4 seat convertible on a budget?

Scott Johnson · **Posted:** Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:25 pm

I've got a passing interest in a convertible these days, and while I originally was planning a MR Spyder or Miata, I think I'd rather have one that can seat the whole family.

So, budget of $15K. Ideally fun (I can get a Sebring if fun doesn't matter).

Seats 4. Extra credit if there is actually some possibility of a short rear seat passenger being able to see out.

Current list of possibilities:

E36 (M3 manual for extra credit).
E46 (some are trickling down into the right price range).

1965-67 Mustang Convertible (this might actually top the list).

Hot rod (like this one): http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ctd/1269070108.html

Other 60's options:
Skylark: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1268467094.html
Galaxie: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1266249776.html (looks like a pretty car).

I suppose it needs to have a chance at being fun to autocross, or just be cool. With the Mustang aftermarket, I could probably do both pretty well. The BMW's will not be as good as their hard top siblings, but would likely still be fun to drive.

Am I forgetting anything?

Scott

PS: I suppose a Jeep Wrangler isn't totally out of the question either.

Jason Mauldin · **Posted:** Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:30 pm

This should be fun.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ctd/1270046700.html

Scott Johnson · **Posted:** Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:37 pm

Jason Mauldin wrote:

This should be fun.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ctd/1270046700.html

I think I saw that one. I bet it would be fun. Unfortunately, it falls into a 40 year range of Mustang designs that make me go "eh." It also suffers from the side-impact styling that makes the sides of the car too high.

I have just added Corvair Spyders to the list.
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1250509003.html

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

I think you gotta go with the hotrod, that would be way cool.

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:00 pm

You'll have a tougher time getting a *good* old Mustang in that price range, but I like the Galaxy and even the Buick above. If you're serious about something in the 1931 range, well, I'd suggest getting with someone who knows that kind of thing pretty well to get a primer. I'd be willing to help you with something like that if you find it a bit closer in terms of going with you to look at it, or I could pour over some better pics. There is a LOT of variety in how well a hotrod like that is done, and there's no way I'd put my family in one that was on the original frame, for example (unless it was completely original...ie. no big V8 in it).

And even if you did get the 1931, remember that if you get hit by someone, your protection is minimal at best. With the Galaxy or Buick you've got substantial car around you that should actually still fold up pretty well when hit. The other advantage is those big boats ride nice. If you can find something like that Buick with a tired engine and powerglide that's leaking all over the place but with a nice straight body and priced right, well, sticking an aftermarket prepped tranny and one of the ramjet 350's isn't very expensive nor hard. It'll actually get reasonable mileage and burn clean enough to keep you from feeling guilty about it, too. Plus it'll have enough power to still be fun. And the cost isn't bad at all.

The Galaxy is nice, just remember that FoMoCo parts are a good bit more expensive than their bowtie counterparts. The flip side is the 390 is just a cool motor that will sound great and can make good power. The car is more fun looking to me than the Galaxy, but to each his own on that.

I like the line of thinking of going with something 60's-ish, though. You really can make those cars ride like a dream, be quiet if you're not *on* it, be loud when you *are* on it, and run like a top. Don't rule out Caddies from that era, either. Lots of good deals out there on some neat looking cars...

--Donnie

Arthur McDonald · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 1:54 am **Posts:** 2052

I was going to say that Atlantic Auto Exchange has a 2004 Mustang GT convertible 5-speed on the lot, but you've nixed that body style. A 2005 GT convertible would be a few thou over 15K.

I vote for the Galaxie. A 390 is a torque monster.. you can ditch the pickup, and use it for your tow vehicle!

Karl Shultz · **Posted:** Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:57 pm

Scott - pick up a copy of Hemmings Motor News, there should be boatloads of 1960s stuff in there.

steve remchak · **Posted:** Fri Jul 17, 2009 7:35 pm

http://www.cars-on-line.com/41663.html

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Fri Jul 17, 2009 7:45 pm

If you're going to go big (Skylark, Galaxie) go BIG!

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/car ... 55164.html

Don't forget 1967-68 Camaro, 62-67 Thunderbird, late 60s Tempest/GTO/Chevelle.

Sounds like a fun search since you've cast your net so wide. Maybe a trip to the Charlotte Autofair will help sort things out?

Good luck

Chris Brown · **Posted:** Fri Jul 17, 2009 8:31 pm

i just had the same itch...certainly not in the same league as what you are looking for, but i just picked up this:

granted, i could buy five of them for $15k :shock:

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Fri Jul 17, 2009 8:41 pm

steve remchak wrote:

http://www.cars-on-line.com/41663.html

Steve obviously missed the "$15k" part! It looks like a neat car, but you can find a nicely restored Impala convert for that kind of money that looks way better, IMHO.

I've thought about this one all day. If Scott is fine with the kind of maintenance that a 60's domestic is gonna require, then I think one of those cars would fit the bill quite nice. And the maintenance thing is pretty easy on those boats, honestly. Particularly for a car that you don't ever NEED to have running tomorrow to get to work in.

But if you want something that turns heads, you could do what I did:

http://gallery.me.com/djbrh/100016

Yes, the entire soft top is removable. Kids can see out great. You probably need to add your own rear seatbelts, and NC law probably interprets this as the kid in the back of a truck, which means you have to have an adult back there, but you've got room for lots of adults since it seats 10.

Yes, I'm joking.

--Donnie

Arthur McDonald · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 1:54 am **Posts:** 2052

You can't afford to NOT buy a car like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQiTRQTiMGY

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Scott - My 330cic is going to be for sale next week, under your budget. It's in the garage getting the "platinum" treatment to get it ready for sale this weekend. 2 kids fit great in the back and it's a fantastic car, but I can't justify having so many nice vehicles around. As with my other cars it's in top-notch mechanical condition with a few cosmetic flaws but I'd give it a 8.5/10. I drove it at one setup day and it's FUN with plenty of throttle induced oversteer. Would be DS legal except for the current 8.5" wheels all around and a cone intake. Fun car for STX.

Here's an old picture, I will have new pictures (looks better with new wheels) soon.

Pete Guthrie · **Posted:** Sat Jul 18, 2009 9:10 am

a vw golf cabriolet comes to mind maybe.. very cheap. or....... pimp style...
a older lincoln continental convertible.. complete with dice man!

steve remchak · **Posted:** Sat Jul 18, 2009 9:30 am

Chris Brown wrote:

i just had the same itch...certainly not in the same league as what you are looking for, but i just picked up this:

granted, i could buy five of them for $15k :shock:

you my friend have a problem. :eek:

it is not too late to seek help. :lol:

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