Guest Posted June 18, 2000 Share Posted June 18, 2000 I wanted to know if anyone out there has a two seater that have either owned or had a real passion for but never bought one. Before purchasing a Reatta I had my eye on several different 2 seater sports cars. The Pontiac Fiero (Too risky, horrible reliability record) The Toyata MR2 (Mid engine scared me to death as far as maintenance, and trunk space was non existent) the Mazda Miata (Convertible rattled the fillings in my teeth loose!) The Mazda RX7 (Early nineties had a rough ride, mid to late nineties cost between 30 & 40 grand!) The Nissan 300ZX (Turbo charged version was damn appealing, but winter driving would be damn difficult) I have had my eye on a 82' Corvette Collectors Edition which a local jewelry store owner is getting rid of. I don't know much about Vette's especially the late 70's thru early 80's (Which I have the most interest in) Can't wait to hear your reply's!<P>------------------<BR> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dukeofo Posted June 18, 2000 Share Posted June 18, 2000 93 Allante with Northstar engine..... second best to the Reatta,.... very very close second...<P>Fantastic car, unfortuantely so if their price.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 19, 2000 Share Posted June 19, 2000 Cobra kit car, engine to be determined later. (3.8 buick turbo maybe?). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 19, 2000 Share Posted June 19, 2000 I owned Datsun 1600 Roadster (2 seater convertible) that was a lot of fun. They basically copied a British sports car, down to the shift pattern and turn signal switch (which they didn't bother swapping when they turned it into a left-hand driver). The owner's manual was a hoot too. It read like a movie with bad subtitles. But the car was really a lot of fun to drive.<P>My favorite of the current two-seaters with approximately normal prices is the Honda S2000. What an amazing sports car. If I could afford it, I'd buy one. The dealers jack up the prices so much, however, that my only hope is if it catches on enough to escape their evil gouging!<P>I like the new BMV Z-8 (I think it's called), but at $128K+, it's too much for any of us normal people to own).<P>I'm sorry to be a dissenting voice, but I don't really like the Allante all that much. Don't know anything about it mechanically, but I just don't think it looks all that great. The Reatta had far better styling.<P>I'm waiting to see what the new T-Bird ends up being. I hear rumors that it will be $50K give or take. That'd be a shame.<P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 19, 2000 Share Posted June 19, 2000 57 T-BIRDS AND 2000 T_BIRDS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rong Posted June 19, 2000 Share Posted June 19, 2000 I did a ground up restoration on a '59 MGA; a great project and a lot of fun to drive, but not a daily driver. Had a '72 corvette(last of the metal bumpers front and rear). Corvetts are grossly overpowered, great handling and all-american. A great car. My '89 Reatta is still a class act! I'm looking forward to the new T'bird, but just to look> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 19, 2000 Share Posted June 19, 2000 I must admit, the S2000 is an awsome car. The new MR2 is nothing to sneeze at either. But they are rare (The local dealer only has one, and I've yet to see one on the road) I too had an interest in the Allante. I know a few people in town who have them, but I have'nt had in depth conversations about the cars. It's ironic that the lady I bought my car off of also had a soft spot for the Allante, but said she overlooked it due to it's outrageos price tag. She (Like myself) also wanted a rag top Reatta, but quickly learned that they are even harder to come by. <P>------------------<BR> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBlackMoon Posted June 19, 2000 Share Posted June 19, 2000 Well, my tastes are a little more eccentric than the average person (and far beyond my financial means, but since we're just talking...).<BR>I personally go for the '95 DeTamaso Pantera GT-5 Targa first, followed closely by the '97 Ferrari Testarossa, Y2k Lotus Esprit V-8, and then the '99 McLaren F1. <BR>On the more practical side, I'd have to say the '92-93 Nissan 240SX (the pre-"Bubble-Bodies") would be my next choice. <p>[This message has been edited by Consultants_1 (edited 06-19-2000).] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 19, 2000 Share Posted June 19, 2000 Currently driving a 59 Vette since my wife took the Reatta away from me. I drove it 2 years and loved it. It is the best all around car I've ever owned. I'v owned a 62 Vette, 65 Vette, 69 Vette, 78 911 SC Porsche, 67 Lamborghine Muira, 57 T-Bird ( worst car I ever drove). I never cared much for cars with a back seat. I also have a 55 Chevy street rod now that we use for traveling when friends accompany us. Yes my insurance agent loves me but you only live once and cars have always been a passion of mine. Drive safe friends and enjoy your Reattas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Posted June 20, 2000 Share Posted June 20, 2000 My choice too, would be a 93 Cadlliac Allante with the NorthStar engine. Even as a used car is out of my pocketbook. The older ones seemed to be priced at a level that most could afford but lack the great NorthStar powerplant. I assume that GM does not support this car either. I do know that some 93 still have some factory warranty left. Howard<P>------------------<BR> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 21, 2000 Share Posted June 21, 2000 If your going for American class, the 93 Allante is the one. Spend the extra $100 and buy the after market performance ECM upgrade, the car will leave rubber in all four gears. The only thing that comes close to it for power and toys is a Mercedes SL 500/600 and for $83K-130K, the Allante is money much better spent, plus the Mercedes dosen't have a glass back window. If your going for sheer power, Think Vette... I have a 76 and an 84. both are 4 speeds, and while they are two totally different cars, you can have your Honda S2000, or you little Z Bimmers... you don't have anything on either Vette. (Well, maybe handling on the 76...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 22, 2000 Share Posted June 22, 2000 I guess what scares people about the Allante is the fact that like the Reatta, it is a "discarded" vehicle. In other words, GM did'nt support it and it fell by the wayside. Most of you, probably like me, had an interest in these cars when they were being manufacured, but were'nt in a financial position to buy one. And once you had the money, they did'nt make the damn things anymore! The unfortunate burden of folk like us is the upkeep and maintenance of such cars. I guess you have to pick your poison though. We must search far and wide for parts and service for our cars. Whereas if we all owned Ford Escort's, we could go to the local Pep Boy's or Auto Zone and get everything from bumper to bumper for ten bucks! Then there's the issue of the previous owner. I know so many people who think that "Maintenance" only applies to when something breaks down! Y'know what's odd? For all of the "Speed demons" mentioned above, not anyone has mentioned the infamous Grand National or T-Type. Which are rummored to have whipped the S**t out of many a Corvette. Talk at you latter.<P>------------------<BR> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 22, 2000 Share Posted June 22, 2000 The Buick GN's and T-Types were very fast, I drove a GN that had been tuned up a little and it chirped all four gears, and yes in a straight ahead flat out race, it would probably give a Vette one hell of a run, but the GN didn't handle any better that the 350 Monte Carlos and Grand Prixs... so toss in some curves in there, and the Vette has you hands down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 22, 2000 Share Posted June 22, 2000 I don't need all that muscle. I like a curvy road, a tight suspension and balance. The older open roadsters appeal to me not because they meet those criteria, however, but rather because they were just fun to drive. My all time favorites:<P>1) Jag XKE ragtop (but NOT the V-12)<BR>2) Austin Healy Mk-3000<BR>3) Triumph TR-6<BR>4) Triumph TR-4<BR>5) Datsun 2000 (bigger brother to the 1600 I had)<P>None of these are among the greatest cars ever made, but they sure were fun. I would also like to someday have an MG-B just for the fun of it. MG-TD was pretty slick too. Liked the looks of the MG-A, but kind of a death trap (decapitations were common...).<P>Liked the Miata until I sat in one.<BR>The BMWs are overpriced, in my opinion.<BR>The new Vette is great. The 57-58's are cool. The rest are just muscle cars, which is fun, but I don't think they were ever known for their cornering ability until now. If someone gave me a '71-72, I'd take it though!!! <P>Thought the Grand National was ugly. Who cares if its a screamer. It looked like a regular Buick with a bad black paint job and some bolt-on fakey ground effects. Sorry <BR> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harry yarnell Posted June 23, 2000 Share Posted June 23, 2000 '99 Prowler!! An absolutely beautiful automobile--and what fun to drive!!<BR>Aslo have a 3.8L Fiero, fast rascal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 23, 2000 Share Posted June 23, 2000 HAVE @ 91 REATTA'S, COUPE AND CONVERT, BOTH VERY LOW MILEAGE. ALSO HAVE 2 93 ALLANTE'S AND AGAIN LOW MILEAGE.<P>REATTA'S ARE NICE BUT ALLANTE IS A SCREAMER WITH NORTHSTAR. IF YOU DECIDE <BR>TO GO FOR AN ALLANTE, STAY WITH 93 AS ONLY YEAR WITH NORTHSTAR AND LAST YEAR.<BR> ALSO 87-92 ALLANTE"S EXPERIENCING EXPENSIVE BRAKE PROBLEMS LIKE 88-90 REATTA'S. 93 ALLANTE'S HAVE DIFFERENT AND RELIABLE BRAKES LIKE 91 REATTA><P>BOB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 23, 2000 Share Posted June 23, 2000 Being a Senior Citizen, I have had the time to own alot of cars, several of which were 2 seaters. My first was a 58 Jag XK150 convertible that was a ball to drive and EVERYONE looked at. Unfortunately divorce forced the sale of it. More unfortunately I had to sell it before it became very valuable.<BR>Since then I have owned:<BR>70 Opel GT<BR>76 TR7 (worse car I ever had)<BR>70 MGB convert. (2nd worse)<BR>88 RX7<BR>82 Datsun 280ZX Turbo<BR>83 Datsun 280ZX Turbo<BR>85 300 ZX<BR>89 Reatta (my current car and probably the best of the lot)<BR>I am on the lookout for a Delorean because I am enthralled with the stainless steel body and the gullwing doors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 23, 2000 Share Posted June 23, 2000 Check the insurance situation on DeLoreans in your area before purchasing. I have a friend here in Florida who took consolation in losing HIS car to the ex-wife that at least she'd never be able to put it on the road. He cancelled the insurance that was in his name and there was no way to get new insurance for it. No company would cover it to FL standards for any price (or so he said).<BR> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted June 23, 2000 Share Posted June 23, 2000 I also own a Fiero GT- it's alot of fun, and the paranoid rumors are just that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 25, 2000 Share Posted June 25, 2000 You folks may get get a kick out of this and some may even remember them.<BR>My very first car in High school was a 1 seater, yes only 1 seat!<BR>It was called an Issetta, funniest little thing that looked like it had only 3 wheels.<BR>Several times I had to call for rescue because the football team used to love to put it between 2 trees. <BR>Natasha<P>------------------<BR> <A HREF="http://www.ciscobot.com" TARGET=_blank>http://www.ciscobot.com</A> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 25, 2000 Share Posted June 25, 2000 Isn't that what Urkel drove? I think they're worth quite a bit of money now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 25, 2000 Share Posted June 25, 2000 Urkel drove a BMW Isetta. Some 2-seaters (besides several Reattas) I would like to own include:<BR>1974-1975 Corvette Conv.<BR>1967 Fiat 850 Spider<BR>1991-1994 Alfa Romeo Spider<BR>I'm only 17 and so I'm saving up.<BR> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 26, 2000 Share Posted June 26, 2000 Hey guys, thanks for your reply's! It's interesting to see how many Reatta owners also love the Allante'. (myself included) I'm going to bring up a new topic though, and see what kind of reaction I get. Talk at you soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRP Posted June 27, 2000 Share Posted June 27, 2000 My other 2 seater is a "74 Excalibur Roadster. It is powered by a GMC 454 V-8, gets at least 12 mpg, and is a ball to drive. Since it's all GM underneath, and predates most of the emission stuff, it's relatively easy to work on. I got the Reatta in 91 (new) because my wife didn't like to help put up the top on the Excalibur (setting up bows, supports, pulling the top on, then adding the side curtins. Love my Reatta, but there's something about that long hood and side mount tires on the X, that the Reatta just can't match, but it's probably completely phallic. <P>------------------<BR> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheresjim Posted June 28, 2000 Share Posted June 28, 2000 This is the car I have dreamed of since I was 2 or 3 years old. Anyone have a couple hundred thousand I can borrow?<P> <A HREF="http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/mach5forsale" TARGET=_blank>http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/mach5forsale</A> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 28, 2000 Share Posted June 28, 2000 I'd have to say the Porsche 356(1st year, I think `56?) comes in a close second to the Reatta. I also like the Lotus Elise, but I'll never be able to afford one making $6.50 an hour!!<BR> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 1, 2000 Share Posted July 1, 2000 A long long time ago I had a '66 Vette roadster, '74 Porshe 914, and a '70 Olds 442 all lookin' good and sitting in my driveway. I sold everything and bought a brand spankin' new 1987 Nissan Pulsar. Before you call me stupid keep in mind I now own a Reatta, just like you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 4, 2000 Share Posted July 4, 2000 I am into the third year of a frame-off 1967 Austin Healey 3000 restoration. I bought it 30 years ago and it will always have the number one spot in my garage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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