On account of extensive work in eastern Europe over next 12 months, I am seeking to buy an interesting set of wheels in LHD.

Needn't be too flash looking (actually, better not to be) but should have:
- some grunt;
- some room (ie, not sports car);
- some character;
- sound mechanicals with history.

Looking to pay in region GBP4-7,000.

Contact: fxq@quinconsult.com or ph. 01395 567355 (home/office) or 07713 063259 (mob).

 

Not offering to sell one (sorry!), but it might be worth you keeping your eyes peeled for a Mk2 Golf GTI G60. It offers strong performance from its 160hp supercharged 1800cc engine, can be taken up to a reliable 190hp for about £400 investment, and looks just like any other Golf GTI.

Being VWs they're very well built, and I've seen good examples go for around £4-5000 in Germany. I very nearly bought one myself, but was put off by LHD on UK roads.

I know of a good source of them in the UK (still LHD), but the price may be closer to £6500.

... or how about an E30 BMW M3?!?

Andrew

 

Andrew,

Thanks for the tip. Have never had a VeeDub before although we put our son into a mint Mk2 GTI 16v just before we left NZ - to make up for his home leaving him! I have seen the odd advt for the G60 but hadn't realised what it meant, ie supercharged. Maybe will investigate. I have also thought about going to the continent myself to find something but is a hassle timewise.

Right now, I've got a specialist lhd dealer in the southwest looking out for a late model Alfa 164 3.0 for me - ideally the Q4. Beneath this apparent Sub surface lurks a longtime Alfisti.

Can't interest you in my MY99 4dr in 555 Blue can I???

Frank Quin

 

Thanks for the offer Frank, but having just invested in a MY97 Turbo, I don't have the cash Would be an interesting car to own though!

I remember reading about the Alfa Q4 a while back. Thought it'd be like a plain clothes Integrale, but the magazine journos seemed a bit disappointed by it. There were also some questions over the longevity and effectiveness of the 4wd system ... might have been to do with dodgy viscous couplings?

If you're looking for 4wd, VW made 500-ish Golf GTI G60 Syncros. (Can you tell I used to be a VW nut!?!)

Good luck with whatever you buy.

Andy

 

Small world Frank. Unfortunately I have a LHD Impreza Turbo and a RHD Alfa 164QV. I do however like your style.

How about a Lancia Thema 8.32? Close cousin to the 164, but with a Ferrari V8 engine. Always fancied one myself but never quite brave enough to take the plunge (visions of "back order to Italy"). You should be able to have a fair choice of cars within your price range if you can spare a few days in France/Benelux. It might be a bit more restrictive using a broker though.

Good Luck

 

Tony,

I agree, we have an excellent name (even if you carry surplus "n" ) and taste in cars.

I think I really do need to shoot over to the continent and look for myself. I'm sure there would be a lot of interesting choice.
I'm just not really sure where to head for. Any thoughts in that regard? Coming out of tunnel (of course I'd have to take the Sub on this excursion, even if it means ending up with 2 cars to get home!), which way should I go, within, say, a day's return drive to Calais?

Forgive my ignorance, never driven into France from UK before (though I've clocked up mucho ks in France, Switzerland, Italy, Bulgaria, Ukraine over the last few years).

Any ideas wld be appreciated.

Cheers,

Frank Quin