In what ways a Jeep Wrangler is not as good as a G?
What about a proper old Alfa Spider, if u don't mind the tinworm and a few repairs - add the Raybans and you've got cafe cruising style on wheels. (Am I the only one living in a time warp here?)
Onelab, Late replying , but you are so right with this one, the Alfa Spider/Duetto - just a classic period!
Max: Nothing wrong with Alfas, I have restored, repaired and raced them in the past, Guilia Sprint, Alfetta, Alfasud Ti, Duetto, GTV 1750, GTV6, and 75QV. Of course 'some' work had to be done, though all are desirable cars even today. However, as backup there was always a G for towing!
Ah, the Hermes scarf and sunglasses, yes they are high maintenance, past exploits has taught me to be humble ....... again it is the desire that is the sweet pill, enjoy!
Babble over!
One can deduce the target market when they euologise about their bespoke orthopedic seats. I'm getting there too :oops:
*sigh*
Look, if you want off road and style and an italian car there is no alternative!
Spider1V
Someones been watching 'top gear'!
I don't think blokes can pull off driving many convertibles unless thay don't mind being tarred with the hairdresser brush. Wrangler, MGF, MX-5, SLK, CLK all definte no-no's IMHO. Might get a away with an SL but good one's are pricey. Defender's work but can anyone own one and a G? Surely there's a law against that. E30 3-series gets close but I reckon the only drop-tops that allow you to maintain testosterone at normal levels (and fall within Pok's budget) are Triumph's. Spitfire, Stag or TR6 - pay your money and take your choice. You can get more people in a Stag though plus get to hear the V8 (and wonder what all the noise is for!).
Or for something completely different...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1983-FORD-FIESTA-XR2-FLY_W0QQitemZ370243897858QQcm...
Or how about a 450 SLC? Almost as good as a convertible with the windows and roof open, half the money of an SL and a manly V8. This was mine a few years ago. Doesn't look quite so nice now!
hahahahhahaha!! don't think i will get that ford!!!
By the way, is SLC the one replaced by the CL? I like them!! But aren't they more expensive than a G of the same period?
... and getting back to the original question posed. The Wrangler is only half as good as the G, but then again its only half the price!
The Wrangler JK is the first to come in a four door version. The striking things when moving from a G are how thin the bodywork feels, how cheap the plastic looks, how high the dashboard is and how small the windows. All 'round visibility in the G is superb by comparison. The four door Rubicon version is the one with front and rear difflocks, but unfortunately not available in the UK. There is no undersealing that I can see, so rust in our climate is likely to be a problem.
The VM Motori 2.8 CRD engine has reasonable power and torgue. The 21mpg is a pleasant change after the G's 12-14mpg. This should be a reasonably durable engine as well; see http://www.vmmotori.it/en/01/00/01/dettaglio.jsp?id=56
There are things to like about the JK. Although the body is thin, the chassis looks reasonably strong. The whole of the roof is removable and replaceable with a soft-top. There is an enormous range of after-market bits to buy to modify it, although you have to be prepared to import most from the US; better when there was $2 to the pound, less so now. The JK pictured has an ARB 2" lift, front and rear steel bumpers [to replace the horrible plastic ones], so doesn't look too shabby next to the G.
So here I go adding all the aftermarket bits to the JK to try to bring it up to G standard ... knowing that I will never succeed. Then again how many of us will be able to afford a new RHD G-wagen when they go on sale next year?
Rick, thank you for the info... i just cannot really imagine myself driving a car bigger than the G :? I think the Wrangler is kind of out of the question now...
hahahahhahaha!! don't think i will get that ford!!!
By the way, is SLC the one replaced by the CL? I like them!! But aren't they more expensive than a G of the same period?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200924335833486/sort/price...
This one's at the high end but fairly low mileage I guess. I paid just over £2k but it turned out to be a bit of a lemon.
Someones been watching 'top gear'!
I don't think blokes can pull off driving many convertibles unless thay don't mind being tarred with the hairdresser brush. Wrangler, MGF, MX-5, SLK, CLK all definte no-no's IMHO.
LOL Just watched Top Gear - and lo and behold! How amazing is that???? I missed the one on Sunday and watched the recorded one! My uncle had one and I just thought it was an amazing looking and driving car! (until the engine overheated and blew up!)
I agree with almost all your list - except the CLK - Sure if its a Brabus and located in Brighton - I would agree, get the hair net and tongs out :wink: - but the V8 430 CLK was a good MANLY car as were the SL55's and if you can find it the C190 Cabriolet!
I would also add Lotus Elise, Any porsche, BMW (except M3 and Z1)Audi (except the new A3 convertible).
Spider1V -
I would also add Lotus Elise, Any porsche, BMW (except M3 and Z1)Audi (except the new A3 convertible).
Spider1V -
Not a TT though surely????!!!!! They were basically made for Niki (with an i) Clark :lol: Not convinced a Z3 isn't of a similar mould too...maybe OK with the 2.8 BUT the problem is how other people view you in a cabriolet (sad I know). I agree that a 430 V8 has very manly connotations but you can't explain that to everyone you see. To most it could be any pretty mercedes with the roof down and nice comfy, posterior friendly, leather seats :wink:
Funny they forgot to mention how a family barge slaughtered the Stratos a fair few times. :wink: :lol:
Stratos good - Tony had a ride in (a real) one when owners came to view my MGB V8 a good few years ago. Not good for easy access in a skirt though (sorry guys), so no good as a cruiser.
Nicki Clarke darn good hairdresser, I don't care what he drives.
How about a Boxster - seem to be cheap enough and plentiful enough if checked out properly - plenty of spares and dealers/specialists in Germany yes? The only BMW that remotely appeals is the old ZM coupe (in blue), but I gather they can be a bit of a handful in the wet - but rear wheel drive and quick.
Orientdude - you really couldn't not have a Spider in Tuscany could you? (Envy, shivering in Shropshire).
Someones been watching 'top gear'!
I don't think blokes can pull off driving many convertibles unless thay don't mind being tarred with the hairdresser brush. Wrangler, MGF, MX-5, SLK, CLK all definte no-no's IMHO. Might get a away with an SL but good one's are pricey. Defender's work but can anyone own one and a G? Surely there's a law against that. E30 3-series gets close but I reckon the only drop-tops that allow you to maintain testosterone at normal levels (and fall within Pok's budget) are Triumph's. Spitfire, Stag or TR6 - pay your money and take your choice. You can get more people in a Stag though plus get to hear the V8 (and wonder what all the noise is for!).
Well I guess you can get away with any Brit. and appear to be macho because you have a constant aroma of axle grease and beer following you around.
Does anyone have one of those childhood memories indelibly imprinted from a car?
Mine was being driven sideways for a stupidly long distance (I could still show you the piece of road) in an MGC. They genuinely had a lorry engine fitted in them, but the noise and smell of rubber was truly impressive. I was maybe 10yrs old.
MGC they don’t come much more macho :D .
Could you really do this?
At 11 when my friend's father who rallied and had a rally/race preparation garage, took my friend and I in a rally prepared Fiat Mirofiori Coupe on a winter's morning in Cheshire. I still remember the smell of fuel and brakes, but the slow motion four-wheel drifts on tarmac has not ever been forgotten.
onelab, I do actually! Wanted an Lancia Integrale Evo, but the wife promised divorce!!! - so I am back with the headscarf and sunglasses (the wife that is - just to be clear).
Wanted an Lancia Integrale Evo,
MMMMMMM Nice :twisted:
but the wife promised divorce!!!
Not Nice :evil:
- so I am back with the headscarf and sunglasses .
So we now call you Mary??? :lol: :shock:
Best car Memory ever?... hmmmmmm Would have to be at 13, my uncle in the Stratos - through Weybridge (at full chat) hitting the roundabout just before Chertsey, full drift round the roundabout twice, then back down the Chertsey Road, lift off over the railway bridge, then almost hitting the gates at Victory Park! The noise, sound and speed was amazing - in fact just writing about it has transported me back there! - Good call Russ!
Or
Cavailler 1.6L (my first Car) Just after the school disco with Karen ******* :twisted: :wink:
Spider1V
A friends Dad's Sierra XR4x4 in the snow...the main roads were blocked so we went the back way.....
Also my first car, a Volvo 345, only a 1.4 engine but rear wheel drive so still allowed for some sideways movement in the wet.
No great smells or sounds though...not from the cars anyway!
Ah the 450SLC the best 'boys toy' car I've ever had. I bought it 8 years ago for £6k and apart from routine servicing and a headlight never cost me a penny. Modern performance and brakes and a car I drive to the fabulous Sheene Falls Hotel, County Kerry, Ireland every year our anniversary and the car really is the star compared to the Astons and Porch's. the hotel porter's always parked it near to the entrance.
However, this car led to bad things, it convinced me of Mercedes reliability on 20yr old cars and directly led me to G's. I've had 2 and both were superb cars when going, however in the 3years of G ownership I spent £12K buying and £12k maintaining. Now I'm in a Toyota until the economy picks up and I can afford to get back into a G.
Hope you don't laugh to much, and are still willing to offer me a tow on Sunday when my gargantuan size and lack of front diff lock cause untold merriment!
I knew there was someone else on here with an SLC. Don't want a spare one for parts do you?
we used to have a 450 slc absolutely stonking car, used to wheelspin in reverse!
first memory is in my uncles 205 gti when i was little, best back lane journey ever then being told not to tell my mother!
on my own driving, despite all the drives of supercharged ranges, cayannes, g's even a 911 gt3 when i was younger, the best still has to be the route to llandrindod (think thats spelt right), i go an extra 50 miles just for the roads, sadly only ever done it in the 150bhp van but absolutely amazing memories from it
Tom
Erm
actually in a RWD
Its easier to spin in Reverse
Cf a FWD being more prone to spin going forward (than a RWD)
cheers
M
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I've already got my eye on a cabrio that is reliable and at least is related to the G... and it may just well push back G ownership...
Max, have you ever heard of these guys?
Mechatronik SL - Pagoda
A friend of mine has a pagoda that has undergone this conversion... a 280sl pagoda that now has an m113 lump in it... we're talking absolutely STUPID money but you know what? I think it was worth every penny. The car is the ultimate Q-car, sleeper-beast... so beautiful and elegant, with a nasty nasty demon living under the bonnet. Lots of work needs to be done all over to ensure that the car can handle having an m113, but it's "unreal cool". Of course, you might find tampering with such a classic unimagineable... but my friend did this to his second, rather beat up pagoda, leaving the better one cherry.
And can you guess which one is his fave to drive? :wink: His wife prefers it too! (Guess it's the extra "grumble" ahem :D )
That 1955 300SL on p.3 is surreally cool!!!