Want is Strong

"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale) 03/14/2017 at 12:55 • Filed to: donkervoort, s8at, import

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*repost morning crew*

I have wanted a Donkervoort for a while now. Even more so since they made the D8 GTO because I want my !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . But we don’t get those in the US because we aren’t free the government thinks cars not made to their arbitrary safety specifications are going to immediately kill you. Now on that note we do have a 25 year import rule allowing old cars in because they are safer time. Anywhos it what’s it now, being 25 also means MY 1991 are allowed in and that means this lovely pre owned 1991 Donkervoort S8AT is avaliable for import. Powered by a decent turbocharged 2.0L Ford I4 it makes 170bhp and 170 ft-lbs, 0-60 4.8 sec, and a 137 mph top speed. Those are pretty good specs for a car from then.

Donkervoort started making cars in 1978 in the Netherlands. To me they mix the Lotus 7 handling, Morgan style interior, and a dash of hardcore. As you know in Joop Donkervoort’s motto, ““No Compromise” – means driving without any electronic aids such as ABS, Electronic stability program, or power steering.” So a very visceral driving experience. I very much want one of these. I very much would like to purchase this lovely little car and buzz around Europe for a few months seeing the sights, meeting and seeing friends I have made over there, and just overall enjoy the car in its intended habitat before shipping it home.

Now for the vehicle:

Donkervoort S8AT 1991

I would sell every possession (minus my computer, phone, and DSLR) to be able to make this trip and buy and ship this vehicle. Would you do such a thing?

PS: Donkervoort Video

djmt1 > CaptDale - is secretly British 03/13/2017 at 17:34

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and a Caterham won’t do because?

benjrblant > djmt1 03/13/2017 at 17:38

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Not as fun to say as Donkervoort.

djmt1 > benjrblant 03/13/2017 at 17:38

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To say maybe but otherwise you are 100% wrong on that.

benjrblant > djmt1 03/13/2017 at 17:39

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)=

CaptDale - is secretly British > djmt1 03/13/2017 at 17:40

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Because not as interesting... I like having cars not everyone has. Plus you can’t tell me saying Donkervoort isn’t more fun than Caterham. Plus the new D8-RS has a Audi 2,5L R5 TFSI - 380 BHP engine. Or the D8-S with 360 BHP.

djmt1 > benjrblant 03/13/2017 at 17:40

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¯\_()_/¯

djmt1 > CaptDale - is secretly British 03/13/2017 at 17:46

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Well I can’t because I literally just said that to someone else but two things. I doubt the Seven is exactly common stateside and ha.

620 BHP per tonne mocks those heavy Audi lumps with great pleasure.

CaptDale - is secretly British > djmt1 03/13/2017 at 18:03

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True, I wouldn’t dislike have a Caterham, especially that model.

But if we are comparing them at the same time period

1991 Caterham Super Seven HPC (top of the line)

2.0l GM engine, 173 hp, 150 ft-lb, 0-60 4.6, 130 mph top speed.

So pretty damn comparable cars. I still want the Donkervoort though.

1994 HPC for reference

Something about the Donkervoort makes me like it just enough more

djmt1 > CaptDale - is secretly British 03/13/2017 at 18:07

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Oh yeah I forgot my main point in all this. You can buy a new Caterham now in LHD in America and in American spec (it’s wider, guess why).

CaptDale - is secretly British > djmt1 03/13/2017 at 18:10

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Because American’s are wider?

I mean... this would be easier.... But I want Donkervoort and European tour damn it!

djmt1 > CaptDale - is secretly British 03/13/2017 at 18:14

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Fair enough.

AuthiCooper1300 > djmt1 03/13/2017 at 18:33

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If I remember correctly Donkervoorts were also slightly wider inside than contemporary Sevens, almost from the beginning.

Maybe not the very first ones though?

Party-vi > CaptDale - is secretly British 03/14/2017 at 13:01

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Blame Mercedes-Benz for those safety regulations and 25 year import ban. Those fuckers got legislation passed to prevent grey market import of their better cars to the US. Fuck MB.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Party-vi 03/14/2017 at 13:02

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I agree. They can go suck eggs

vondon302 > CaptDale - is secretly British 03/14/2017 at 13:19

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I’d love to say yes but damn that Donkervoort sure did hold its value.

CaptDale - is secretly British > vondon302 03/14/2017 at 13:37

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You say that like it is a bad thing.

duurtlang > CaptDale - is secretly British 03/14/2017 at 13:39

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Do you want someone in the Netherlands to test drive it for you? I’ll selflessly offer to drive it!

vondon302 > CaptDale - is secretly British 03/14/2017 at 13:39

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To buy it yes to own it no. Super 7 or Caterham is high up on my wish list tho.

CaptDale - is secretly British > vondon302 03/14/2017 at 13:40

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Right, I see what you mean. I would definatley be buying to keep it if I could.

CaptDale - is secretly British > duurtlang 03/14/2017 at 13:41

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I mean if you could, I would love you forever.

vondon302 > CaptDale - is secretly British 03/14/2017 at 13:54

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It’s attainable at least. Good luck!

duurtlang > CaptDale - is secretly British 03/14/2017 at 13:57

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There are multiple Dutch oppositelock members (myself included) and I guess we’d all like to drive that car. It’s not exactly a rusty 1999 Corolla.

I assume you’re daydreaming (which I do all the time) but if you would actually consider a car like that don’t be afraid to ask for help. If I can’t help you someone else surely can. €28.x including tax is new mid size car money in the US, a lot but not a fortune. You might even be able to get the tax (21%!) back, although I’m not entirely sure. Export would be easy and a fraction of that purchase price, you could even drive it across Europe for a few weeks before shipping it.

CaptDale - is secretly British > vondon302 03/14/2017 at 14:03

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Well thanks, I don’t have the roughly $30k (usd) to buy it plus then traveling around Europe and shipping it back... So unless I win the lottery of inherit $60k....

CaptDale - is secretly British > duurtlang 03/14/2017 at 14:16

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I am day dreaming right now unfortunately. If I was serious, then I would totally ask for help. If that extra $30k (usd) and and extra $3k for shipping (high end) and then maybe $5k (?) for traveling around Europe (so $40k if you don’t include taxes) then I would do it in a heartbeat.

My bird IS the word > CaptDale - is secretly British 03/14/2017 at 16:36

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Curious, why not caterham? And doesn’t donkervoort sell cars as kits?

CaptDale - is secretly British > My bird IS the word 03/14/2017 at 18:08

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I like Caterhams, but I have always had a soft spot for this strange little company from the Netherlands and I would prefer to have one of their takes on the Lotus Super 7.

pip bip - choose Corrour > CaptDale - is secretly British 03/15/2017 at 06:17

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i’d buy it.

CaptDale - is secretly British > pip bip - choose Corrour 03/15/2017 at 11:00

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Right?! I want to