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Classic Car Mart Spring 2016 85
Looking for a sporting classic that’s made all the better via the
novelty of pop-up headlamps? Of course you are!
Paul Guinness takes a look at some of today’s top choices
MAZDA MX-5 MkI
We make no apologies for returning to the subject of the fi rst-generation
MX-5 once again. Let’s face it, this is one of the cutest, best-value and
potentially most reliable classic sportsters with pop-up lamps you’re ever
likely to come across. No wonder it’s one of today’s most popular modern-
classic choices; it also just happens to be one of the most entertaining.
With fantastic styling, nippy performance (even in basic 1.6-litre guise),
genuinely fun handling and the kind of robustness that sports car owners
of old could only dream of, it’s little wonder the fi rst-generation MX-5 was
such a massive hit worldwide. It’s just about as perfect as a budget-priced
‘proper’ sports car can get.
The MX-5 is also relatively basic by modern standards, which is good
news for any classic sports car enthusiast looking for a fairly easy life. But
that doesn’t mean it’s problem-free, as even the youngest examples are
now eighteen years old. There’s no shortage of neglected MX-5s with rust
around their fl oorpan, boot fl oor, sills and other prone areas, so a thorough
inspection is essential.
If you think a Japanese sports car will feel characterless next to an
older British classic, think again: the MX-5 is different. It’s modern in
its capabilities, yet still full of charisma and fun appeal when driven
enthusiastically on the right kind of winding B-road. It’s pretty much
unbeatable value for money, too; with prices ranging from just a few
hundred pounds to as much as £5000, there’s an MX-5 to suit all budgets.
PORSCHE 944
Despite being developed from the fairly humble (by Porsche standards)
924, the 944 managed to look dramatically different thanks to its bulging
wheelarches and its more aggressive stance. This was to refl ect the
extra power of the 1982 newcomer, provided via Porsche’s new (150bhp)
2.5-litre engine. By 1987 this was boosted to a rather exciting 190bhp,
endowing the 944 with highly competitive performance.
The 944’s Porsche-built powerplant answered much of the criticism that
had previously been levelled at the VW-engined 924, offering an arguably
more thoroughbred pedigree and some impressive extra ‘oomph’. Top
speed provided by this 16-valve four-cylinder lump was 142mph, with the
all-important 0-60mph dash in just 7.7 seconds.
If that wasn’t enough, you could even opt for a 944 Turbo, underlining
Porsche’s commitment to turbocharging which had fi rst reared its head through
the awesome 911 Turbo of the 1970s. The 944 Turbo boasted 220bhp, which
equated to 152mph fl at-out and 0-60mph in a whiplash-inducing 6.2 seconds.
Engines were boosted to 2.7- and 3.0-litre four-pots as the years went on, with
the inevitable increase in power and performance along the way; in the end,
even a normally-aspirated 944 was pumping out 211bhp.
The 944 suffered at the hands of ‘boy racer’ owners in later years, but
is now more appreciated as a classic Porsche, with original examples
showing increases in value. Avoid the sub-£2000 cars unless you’re looking
for a project; instead pay from £3000-5000 for a well preserved 944
coupe, or up to £10,000 for a low-mileage Turbo.
1997 MAZDA MX-5 1.8, £1295: Plenty of original-shape MX-5s in the
UK were brought here as ‘grey’ imports, and this one’s no exception. It’s
a 1.8-litre automatic that’s covered 67,000 miles and was imported in
2009; the following year it was listed as a Category C write-off but was
professionally repaired. There are inevitably better MX-5s out there, but
at £1295 this one is an interesting proposition at the bottom end of the
market. It comes with 14-inch alloys and a tan leather interior. For more
details, call PH Sports Cars on 01332 799298.
ONE TO BUY ONE TO BUY
1991 PORSCHE 944 3.0 S2, £8990: Described by the selling dealer
as a ‘time warp car’, this left-hand drive 944 S2 (featuring the 211bhp
3.0-litre powerplant) is a recent import from Japan. Its condition looks to
be superb throughout, with impressive detailing and a spec that includes
Porsche’s full electric pack, air conditioning and the original (unused)
tool kit. The price includes UK registration if required, as the vendor is
a specialist in classic Japanese imports. For more details call 01423
358686 or go online to http://www.specialistcars.net.