OK, I now have enough saved up to buy a mid-life crisis car. But... so many options, that is where you come in. None of my close friends care about cars I have a narrowed list, trying to keep around 40Kish max. I want something different/unique - not a vette, muscle car, etc. I see them all the time. Here is the list so far: 1. Morgan 3 wheeler (new) 2. Caterham 7 or any of the copies (used of course) 3. Lotus Elise or Extige (used) 4. M3 (used) - not so unique 5. Porsche speedster replica 6. Ford Model T speedster chop? 7. Anything else Looking for some input - pros/cons you see. I probably won't bring the thing to the track because I would want to baby the thing - sad I know. I understand the "Don't get the Caterham R500 because you don't go to the track. But - that would be a really wild ride to "have" Get my drift? Just a play thing. Ready, set, discuss
I have a friend who had a Lotus Elise for quite a while - for him anyway - and he thought it was one of the most fun cars he ever had. He had other wheels so practicality was not critical to him. A Toyota drive train is a real advantage in my mind. Hell, whatever you can afford! Did'nt Toyota come out with a new MR2 or a new Supra? On a maybe more practical bent - WRX? Shoot, for not much money you can get a good 911 in the '70's....heck, I know one in a barn....air cooled, 25th anniv.
I'd go with the Caterham. So far as the Morgan, my dad should be taking delivery of his in mid April. He had his mid-life crisis a few decades ago but, what the hell. He's wanted a Morgan for as long as I can remember. Here he is driving the demo.
7.- Ferrari 328GTS. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1987...ars_Trucks&hash=item3a7fc3fbfb#ht_12335wt_948 Or a 308gts http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982...Cars_Trucks&hash=item20d085089f#ht_500wt_1021
Do you live in an area where you can have fun with any of these things on the road? For me, it would be the caterham hands down as a play car. The M3 is far too common and practical. So is the WRX (I have one, and love it). I can see how a old porsche rep would be fun. And there's always the attraction of something semi custom. . . . . I've always wanted a karmann ghia with a modern sportbike motor in it, a hayabusa or k1200r or zx-14 motor would make that car a lot of fun.
I'd go the Morgan,always loved the look and they look like a hell of a lot of fun to drive,absolutely no electrical aids, just raw driving the way it should be. But it's your money, enjoy whatever it is you go for mate!
I like your choices - I have a lotus exige and a Caterham superlight. Those are both amazing cars and are perhaps the best handling cars you can buy- but they are a tight fit and not super comfortable. Getting in and out can be an act of human origami. If you want a performance car these would be great options. If your looking more for a fun car to leisurely cruise around in then the Morgan would be a cool car ( a morgan plus 8 would be even better). I really like the Caterham - nobody but car geeks know what it is, it has scenery blurring performance and always puts a smile on my face. If you have specific questions about the cars just ask or shoot me a pm - I'm pretty familiar with the lotus and Caterham offerings.
I like these too, the Elise on the list is a cool choice as well. You can also get a nice NSX for under 40k these days.
I would go for the Morgan, but don't rule out a four wheeled Morgan, second hand of course unless you want to wait.
Or it's younger brother: http://www.beck904.com/ <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tBBKDpFG2bQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>