am I mad? thinking about buying a "classic"

[Rob S]

Stuart Beales would surely be the man to ask?
I know what you mean about modded vs stock, but by the sounds of it, unless it's neck snapping, you're not going to be happy with it.
As you've gone from a 70-80's Porsche to the 993, have you looked at Atoms etc? Or even something like a Supercharged Monaro? The Atoms should be quick enough for anyone, but you might want a roof. It's a minefield, but I reckon this would be a giggle for

[Monster]

he might be if he knows about 993s, I have friends with plenty of 996 tuning experience. Atoms really dont appeal to me, every one i've ever come across on track has either been completely eaten up by the gtr or spun off before the gtr took a bite although steve linton is binning his 700bhp ta winning supra for one so I'm looking forward to having a go.... Nobles are also mega cars and i know a chap with a 3R which i love, just not quite right here. Think the choice is still SL (then dont care if it's fast cos it never was) 993, SZ.....add another

[Rob S]

If you can have the SZ then how about an Integrale? Everyone on here would be gutted!! (Most if not everyone)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1992-K-Lancia ... 3f1811438c

[Monster]

again, I've trawled the ads and given thought, as i have the audi quattro (esp some of the swb replica cars) but just too much like things I've owned in terms of turbo rally inspired 4x4(not to mention it will be slow as fook) to get me excited. This convo is actually really helping because I'm being dismissive of cars I love, and for some strange reason as someone who never been into porks I'm almost justifying it to myself, which is good/bad

[Rob S]

Sounds like you've decided then mate, which is a good thing whether you've

[Stuart]

Not sure how helpful my email was on Thursday/Friday then

Gerry H has an SL55 or 500 (not sure) and was very complimentary, but I appreciate that it may be too new for consideration.

Stu Beales and Mike Blackmore are pretty well informed on 996 TT's but I would imagine less so with 993's. I am a little surprised at the 993's suggested fragility though, especially a stock one.

I, in my role of classified ad-bitch, had veered more towards older and frankly cheaper stuff. If you are still keen to buy something that is different from your track GTR and then of course the Rangie, then surely a softer older alternative would be a better compromise?

A classic SL (for example) will offer good residuals, reasonable mechanical durability and a clean and easy resale if you maintain it and sell it late spring/ early summer. If you buy one with really special history whether that translates as proven low mileage or stunning previous owners, then that helps as does the 1986+ build, good colour choices and the right engine (v8). All of this, and it gives you a very different driving experience to contrast your existing fleet.......

The SZ is a lovely, unusual car and even though I probably listed that within my suggestions, if you think selling a 993 is tough, you will find selling on an SZ tougher still.

993's are wonderful, and will the 964 probably my favourite of the aircooled models but the performance will feel blunt after most of your recent sports cars and your ownership experience could potentially suffer as a result. The further up the price and tuning scale you go, the smaller the resale market but that goes without saying.

As the seasons change the desire to own an older classic and still be able to enjoy may subside. Sure people use good classics all year around and then molly-coddle them when not is use (trickle charges and aerobically sealed chambers here we come )

Anything V8 will be a good base so that could include a really good American classic, decent 80's Aston Martin or even a 348/355 if the budget allows.

*Anecdotally, I thought I would relay something that I was lucky enough to experience a few years back.
In the late 90's and very early 00's, Snetterton used to offer punters something called the Supercar experience whereby Joe Public could be driven and drive a Ferrari 355, Porsche 993 Carrera, Dodge Viper GTS and Lotus Esprit TT. I got a phone call from the then workshop manager asking me whether I would like to come down and sample this, free of charge As you might imagine I virtually teleported to the track, clutching my license and crash hat, shaking Phil by the hand and grinning like a lunatic. I had an Italian test driver as my coach for the afternoon. He spoke little in the way of English, and I was so excited that neither did I.

I remember several things from that experience. I didn't fit in the Lotus, no matter how hard I tried and they seemed to break a lot anyway........the Viper was pure comedy with its truck gearbox and endless torque.........the 993 was an immense 'daily' but far too sober in this company......and the 355 was one of those cars that you could really envisage committing some kind of bank heist to own. The intake and engine noise, the interior design, the pornographic bodyshell, the engine position, the grip, the snick-snick of that gearbox and gate.........

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AN1alyW4tVE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Monster]

Your email was good mate, jsut not had a chance to reply yet... I liked the 456 suggestion in particular.

The 355 is hugely tempting and I've watched that clip before, a truly monumental sounding car and soooooo pretty. Would need a lot of research to take the plunge on though.

I too am surprised at the fragility of the porks but it would appear they've all had big money thrown at them throughout their lives from reading the history files. It's not a done deal yet.

Funny, but the SL still does have a lot of appeal (even apart from the much lower entry fee) and I still find myself looking at the ads even when looking at 993s. That one you sent me made me smile, there's a huge appeal to a proper bobbt spec

[Stuart]

The beauty of a lower entry cost is that if you wake up one morning and think "Nah........bored now" you can cash your chips in more easily. If you do the same with a tuned 15 year old Porsche you may find that even the most comprehensive man maths may fail you.

I seem to remember Chris Harris vapourising something like 10k on just the finance element of 8 months 997 ownership No fuel, no insurance or running costs.......over

[Monster]

Yeah but harris made money on that overall if you're talking about the most recent one. Shame, I cant' stand him (sorry if i've mentioend that before)

Agreed fella, low entry equals easier exit, or rather less vapourised on exit. Bollox, I'm all over the place, thinking about the actual price of those porks I've been considering has resulted on me spending the night looking at 355s (which i get get and pocket change) and also 456s - cant quite find the right thing for sale on the 456 at the mo, would prob want the "m" updates, and def a manwell, although perhaps a very early manwell would do

aaaaghhhhh

[Stuart]

The deliberation and trawling through sites should be part of the fun. If it's not fun, maybe this isn't the right time for this kind of car? It's like the anticipation of a holiday or Christmas (time off/time away, you get the gist). I always find enjoyment in savouring the chase or build up to anything like that, nearly as much as the completion of a successful hunt!

You're probably aware of the large Ferrari/Maserati/Porsche dealership in Colchester, right? As that's not too far from your folks gaff, why not head up there one day and enjoy the whole pampering process? Phone in advance so that they know you are a serious potential customer and treat the experience as a field trip

Shopping for Ferrari's, Porsche's or any other semi-exotic should never become frustrating buddy. I feel like you need a session on the couch- therapy style!!