Suggestions for a Convertible?

[Big Al]

I've always fancied the idea of owning an oldish style convertible for running at the weekends. I'm probably not in a position to buy one yet, but maybe in a couple of years time. I was just wondering, what type of cars would you recommend? I'd be looking for a right-hand drive, pre VRT (maybe?), reliable and not too expensive to buy/run. Performance is not a requirement. Also parts would have to be quite common and inexpensive. Does such a convertible exist? I kind of like the original style VW Beetle with an open top (IMO, it looks great in electric blue). The parts should be relatively cheap and easy to find. What type of prices do they go for, and can they be bought pre 1970 to avoid the VRT?

All suggestions and information very welcome.

Thanks.

[PaulKanters]

Welcome to the forum Big Al!
Spring is in the air, and people are beginning to take an interest in convertibles! Good, but I always recommend people to buy convertibles in the winter time!! You can bargain a much better deal. In the summer everybody wants one, and prices are inflated.

There are plenty of pre-70 convertibles to choose from, but to find one for very little money will be tricky enough. However, you've already mentioned my number one choice for reliability, ease of maintenance and practicality: the good ole VW Beetle Convertible. For a good one you will have to fork out close to 5,000 though, but there are cheaper cars around that are a bit scruffy around the edges. Stay away from the convertible conversions, as they look absolutely horrible and the resale value is very little. Other VW options are a VW Karmann Ghia Convertible, but they are 1 or 2k more expensive.

The good old Morris Minor Convertible is an option too, but again an orginal convertible can set you back a few thousand. Practical, simple to maintain and cheap to run. Because of the popularity prices are inflated.

The other make that people usually come up with is the MG B Convertible, but prices are fairly high for those cars, and you will need at least 6-9k for a good one.

If you insist on a British motor, think about cars like a Hillman Minx convertible or a Sunbeam Alpine. They are usually cheaper than an MG, but can provide just as much fun.

If you want a nice classic convertible with some italian flair and a great sounding engine, then the Alfa 1750 spider (boattail/The Graduate) is for you. However, these cars will set you back at least 8,000 for a good one. You will find cheaper post-70ies 2000 kammtail Spiders though.

If you want to go really unusual practicality you could consider the Renault Floride/Caravelle, which was a lovely little convertible based on the Renault Dauphine. RHD will be out of the question though.

If you want practicality and are not too tied to the pre-70 restriction, I would recommend considering a Peugeot 504 Convertible or a Fiat 124 Spider. These two cars are very pretty cars, and offer the versatility and practicality of the run off the mill Pug 504 and Fiat 124.
Cheaper alternatives would be the Peugeot 204 convertible of 304 convertible. These are remarkebly forgotten little practical runabouts, and can be picked up reasonably cheap. Finding a good one, will be difficult though. Certainly if you insist on RHD.

Right, these should give you something to think about. If you want more information on any of these, or if other readers have any other suggestions, that I have overlooked, let's hear it!

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Paul Kanters
Nothing beats Classic Motoring!
welcome.to/classiccarsireland (http://welcome.to/classiccarsireland)
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[This message has been edited by PaulKanters (edited 26 April 2000).]

[Tony]

Isn't there two places in Dublin who specialise in old VW Beetles? One is called 'The Old Volks Home' (that's a catchy name), and the other is something like 'Emilio's Beeltes'. I think they both buy in old decrepit beetles and masterfully restore them. I did visit one of these establishments a few years ago, the Volks Home I think, and got a quick tour of their workshop (a back-street garage mind you). I have to say though, I was very impressed by their work. And I wasn't greeted my a mindless salesman looking for another easy sale. Everything was explained in detail to me; they must have taken a good half an hour out for me, and all I was doing was browsing! I wonder how much a convertible would go for? It's an interesting alternative for the weekend that would be easy to run all right, and it would certainly get onlookers craning their necks for a second look. It's one convertible that certainly stands out from the rest.

[Phil]

Am I dreaming or did I hear right, that if you are male you pay through the nose to get insurance for a convertible.

Is this true? Does anyone out there know ?

[PaulKanters]

Tony, a Volkswagen Beetle convertible is indeed a seriously practical and great car. They hold a special place for me... :)
You're right about the two crowds in Dublin, although I mostly deal with Emilio from Emilio's Beetles. He still has the 69 Beetle, which was the first car I ever imported from the Netherlands to Ireland in the early nineties.
There are couple of other VW specialists around the rest of the country, as there's also one in Wicklow, Derek Sheane, who has been restoring a 1302LS I picked up a few months ago.

Phil, regarding your outcry for injustice on the insurance front, I am not too sure that Convertibles as such are loaded for Males. I thinks it is a combination of all factors, primarily AGE in combination with gender. If you are over 25 or 30 years old, you should have no problems organising a Classic Car scheme for a convertible if it is older than 25 years. Have you had a bad experience with trying to get a quote for a Convertible?

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Paul Kanters
Nothing beats Classic Motoring!
welcome.to/classiccarsireland (http://welcome.to/classiccarsireland)
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[WhipLash]

Well we certainly have ther weather right here right now for using a convertible :) . But how long can it last?

[Joker]

When I was growing up around Clane in Co. Kildare, there was a guy who had a lovely TR6 in white and of course convertible, PaulK, what would you expect to pay for these at this time?

[PaulKanters]

They are lovely cars indeed, and very powerfull too! As it happens I have a TR6 on the books, which will be on display on the MotorShow on the 25th of june (if not sold previously). It's the desired 150bhp 2,5 litre fuel injected model with overdrive! Engine has been rebuilt only 4,000 miles ago. Used little over the last 15years but meticulously kept on the ball. She's on Irish plates, with full history. It's not a concours car but still in excellent condition. We are looking at around 9k at the moment.
You can pick up cheap TR6's for around 6-7k, but you're asking for trouble then. Absolute minters can fetch up to 12-13k Sterling!!!

TR6's are convertibles that not just put the wind in your hair but can rip your pants off too!!! ;)

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Paul Kanters
Nothing beats Classic Motoring!
welcome.to/classiccarsireland (http://welcome.to/classiccarsireland)
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[jdunphy]

how about a nice 62 Buick Special for 1800 bux , not sure whats that in your funny money

[larsen_huw]

If performance isn't really an issue, how about something like an MG midget.

They have quite small engines (largest being 1500cc if i remember correctly), but seem like fun cars to drive.

Only problem might be your username ..... if Big Al "does exactly what it says on the tin" then an MG midget might be a little difficult to fit in! :)