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THE LOBBY A gathering place. Introductions, sports, showin' off your ride, birthday-anniversary-milestone, achievements, family oriented humor. |
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#1
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Moving to Italy for 2-3 Years, What Car(s) to Buy???
Fellas -
Just found out that the wife, daughter, and I are headed to Naples, Italy for our next tour (active duty Army). We'll be there for 2-3 years. What would you buy if you had $30k to spend on a classic Italian sports car? I can swing a Ferrari Mondial, but that's a lot of flash and no dash. I could find a beater Ferrari 308, but at 6'4" and 230 lbs, I don't think I can fit into one. Not a fan of the 308 GT4. A 348 would be at the top of my budget, but could probably find one with some looking around. Could do a 456, too; would fit into this, but top of the budget, and really a different car than the others listed above. What about a late 60's/early 70's Fiat Dino coupe? Not sure if I could fit into one. Or maybe an early 70's Alfa GTV 2000? Maybe a bit roomier inside than the Fiat Dino? Both neat cars with a lot of character. Not likely to find these in the states. Some of the TVR's look very nice, but I think they are all RHD. A Lancia Delta Integrale would be neat, but kind of boxy. Lots of other options, of course, in my price range, but lots of stuff that I can buy in the states -- Audi RS4 and RS6, AMG Mercedes, Aston Martin DB7 with V12, BMW M3/M5/M6, etc. Cars 25 years old or older would be nice; easy to take back to the U.S. Almost forgot -- think I'm going to ship my 68 'vert over. It's just finishing up a frame-on resto. Will likely sell it at some point during my tour. Your thoughts? Scott
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Please check out my YouTube channel for vintage/classic car and truck builds and shenanigans! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq61KxKp1Is&t=14s |
#2
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A Dino would be a good choice. Of course, you could always search the barns around Maranello for a lost Ferrari. If you like ragtops, maybe an Aston Martin Volante or a Jensen Interceptor. Be sure to spend some time in the Loretto area. Absolutely stunning vistas.
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It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance. Dr. Thomas Sowell |
#3
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Quote:
Aston Martin Volante is out of my price range, but I could do a DB7 with the V12 for around $30k. Jensen Interceptors are nice, but again, out of my price range. Thanks Scott
__________________
Please check out my YouTube channel for vintage/classic car and truck builds and shenanigans! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq61KxKp1Is&t=14s |
#4
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I thought nice dinos had vaulted up near the 6 figure range in recent years. Maybe that's just US prices though. I don't know what the drop off would be in their native habitat.
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1967 Firebird 462 580hp/590ftlbs 1962 Pontiac Catalina Safari Swapped in Turd of an Olds 455 Owner/Creator Catfish Motorsports https://www.youtube.com/@CatfishMotorsports |
#5
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The comparable Dino Coupe can be had for $25k. Sort of an apples to oranges comparison because they are really not the same car -- different designers. FYI - the Dino 2.4 coupes were made on the same assembly line as the Dino (Ferrari) 246's, using many of the same components. Scott
__________________
Please check out my YouTube channel for vintage/classic car and truck builds and shenanigans! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq61KxKp1Is&t=14s |
#6
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how about a "GRAN TOURISMO OMOLAGTO" [spelling?]
and ifa you needa somea onea to carry your baggage......let me knowa......I gotta passaporta.
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color me gone |
#7
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What is the exchange rate right now? How far will your 30k go?
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69 OHC ZH Sprint Hurst 3 Speed 3:55 (1 of 213) 99 Valkyrie 1520cc Flat 6 108hp/110tq - For Sale http://sohcsix.yuku.com/forums/1/OHC-lounge Wanted: 1969 OHC "H" Camshaft |
#8
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I think $1.25 will get you 1 euro.
Economy in Italy is in pretty bad shape, so prices on classic cars aren't that bad. Scott
__________________
Please check out my YouTube channel for vintage/classic car and truck builds and shenanigans! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq61KxKp1Is&t=14s |
#9
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This one's just a shade under $150K.....as is. The '60s and '70s Ferraris have gone crazy.
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/...tml?refer=blog
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Greg Reid Palmetto, Georgia |
#10
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Quote:
Thanks Scott
__________________
Please check out my YouTube channel for vintage/classic car and truck builds and shenanigans! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq61KxKp1Is&t=14s |
#11
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I don't know what the car scene is over there.
What are renault 5 turbo, Clio, or 6r4 maxis going for? Maybe a compact rally car is where it's at. The streets are small and cramped aren't they?
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Jon B |
#12
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Suggestions
- how about investing in the digital version of Hemming's Sports & Exotics? By doing so, you can download all of their available back issues and broaden your horizons based on feature cars, Q & A Problems & Repairs, etc. - Also, perhaps you could link w local US military car clubs to find out what to steer clear of there... - English version of Naples & Italian digital local car magazines, blogs, forums, etc. Enjoy & Keep Us Posted |
#13
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Haven't seen any military car clubs at any installation where I've been stationed. Will see about finding local digital car magazines and forums, but not hopeful that I'll find these in English. My Italian is pretty basic at this point. Scott
__________________
Please check out my YouTube channel for vintage/classic car and truck builds and shenanigans! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq61KxKp1Is&t=14s |
#14
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Quote:
Thanks, Scott
__________________
Please check out my YouTube channel for vintage/classic car and truck builds and shenanigans! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq61KxKp1Is&t=14s |
#15
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Some advice regarding what you can fit into. I have found that leg length is the biggest hurdle in these smaller cars. I have you by 4" and 30 lbs. My inseam is 38". One just can't bend a long bone and long levers change angles of how you can reach a pedal and/or turn a wheel. One can slouch for height in torso, but the shin/thigh lengths are your challenge. If your knee does not get pinched between the door and steering wheel, you'll be able to steer. You may need to resort to putting your right heel near the brake, turning the foot to the right to work the gas. I've driven some alfas, Lancias and Ferrari's in my day. Not always "comfortable" but possible in many cars. Tom Selleck was 6'4" when he played Magnum and drove the 308/328. Good luck!
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'68 GTO 4-spd Hardtop (11) '68 GTO Convertible AT (1) '70 LeMans Sport Land of Lakes Muscle Car Classic Facebook Event Facebook Wall (Kurt Smith,Minneapolis) |
#16
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Why Hemmings when there's plenty of home-grown magazines plus others from Europe that can be found in any Italian kiosk?
An interesting car is a Alpine-Renault, although if you're a masochist, find a Matra Djet. But if you want an Italian car, why not start small and simple like an Autobianchi? |
#17
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Matra Djets are probably a bit small for me. Finding parts would appeal to the masochist in me, of course. Autobianchi would be a clown car for me, I think. I should have probably been more clear about what I'm looking for. Don't need much help finding a $1,000 beater to drive back and rorth to work. I'm looking for a toy to drive on the weekends - something with character, guts, and likely something that's difficult to find in the U.S. Thanks Scott
__________________
Please check out my YouTube channel for vintage/classic car and truck builds and shenanigans! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq61KxKp1Is&t=14s |
#18
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There are lots of TVRs that are LH drive. Maybe you should have a look of whats available on the greek side? When their economy was at worst they sold their nice cars cheap, not sure of the situation now but it might be worth checking out.
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Reef turqoise -66 GTO Firebird Convertible -68 R.I.P. -73 LeMans 350/350 Barnfind |
#19
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Quote:
Thanks Scott
__________________
Please check out my YouTube channel for vintage/classic car and truck builds and shenanigans! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq61KxKp1Is&t=14s |
#20
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Italy is a beautiful place, you will enjoy your stay. I think high end super cars like Astons and Ferraris may look great but will be expensive to run and get parts for. I would avoid Tvrs personally, they are a small British manufacturer with reliability issues....or so I have heard. For me it would have to be one of the Bertone Alfas. The 1750 GTV has a nicer front and interior than the 2000 and that fabulous twin cam up front. The right size for those narrow streets and you should fit in ok. $30,000 will get you about 24,500 which will get you a nice car with change too. And you cant get more Italian than an Alfa!
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'64 Grand Prix in Yorktown Blue on 8 lugs. 400 th400 combo. |
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