Unthinkable DeLorean alternative?

[jerzybondov]

Was perusing a classic car magazine today on the Eurostar, as you do, and it featured a
car I've quite fancied for a while. And then I started thinking about it - why on earth have I got a DeLorean instead?

This car is a similar era sports car (although hit market a few years sooner than the D). It's
much faster (220bhp and weighs the same). It's mid engined, not rear engined. It handles way better. It's more practical AND got 2 extra seats. It's probably more reliable too. And here's the real stinger - it's CHEAPER. To buy, anyway.

So I'm going to flog the D and rock up at Eurotec in this instead. But what is it?

[RobvdVeer]

Renault Alpine?

[RobvdVeer]

Crap thats not a 4-seater.

[jerzybondov]

The GTA's are 2+2, you're right Rob. And yes, they're also better in just about every qualitative measure than the D (performance, handling, practicality, economy), but they're also rear engined and no, it wasn't one of those I was thinking of...

Actually, one qualitative measure in which the GTAs are worse than the D is restorability. Unless I'm much mistaken, a rusty chassis on a GTA is a bit of a death knell as you can't do frame offs like you can on the D. I'm sure Martin could elaborate on this.

Anyway, the car I'm talking about has a long and prestigious heritage (unlike the D), and was in production from 1973-80. And I've also just discovered my facts were wrong - it has 250bhp not 220bhp.

Winner gets a ride in it next Eurotec

[RobvdVeer]

That rules out the Maserati QuattroPorte II, since that has only 210 Bhp according to Wikipedia.

[jerzybondov]

Well I'm glad you're playing along Rob, no-one else can be arsed

You're in the right country though...

[DeLorean Cars]

Fezza of some sort. Prolly a Mondial. Early ones are K-Jet too

Yes GTAs are a bugger to work on, parts are either daft cheap or daft expensive, or not available, and rust is terminal unless you're really comitted.

They don't half drive well though.

[arranj]

Well I'm glad you're playing along Rob, no-one else can be arsed

You're in the right country though...

Lamborghini Urraco then! Nice and reliable - not!

[Peter Filsell]

Wasn't that black ferrari at the car auction which you bust the door of Gez was it?

Was it a Mondial? 1979 was that one I believe.

[arranj]

only Joking. I knew the answer all along, but wanted to give everyone else a chance Gez!