So close!

[Spacewagon52]

I was just thinking back a few years about my car experience. Do you remember when you were young and just passed your test, what (obtainable) cars did you covet? I don’t mean Ferraris etc. but cars you might have been able to afford. I think many of us were influenced by our father’s preference. My father was a Ford man ……. until he drove for Toyota!

 

Are there any cars that you might have considered buying but now look back and cringe?

 

This thread is not about cars you actually purchased ……… but those that you considered, when you were younger and less experienced, if you had the money.

I read many new car reports in the 1970’s and was often swayed by their glowing testaments:-

Talbot Horizon – European Car of the Year 1979 – hired one in Jersey – crap!

Lancia Beta – friend bought one ………. More rust than metal in the end AND it had been Ziebarted!

Talbot Alpine – I liked the idea of the hatchback.

Alfasud – they were just rust buckets and very unreliable.

Mk III Cortina 1600 GXL – still covet one. A chap has a 2000E near me.

Capri 3 litre – wanted one to put 1.3 badges on! Traffic light stealth car!

Austin Metro – for the wife – thank God I did not buy one!

Hillman Imp – thought they might be economical.

Morris Marina – wanted to swap my MKII Cortina – thank goodness I didn’t!

What motoring disasters have you been saved from?

[Fatts]

My dad's first car was a Hillman bought in 1969 followed by a Toyota Corona in 1972 and thereafter a Toyota Crown in 1976

But I wouldn't say I was influenced by his choices as my first car was a beetle followed by a 1983 Honda Prelude . 

Have had many several makes since Like talking Montengo, Ford Granada (which I loved to bits and kept till it died ) and two Mercs the trusted W210 E class which I still drive.

[The-Acre]

My dad's first and only car was the bus! For me it's always the Chevy Corvette, 69ish and always will be.  I did once own a Chevrolet Chevelle (also a 69) but it's nowhere near a Corvette.

[mikeyv]

On 10/05/2017 at 10:26 PM, Spacewagon52 said:

I was just thinking back a few years about my car experience. Do you remember when you were young and just passed your test, what (obtainable) cars did you covet? I don’t mean Ferraris etc. but cars you might have been able to afford. I think many of us were influenced by our father’s preference. My father was a Ford man ……. until he drove for Toyota!

 

Are there any cars that you might have considered buying but now look back and cringe?

 

This thread is not about cars you actually purchased ……… but those that you considered, when you were younger and less experienced, if you had the money.

I read many new car reports in the 1970’s and was often swayed by their glowing testaments:-

Talbot Horizon – European Car of the Year 1979 – hired one in Jersey – crap!

Lancia Beta – friend bought one ………. More rust than metal in the end AND it had been Ziebarted!

Talbot Alpine – I liked the idea of the hatchback.

Alfasud – they were just rust buckets and very unreliable.

Mk III Cortina 1600 GXL – still covet one. A chap has a 2000E near me.

Capri 3 litre – wanted one to put 1.3 badges on! Traffic light stealth car!

Austin Metro – for the wife – thank God I did not buy one!

Hillman Imp – thought they might be economical.

Morris Marina – wanted to swap my MKII Cortina – thank goodness I didn’t!

What motoring disasters have you been saved from?

Driven every car on your list, owned marinas (not the worst of cars), cortinas(2.0 pretty nippy), and a 3 litre 1973 Capri GXL, one of my all time favourites and good for 130 mph (I know this, as that was what the nice policeman clocked me at on the M4, at 3 in the morning, then let me off with a gentle rebuke and a smile, how times have changed eh?

Edited to add, I bought a new Escort in 1970, but actually considered a Moskovitch, based on some good reviews in the car mags of the time, lucky escape or what?

Edited May 11, 2017 by mikeyv

[The-Acre]

11 hours ago, The-Acre said:

My dad's first and only car was the bus! For me it's always the Chevy Corvette, 69ish and always will be.  I did once own a Chevrolet Chevelle (also a 69) but it's nowhere near a Corvette.

.......and now I've re read your post. My luckiest escape was a MK10 Jag when I was only 22. An old banger being knocked out by a back street dealer.  Considering my petty wages at the time, and how very tempted I was, a lucky escape from a motoring ball and chain!  I would love to say I was also saved from buying an NSU, but sadly I have to cringe at the thought of owning it!

[steveledzep]

6 minutes ago, The-Acre said:

 I would love to say I was also saved from buying an NSU, but sadly I have to cringe at the thought of owning it!

****el ? 

[Spacewagon52]

7 minutes ago, The-Acre said:

  I would love to say I was also saved from buying an NSU, but sadly I have to cringe at the thought of owning it!

I had an NSU Prinz to learn to drive - gearbox was like stiring porridge!

[steveledzep]

IIRC the NSU Ro80 was held in high regard upon its release.  Unfortunately it was let down by its innovative rotary engine.  Think they all got replaced with Ford V4s.

 

Around 1980 I worked for a BL dealership, so I've driven some horrors.....Ital, Allegro, Princess etc.

[The-Acre]

58 minutes ago, Spacewagon52 said:

I had an NSU Prinz to learn to drive - gearbox was like stiring porridge!

Actually I seem to recall the whole driving experience was porridge like.  It was already well past its sell by date when I foolishly bought it.  I was stopped by another driver on one occasion who pointed out the oil dripping from the engine!