Other Options: Japanese & American

[samsonevickis]

Ok guys, that "10 cars from the 80's" thread got me thinking.

If you could pick another car, not German or Italian.

Japanese or American only.

Personally I worked on a RX-7 FC last March, it was such a blast, I finally broke down and got the 944 I had wanted for so many years.

But from time to time, I think "maybe a Japanese?"

With the Z3 selling this week, I will have the room for yet another car, I really should get a small pick up truck for various mechanic related duties.

I am not going to rush into anything, might just wait for that E21 to fall into my lap...

But what other cars would you want? Doesn't have to be from the 80's, but it needs to be before 2005 and available for under $20K in somewhat drivable condition.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_et1byNF3Y70/S2oDK55sT_I/AAAAAAAAEVc/A-mU7paSBZ0/s400/MAZDA+RX-7+FC+Gallery.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80Ti8Lyoh74/TIZ1sEIA--I/AAAAAAAAAEY/ZmkGVCgHHbE/s400/Mazda-RX7FC-002.jpg

[EastWind]

Datsun/Nissan Zs.
No American from the 80's does it for me.

[e24uard]

For fun: Miata

For power / showing off: Fox body mustang (just learn to embrace the ugliness)

For the individual concerned with style (i.e. 6er owner): FD RX-7. Better looks and much better power to weight than the FC.

For the individual like the above, but with shallower pockets and a boy-raceresque disposition: Nissan 240sx.

Also consider: Mazda RX3, V8 Miata, turbo Miata, '80s Camaro (most horsepower per dollar).

[volac]

1989 Excalibur Series II

http://www.mcsmk8.com/79-EXCAL/EXCAL-12.JPG

Because any other American car from the 80s looks like shite. Except for maybe a tastefully modded corvette.

[simon b]

My favorite American cars from the 80s: Buick Regal (ideally a GNX), Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, love the big coupes.

[Shipper]

The first nissan GTR. Normally aspirated, 6 cyl, tripple webber dcoe 45's, heaven!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:C10GT-R.jpg

[eric1ono]

First gen GT-R is nice, but you'll never find one, even a replica now, for less than $20K. I think real ones are pushing $100K, at least in Japan they are.

I love me some 240Z. Those cars still kick ass.

I want an R32 GT-R. They will soon be 25 years old and legal to import (can you tell I've been watching the calendar?)

The 3rd gen RX-7 would be nice.

For American, I'd-roc (pun intended) a late '80s Iroc Z Camaro. I know they are too big, the interiors are cheap and the stock motor is begging for more hp, but I like the shape and think it could be fun in a juvenile sort of way.

Later,

Eric

[samsonevickis]

For power / showing off: Fox body mustang (just learn to embrace the ugliness)

For the individual concerned with style (i.e. 6er owner): FD RX-7. Better looks and much better power to weight than the FC.


I really don't find them that hideous, it looks a hell of a lot better than the Mustang II. And for power you can't beat them.


1989 Excalibur Series II

http://www.mcsmk8.com/79-EXCAL/EXCAL-12.JPG

Because any other American car from the 80s looks like shite. Except for maybe a tastefully modded corvette.

Hahahahaha. You know the Hillside Stranglers used one of these...




The 3rd gen RX-7 would be nice.

For American, I'd-roc (pun intended) a late '80s Iroc Z Camaro. I know they are too big, the interiors are cheap and the stock motor is begging for more hp, but I like the shape and think it could be fun in a juvenile sort of way.


What is up with all the 3rd Gen Love? A client of mine has one with a LS1 swap and he assures me its hell on wheels, but I just like the boxy looks of the FC. But not so much I'd buy one I suppose.

And yes on the Iroc Z! I always wanted one when I was a kid and then I sat in a Mint one at of all places the Mitsubishi dealer and was majorly let down by the interior, too use to my 6er I guess. But here in North Alabama, Camaros and Firebirds from the 80's are in every other backyard rusting away...

[e24uard]

I guess if you squint, the front of the FC RX-7 looks a little bit like a Ferrari 412.

http://motorride.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/42.jpg

[dmac156]

You said it didn't have to be from the 80's, so a few cars on my list would be a '69 mach 1, Datsun/nissan z cars - one '72 and a late model 380z. It might be cool to have something a bit more unique like a '67 Olds Toronado for a cruiser.

[Freshbread]

AE86 corolla has always peaked my interest. Really light cars, cheap rwd fun.
Also wanted a mazda 323 for a long time after seeing one kick a bunch of newer cars butts at the running of the forest rally in Prescot az during the 90's.

[samsonevickis]

I guess if you squint, the front of the FC RX-7 looks a little bit like a Ferrari 412.

http://motorride.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/42.jpg

I don't disagree with you, I actually really like the 412, I thought it might be an option for me, then I saw the price of replacement parts...

When I regained consciousness, I decided on the far more sane 944.

Also I never read anything good about them, I still like them and if someone were handing them out I'd take it, but can't imagine I'd pony up the $25K plus needed to find a decent one.

[GI Jonas]

lots of good suggestions here.80's supra's are awesome too!


https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYt5SNuPZtS4pznc3v2hCuYn4wt5qvZ akaFfZ_PsClDdNHLGOn (https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYt5SNuPZtS4pznc3v2hCuYn4wt5qvZ akaFfZ_PsClDdNHLGOn)

[tlister67]

A very rational choice would be a miata but I am not sure I would replace a Z3 with one. I like the first datsun Z cars too. The problem I have with 80's japanese and american cars are the interiors are period ugly.

If american I would go with old muscle, 67-68 Mustang fastback or a 67-69 Barracuda coupe are two I have in mind.

[Roku35]

Yup. I've posted this a few times...My classic dream Z

http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab311/hawaiisharks/240z-blackwinner.jpg

This will happen, after I find my M635csi :D

[BoldUlysses]

The Z love in here is much appreciated. :D

My work in progress:

http://boldulysses.com/cars/Z/240Z_Tires_4a.jpg

See my sig for my "wish list." A few '80s cars on there. Much love for the FC, but I'll always have a spot for my "first love," automotively, the FB:

http://www.spannerhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Mazda_RX-7.jpg

The mk3 Supra is up there, too, especially the '86-'88 non-Klingon-nose version.

http://boldulysses.com/cars/supra/n_a.jpg

[Lapis 635 Euro]

The choice is simple: Subaru BRAT!
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2478/3927962798_02b5b347dd_z.jpg

[tlister67]

I remember being really young sitting in the bed seat of a brat at the dealer. Parents went another direction. I still see a Brat every now and then.

[Big Six]

Conquest TSi

[Alex E24 E30]

If we are talking about 1980's era, I'd probably go for a Supra or a Z from Japan. I'd probably lean towards a foxbody Mustang as far as State-side cars go. I like the looks of the 3rd gen Camaro, but a friend of mine had one in high school, and I didn't much care for the lack of visibility. The Mustang offers a bit more.


But if it could be any Japanese or American car, then hands down, no contest would be one of these two:

1970-1974 Plymouth Cuda
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb237/Alex_e24e30/DSC_2567_opt.jpg

1970-1974 Dodge Challenger
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d89/acura_el2000/challenger4.jpg

I'm a fan of the old Mopars, especially the B-body and E-body cars.



Alex

[ShapeShifter]

Outside of vintage euro cars, I have no option. Nothing but German since '91 (BMW & Porsche) and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I would love to have my old 951 back....
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/Smokiemon968/Porsche%20951/14184258.jpg

[GarmaZabi]

I'd say MK3 supra turbo, FD or an AE86 hatch and even the FC. all great Japanese cars. as far as the FD with an LS1 swap goes, I just don't see the point, half of the mystique with the Rx-7 is that it is a rotary and I just think that car is fantastic the way it rolled out from mazda, why waste the money making it a corvette?

[Roku35]

Outside of vintage euro cars, I have no option. Nothing but German since '91 (BMW & Porsche) and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I would love to have my old 951 back....

Why did you lose her in the first place :nono She is beautiful. Don't say that you sold it to get your E24.

[keeslinger31]

There's a place in my heart for thirdgen camaro's

http://i49.tinypic.com/70i8wo.jpg

Much easier crowd to hang out with :shifty
Might have something to do with the car

http://i50.tinypic.com/1zch379.jpg

I should mention I have the same amount of money in the camaro as my bmw and it is 10 times the car

[NOLA6]

What about Irish? Or Irish-American.

[Freshbread]

I should mention I have the same amount of money in the camaro as my bmw and it is 10 times the car

You can't own a 6er :confused

[GI Jonas]

You can't own a 6er :confused


For clarification,your saying that he shouldn't be allowed to own one right?

[LarryM]

There's a place in my heart for thirdgen camaro's.....
I should mention I have the same amount of money in the camaro as my bmw and it is 10 times the car

My brother bought a new 1988 IROC and it was a beast; much quicker than what the modest HP rating would have had you believe.

I've always felt the 3rd gen Camaro has nice lines and would be on my very short list of desirable 1980's cars, especially if equipped with the "1LE" factory-ready, showroom stock racing package which was offered from 1988-1992:
http://www.camarowiki.com/index.php/Third_Generation_1LE

I see that Chevy is offering the 1LE package again starting with the 2013 Camaro.

Yours is beautiful; the Corvette wheels really look "right" too. I can see why you much prefer it over an E36 which (although nicely styled) is really one of BMW's low points in terms of quality control.

[Alex E24 E30]

I should mention I have the same amount of money in the camaro as my bmw and it is 10 times the car

:confused
In what way? I'm curious. I've read about a couple of pretty bad pro-toured 3rd gens, but that isn't cheap...



Alex

[ShapeShifter]

Why did you lose her in the first place :nono She is beautiful. Don't say that you sold it to get your E24.

It was mostly due to loss of my job at the time. I had to sell the car quick so I could get into this particular e24. Got the e24 and paid of my credit cards at the same time thus lowering my bills while being unemployed and still having a cool car. My unemployment ended up lasting 2 years, which is why the e24 sat for a year....