pavement in amazement include a Figoni & Filasci ? Delage, most Zagato bodied Alfa Romeos and yest a well presented Delta Integrale.
--
I wasna fu but just had plenty.
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Well GWS, if we're straying into exotica country almost all thirties and forties Alfas were fabulous looking. But it's just boring to list Bugatti 57SC Atalante, Ferrari 275GTB4 and so on, so I won't.
And by the way, when you step off the pavement in amazement do look both ways first, won't you?
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You can't beat a CX GTi Turbo!
tinyurl.com/yfuqvy
Though I've always had a soft spot for the Alfa Guilia Sprint Gt from the ' 60s
www2.gpmd.com/image/t/tams9677.jpg
--
Phil
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Oops - sorry about bad links!
--
Phil
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Run of the mill (sort of): Alfasud
A bit special: first Sierra Cosworth
Very special: quattro SWB
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Any RS MK2 escort
brooklands capri
MK1 astra gte (box shaped one)
Series 1 rs turbo
mk2 granada 2.8 ghia X
Lotus cortina mk1
the list is endless but these are some of my fav's
simon
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Jaguar XJ12.
I had the pleasure of frequently driving one when they were in production.
"Only made from 1975 to 1977, the 2-door vinyl topped pillarless coupe was probably one of the best looking touring car made by Jaguar. The XJC's were known as the world's fastest vinyl roof and were unique in their styling and complexity. "
In those days it was deemed unacceptable to have louvres on such a saloon.
The engine bay got so hot that the battery was in a box with its own fan.
Have a look at the engine bay in the link below
tinyurl.com/svr3f Ah! thats better than the original 333 char link
This is a very extensive rebuild with lots of pics
and even a sound clip of the engine - click on " See and listen to the V-12 purring! " about 2/3rds down.
or
An American version
www.cwwcardesign.com/news/magazin/jaguar_xj_12_cou...l
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The two door was and is an exceptional looker, and what a (nearly) race car.
tinyurl.com/yxmog9
Scroll down noting bhp.
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The one I really wish I still had. Elan S4 dhc. It had to go for the deposit on my 1st flat. A very long time ago.
Personal wish list.. Berlinetta 365 GTB/4 GTC/4
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NSU Ro80. Ahead of its time. Still looks reasonably contempory today, without the brightwork would most definitely have looked so against virtually all 80s cars.
I would say that though, with a '74 model in the garage!
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Glad I'm not the only one who still likes the Scimitar GTE. It may only be from the era when I was young, but I prefer the later SE6/6a/6b versions, with moulds created by chopping the predecessor's in four and adding extra length and width.
Apart from maybe the Volvo 480 and BMW Z3 M Coupe, there hasn't really been anything similar since, although I'm not sure about the looks of the latter.
IIRC, it was also the first mainstream car to be fitted with a rear wiper (because the distinctive back window used to accumulate dirt easily) and split folding rear seats.
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How's it going Nomag? Sourced a triple rotor Mercedes unit yet, or was it a Japanese thing? :-o)
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Alfasud...Citroen GS. Mazda 323 F...................................anyone.......?
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In my not-so-humble opinion all old cars look hideous compared with recent models. Tastes are being constantly updated.
--
L\'escargot.
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Phase 1 Renault 19, pretty rare now, looks much better than the later phase 2, which I still see a lot of round here.
Old Saab 900 and 9000.
And a Datsun that I don't know the name of, but my step dad had a black one in the late 80's, went like stink.
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The Datsun was a 280zx I think.
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There has been a reference to Lancias but not specifically to the Fulvia, I think, which is surprising. One of the prettiest little cars ever.
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Triumph Dolomite
Looks like your driving a dinner suit! Very smart and a lovely dashboard
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Triumph Dolomite Looks like your driving a dinner suit! Very smart and a lovely dashboard
>>
Seconded and a wonderful way of putting it
Saab 900 while i'm here. The proper one rather than the rebodied Cavalier
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I had that picture on my bedroom wall....
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and even a sound clip of the engine - click on " See and listen to the V-12 purring! " about 2/3rds down.
XJC was one of my dream cars when I was in my early teens. Unfortunately my PC's speakers dont do that clip justice.
In the '90's I bought a copy of Fast Lane magazine that had a cassette tape of the sound of various cars going round Brands Hatch. Now I've always preferred the sound of V8's, but on the tape there was a 7-litre V12 Lister LeMans (modified XJS) with drainpipe exhausts, and words cannot describe how good it sounded!!
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Audi 100, 1982/83 onwards.
Surprised noones mentioned it!
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I reckon the Audi 90-based Coupe look the business.
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Got a bit of a soft spot for '70s French cars. Peugeot 504, 505 and 604 as well as Citroen CX .
Also Italian cars from similar era such as Alfa Guilias of the 70s and the 1750 GTV. Should probably be ashamed to admit this but have always liked the Fiat 132 and Stradas (although was only about 6 when the latter was launched).
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(((((((Saab 99 Turbo)))))))))
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Nearly forgot all time favourite of Fiat 500.
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For me it has to be the old style Ford Orion Ghia 1.6i with the pepperpot alloys.
My dad had one on an F plate and I can remember been so impressed with having electric windows, and a trip computer, and the velour seats, and the doors that unlocked themselves all at the same time! I also seem to remember that it seemed pretty quick at the time.
I'd love one now in mint condition.
Blue
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For me it has to be the old style Ford Orion Ghia 1.6i with the pepperpot alloys.
I'm not alone!
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My uncle had a red Strada Abarth 130 TC when I was a kid. It looked and sounded the dog's wotsits at the time. I cannot remember the last time I saw a Strada on the road.
He bottled it when the warranty came towards its end and sold it on. He still talks about it today as one of the most exciting and infuriating cars he's ever owned. Reckons the longest it went without a breakdown or garage visit was 3 weeks, but it was an absolute peach of a car when it worked.
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Was going to mention I saw an early '90's Audi S4 saloon a few weeks ago. Subtle and understated, looked much like a standard 100 but for the slightly lowered stance and fat (but not excessively low profile) tyres filling the arches nicely. A great Q-car, cost a fortune when new but can now be had for a few grand. Its not so much the looks as the turbo 5-pot engine that interests me. I'd have one of them or an S2 coupe if there was room on our drive.
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I saw a mint 'D' reg Capri 2.8i in red the other day. It caught my attention a lot more than the raft of BMW/Merc/Audis shuffling along in the same traffic jam!
I've always been a sucker for a well maintained Opel Manta.
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I always liked the Renault 17 when i was a kid and i think it still looks good. Plus I like the Renault 8 - esp in Gordini trim.
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No one has mentioned the Xantia. Still looks remarkably fresh after 13 years, especially in the more attractive metallics.
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No one has mentioned the Xantia. Still looks remarkably fresh after 13 years, especially in the more attractive metallics.
I would agree, although I am obviously biased. I can remember a motoring journalist saying he thought it looked dated in 1996. A rather jaundiced and unbelievable opinion, I thought at the time.
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"I am obviously biased" Same here
Another vote for Xantia - nice silver HDi on the drive . (With fully functioning fuel pump!!)
--
Phil
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SIII SWB County with safari roof.
Makes me smile every time I look out of my window
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Manta for me too
Also Lancia Beta (I saw a suprisingly well-preserved one a few months ago).
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Some classics from the late 80's/early 90's that have not yet been mentioned but should be included!
Lancia Delta (1600 GT or HF Turbo)
BMW (E30) 318is
Fiat Tipo 3dr 16v
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VW Karmann Ghia... Load of carp in my opinion, but my next door neighbour's got one, passers-by think it's terrific, I was picked up from Accra airport in one once and I thought this thread needed a hundredth post.
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Got to agree with snakey about the 2.8i capri. But my fave is definatley escort RS Turbo, series I or II.
And I try so hard not to be a chav.
----------------------------------------------
Aim low, expect nothing & dont be disappointed
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And I try so hard not to be a chav.
Brilliantly said.
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mitsubushi 3000 gt
toyota supra mk2
nissan 300zx
:)
--
www.storme.co.uk
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Honda CRX and Preludes of all generations, but the Gen 4 was particularly stunning. Cars that were way ahead of their time and not appreciated properly here because of Honda UK's ridiculous spec & pricing policy. Unfotunately they are now at pimp/chav price point :-(
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Series 1 Escort RS Turbo - trying to find an unmolested example is nigh on impossible
Rover SD1 vitesse - liked it in silver or blue
mk3 cortina (with twin headlights, think in GXL trim, is that right)
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