Need me a car. What am I missing? 

"RallyWrench" (rndlitebmw) 03/16/2016 at 20:15 • Filed to: bad ideas

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A cheap car, but an interesting car. A car that is probably a bad idea, but only has to commute 12 miles on level ground in often cool air, and doesn’t even always have to start because I can drive my truck in that case. See how I open up my options enable myself like that?

This hard to find ‘77 Lancia HPE should be a reliable daily driver. For $1900, what could possibly go wrong? It could easily break down while carrying carry parts to and fro, for my other Lancia project that will probably never be finished.

Searches include:

Volvo 544,122, 745T, 945T, 855T
Alfa Milano, GTV6 (unrealistic but why not) & 164
BMW E21, E3 Bavaria, E28, E36
Saab 900 Turbo/SPG, 9000 Turbo
Ford shoebox, Falcon, Fairlane, and Foxstang
VW Baja, Mk1 & Mk2 GTI, Squareback. Also Quantum Syncro and Vanagons. Don’t judge me.
Lancia anything
MBZ 190E 2.6 manual (they exist!)
Audi 4000Q, Coupe GT, UrS4 & UrS6 Avant
80's Toyota Celica/Supra
240SX (yeah right, like any good ones are left)
AE86 Corolla (see above)
MGB-GT
Jaguar XJ Series 3
Renault anything
Citroen anything
Peugeot anything
Lexus ES300 (admittedly not interesting, but damn it’s a nice car)
Porsche 924S & 944

What else could I look for that could reasonably be had for under $5,000 or so? Manual transmission preferred but not mandatory.

Berang > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 20:20

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Saab 99. Subaru Justy 4x4.

Steve in Manhattan > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 20:22

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I think at this point you have talked yourself into a Lancia ... had part ownership of a Beta Scorpion a long time ago, but I bailed (on that, and the relationship) ... you obviously need pain in your life. We want weekly updates!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 20:23

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Datsun 240Z/280zx, also later model Porsche 924S specifically an 88.

RallyWrench > Berang 03/16/2016 at 20:27

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Ooh, can’t believe I hadn’t thought of the 99! I guess I’ve had total SPG blinders on, I’ve wanted one forever.

gmctavish needs more space > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 20:28

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Manual E34 or E32, Harder to find, especially the E32, but you feel like the most important person on the road

RallyWrench > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/16/2016 at 20:28

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I had a 240Z once, a total beater but I loved it. Hard to find for under $5k any more, but worth looking. I have searched 924s & 44s occasionally, forgot to list those. I’ve worked on them for years, nothing I’m scared of there.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 20:29

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You’re a man after my own heart...

“Alfa Milano, GTV6 (unrealistic but why not) & 164Lancia anything
Renault anything
Citroen anything
Peugeot anything”

If you could find an older Peugeot, they are actually incredibly reliable!

Renault LeCars were seen as terrible in the US in their day, but they are really simple to work on, actually very reliable and if you ever could find one, it would be a reliable and fun, albeit quirky daily...(and practical!)

As some of us Oppos have shown, they can be fun companions as well, and you can grow pretty attached to them....take a read of Jonee’s article ....really makes me want to find one of my own! :)

RallyWrench > Steve in Manhattan 03/16/2016 at 20:32

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I’ve got to find something to drive soon, the 325iT is being sold once I detail it to pay for our minivan, and once my beater Outback is back together it’s gone too, so I figure I’ll have $5k or less to find something else with after other financial obligations are met. There will be updates... oh yes, there will be updates.

RallyWrench > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 03/16/2016 at 20:37

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Jonee’s Le Car review is gold, I re-read it not too long ago. If I could find a Le Car at all, it’d be worth considering! I don’t think I’ve even seen one come up. I haven’t had a French car or a running Italian car yet, and those are boxes that need to be checked.

Your boy, BJR > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 20:38

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IROC-Z. Those will never not be cool.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 20:44

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Subaru BRAT. I miss ours on a daily basis.

EmbraceTheRasp > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 20:46

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I know they might seem too ubiquitous, but you might include an e30 325is on your list. These are great little tossable cars. My last one cost 3K

Also an early rx7 would be fun (the interior will probably be trashed). I recently saw a turbo II (the generation before the supra-winged version) for a couple grand.

If you can find MK1 GTI, you’ll have an amazing time for not much cash. Early Sciroccos might be available. Also very fun.

Fox body mustangs are fun (I’ve been attached to about 4), but sloppy-handling by modern standards; and by modern I mean 1980+.

Or find a NA Miata and turn it into a lotus-fighter using plans from flyin miata.

If it’s “interesting but not fast” that you are looking for, you can sometimes pick up 60s era unimogs for under 5K. Or a patina-ed up comfo-cruiser like a mid 70s caddy or Chrysler New Yorker. Or a wood-paneled Grand Wagoneer. The latter is guaranteed not to run at least two days a week. But awesome anyway.

All that said, I always find myself looking for a late 80s e30 two door with a straight 6. Such a great canvas.

Hope you keep us informed on what you find!

RallyWrench > Your boy, BJR 03/16/2016 at 20:47

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Actually I have a client looking to sell a killer ‘90 Z28, but it’s worth a bit more than I can swing. Fun as hell though.

RallyWrench > EmbraceTheRasp 03/16/2016 at 20:49

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I’ve had an E30 and loved it, but it’s getting hard to find good 325i’s any more. e’s can be found all day, and they’re good too. I so wish I fit in NA Miatas, there’s a nice looking green one locally for $2400 that I’d have looked at already if I could drive them comfortably. We’ll see what I find, I’ll be sure to update here.

RallyWrench > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/16/2016 at 20:50

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That’d be fun, wonder if I’d fit in one well enough.

RallyWrench > gmctavish needs more space 03/16/2016 at 20:51

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Both good cars, and I’ve actually had a manual E32 in the shop!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 20:51

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I’m re-reading it now....great article! :)

Good luck with the search, hope you find something awesome! :D

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 20:53

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There was an orange 72 Z listed near me for just 4000 bucks. It actually looked really clean. re-upholstered seats, original paint in good condition, some ugly wire wheels. It’s gone now tho so I guess some one snatched it up. I’m currently lusting after this particular 924S.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/cto/548860…

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 20:54

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My 6'2" Dad fit in it fine, and I’m 6' and stocky. It’s been a few years, but I seem to remember it being roomier than my 4Runner up front.

Steve in Manhattan > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 21:10

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Why not keep an old Subaru? Or get another beater Subaru?

JR1 > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 21:19

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Triumph Spitfire?

gmctavish needs more space > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 21:22

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Nice! What engine?

EmbraceTheRasp > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 21:39

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You gave me a giggle when you daid it’s getting hard to find “good” 325is(es) since you posted a Lancia (of any vintage). :)
I’m looking forward to what you find. This is like Demuro for normal people.

LongbowMkII > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 22:07

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I like the lancia.

RallyWrench > EmbraceTheRasp 03/16/2016 at 23:10

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I admit there are some double standards at work here. Lancias, at least, don't get turned into half-assed drift projects or stancebro chariots like so many E30s! If a Fiat-era Lancia runs at all and doesn't have rust holes you can see through it's a good one, comparatively. :)

RallyWrench > gmctavish needs more space 03/16/2016 at 23:15

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The big six. Surprisingly quick, actually.

gmctavish needs more space > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 23:18

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The M30 with a stick always seems faster than it has any right to be. I love that combo, I’ll need another one soon....

Berang > RallyWrench 03/16/2016 at 23:25

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They’re pretty cheap if you can find them before somebody else does.

RallyWrench > Steve in Manhattan 03/17/2016 at 00:24

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I have thought about keeping it around, I'm doing the heads and clutch now. I just have a truck now to do the things I got the suby for so selling it has come to mind.

RallyWrench > JR1 03/17/2016 at 00:26

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A GT6, maybe. I'm generally not into convertibles.

RallyWrench > gmctavish needs more space 03/17/2016 at 00:28

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That's part of my urge for another E28 535, I love those engines.

RallyWrench > LongbowMkII 03/17/2016 at 00:29

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Me too! It scares me a little though.

gmctavish needs more space > RallyWrench 03/17/2016 at 00:34

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That's exactly what I want again, I really wish I didn't have to sell the 533 with a b35 my friend and I had a couple years ago

Steve in Manhattan > RallyWrench 03/17/2016 at 01:09

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Whatever vehicle is the most useful, that’s the one you should keep.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > RallyWrench 03/17/2016 at 02:28

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I would consider a LS over a ES.. You can never go wrong with a LS400(1997 and newer had 40 more hp too, can be found pretty cheap these days)

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > RallyWrench 03/17/2016 at 05:45

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What’s the budget?

How about a Spitfire? I’ve got two! Although neither of them drive, nor will be standard when they do.

Actually, if you’re in the States you should be able to pick up a GT6 quite cheaply. Fastback Spitfire with a 2.0l 6-cylinder, and the GT6+ version has a proper rear suspension setup!

Saying that, I really like the Lancia. If one comes up at the right price at the right time I’m definitely getting one. Parts should be alright engine-wise as it's all the same bits as the Fiat Spider...

RallyWrench > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 03/17/2016 at 10:41

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Not a bad point.

RallyWrench > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 03/17/2016 at 11:44

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No more than $5k, preferably less.

Jarod Rose suggested a Spitfire last night as well. I’m not too into convertibles, but told him I’d do a GT6. I like them for the same reasons as the MGB-GT, but the GT6 has the better engine. I have a customer with one, fun car.

I do really like the Lancia as well, I’ve always had an unjustifiable want for the HPE, and they’re so hard to find. This one sounds halfway decent, and is only a few hours away.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > RallyWrench 03/17/2016 at 11:48

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Definitely get the GT6. Oppo Triumph club represent!

Actually, sod it. Get the Lancia. It'd be interesting, fun, unique and would make a great story. Good little handlers as well. Could even go down the route of turbocharging it a-la Delta Integrale. Always wanted to do that with a Beta...

RallyWrench > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 03/17/2016 at 11:55

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That could be fun. I wonder if I could use a Delta transaxle, I’m not sure what the Beta unit is good for. Part of my HPE interest is due to the Flavia in the garage, so I think it’d be cool to have a “beater” Lancia, especially for the WTF value.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > RallyWrench 03/17/2016 at 12:01

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I don’t know either actually. Ideally I’d swap the whole Delta AWD system under a Beta with a beefy turbo added for good measure.

You have a Flavia too! I'm very jealous :) the Beta as a shooting-brake parts hauler would be epic. I say get it...

RallyWrench > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 03/17/2016 at 12:09

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Think I’ll call on it. I can’t imagine there’s much interest. Here’s the ad:

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/5451582456…

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > RallyWrench 03/17/2016 at 12:13

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That looks great! Not nearly the rust-bucket I was expecting. Provided it checks out for running and driving it's pretty much good to go! I'd expect some niggling little things, but for that price for a running driving car as cool as that I'd be happy :)

RallyWrench > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 03/17/2016 at 12:40

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That’s my thinking. It’s already smogged, so it’s likely a good runner. Anything from the 70's is a pain to get past emissions testing here in CA so that bodes well. Just sent an email.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > RallyWrench 03/17/2016 at 13:05

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Sweet :) let me know what happens

Spridget > RallyWrench 03/17/2016 at 18:57

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Any big Citroen under $5k will be a hellish existence. However, the little 2cv based ones should be a joy, but are hard to find.

I’ve heard people suggesting Spitfires or GT6's, and while it may be my bias, I think MGs are better. The Spitfire 1500 engines are bogged in smog and not particularly durable. The A (Midget) and B (MGB) series engines are essentially 1940's engines in 1960's cars, so there very simple, and they made them for long enough that parts are very plentiful. The MGB GT also has a monocoque chassis set up, whereas the GT6 is body on frame. B’s are also vastly more common, so you can buy a better MGB for the money than GT6.

RallyWrench > Spridget 03/17/2016 at 19:05

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Like this one? ;) I prefer B’s as well, that orange B-GT is still sitting around the corner, but I haven’t moved on it because I’ve had no time between back problems and kids to do anything with a non-runner. Maybe the price has dropped...

CaptDale - is secretly British > RallyWrench 03/17/2016 at 19:48

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I know where you can get: Project, German, and V8. ;)

Jobjoris > RallyWrench 03/19/2016 at 02:33

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Just this Beta HPE. My first car was a 2000 i.e. HPE. Champagne gold. Too young to keep it running though back then...

Spridget > RallyWrench 03/25/2016 at 17:56

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Hmmm . . . . That one looks like it might have been done right. If the hydraulics and the motor have really been gone through, then that might not be that bad of a deal.