I've had a Mazda MX5 (1998, Jap import, 1.6l automatic) and a Toyota MR2 (2000, pre-facelift, but with the body-coloured FL side vents) for just over two years now and, although they have ended up costing me twice as much as budgeted, I love them to bits.
If money and parking space were no object, which happily they are, here are cars 3 to 10 on my dream crap-but-lovable car list:
3. MG MGF, facelift version 2000-02, a VVC if you twist my arm, but not one with the silly spoiler.
4. Honda Prelude Mk 1 ca 1982. An automatic one comes up for sale every few months but all the 5-speed manuals appear to have rusted away. Failing that, I'd take a Honda Prelude Mk 3 (1987-91).
5. A Fiat/Bertone X1/9, preferably a Gran Finale ca 1988 and definitely a 1.5l. I sat in one once, it's far too small inside and not a pleasant place to be, but they are even far more beautiful in real life than in pictures. Preferably without the silly spoiler.
6. A late model TR7 convertible, or one of the handful of the TR8 convertibles still on the road.
7. An MG TF, not fussed about which year or model, but maybe a 160, just for the LOLZ.
8. For ironic reasons, a 1990s Lotus Elan M100 front-wheel drive, or even better the Kia-made version.
9. A VW-Porsche 914 (car that looks the same going forwards as it does reversing - heroically ugly), or a 916 because they are rare as hen's teeth.
10. Going with the ironic front-wheel drive theme, a Fiat Barchetta (basically an MX5 copy), to cap it all, available in left-hand drive only.
Anything I've missed? And which should I remove from the list?
Debate Magazine
