I like the 6 series, always seemed cool to me. Straight 6 and good handling, beemer parts may be cheaper than Porsche or Mercedes parts, but not by enough. Lightening is cool but 260hp? Not really classic enough and I have that much in the ranger, and with 4wd and stick shift so I can use it to fetch and tow the classics. TR6 seems the only real classic to me here. I think with the 6 they were better cars and more durable than both the ones that came before and after. Not a bad choice. Like my dad's S2000 tho, surprising tight inside. Nice to have enough room for my elbows if needed. I prefer Italian. Two obvious candidates are the Fiat 124. The sedan is very versatile, has a classic look, and a nicely restored example can be found in this price range. Parts are cheap and plentiful. Lada parts can sub for body panels and spider bits in running gear. It has plenty of room to work around the OHV in the engine bay. Rear wheel drive and wishbones up front for that nice handling you're used to. Decent enough power and mileage to get by in modern traffic and be really fun on the backroads. Lots of room inside for people, things and all your activities with still some nice wood on the dash and classic switchgear. Perfect combination. If a tintop doesn't fit your classic definition and you need a convertible sports car, the obvious choice is the Fiat 124 Spider. Careful shopping should still net you a very nice #3 car. It has all the benefits of the sedan except rear doors, tin top, larger trunk and more usable back seat. It sacrifices some of the generous engine bay room but adds the revvy twin cam head on the robust 4cyl. block. Also a wealth of carbs or FI, sizes from 1.4 to 2L and performance parts that can improve that along with a 5th gear to take advantage on the highway. Suspension is similar but a little sportier, as are the front seats, sexy exterior and the quickest, easiest to use convertible top that I know of. With its 4 wheel disc brakes and all syncromesh trans, its the closest to having a modern car with classic shape and character. A perfect choice. Almost enough to make me wish they were worse so they would stop following me home.
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