If that’s the sort of car you are after Toby, go for it. Personally I think it’s by far the nicer car to drive compared to an S2 and not that much of a compromise, maybe the boot??? If you don’t mind me asking, what’s you budget? If it helps mine was a leggy 50k miler £23k. Top of the tree I suppose it that red one.
Cheers Jonny, definitely going for the S1
Well let’s just say that we were interested in the red one initially and not put off by its price tag!
However, alarm bells were set ringing when it was mentioned to us by a few people, that in their opinion, there was something a little bit suspicious about the car in terms of the mileage and condition and the fact it doesn’t quite marry up!
Toby
Toby, don’t get hung up about low mileage etc. Current condition/ownership history/proof of maintenance are much more important.
Also, until you’ve driven 3 or 4 hours in the Summer (particulary in Europe) you have absolutely no perception of how hot it gets in the cabin of an S1. Oil cooler & radiator to engine hoses running inside the sills, coupled with an aluminium tub give rise to very high cabin temps, which are compounded by the resultant “heatsoak”. Personally speaking, that’s an aspect of “Exigeness”, which you have/need to be an S1 owner using the car as intended.
I would also strongly advise you to drive a “standard” car, & then an example with an engine/gearbox conversion. A further point is that upgraded suspension makes a world of difference to the driving experience, whether on road or track.
Lol say no more! If you are passing Lichfield ever pop in and see a work in progress. I think whatever you buy may always be a work in progress even in the short term. I’m trying to keep my S1 as stock as possible but some parts just need to be upgraded when all said and done. Radiator, dampers, wishbones… My AC was shot. Engine seems fine, goes well but I’ll likely check everything and replace bits and bobs to make more reliable, hopefully. It is an old car, unless the work has been done, add a few £K and IMO do it to your own standard. I’m also toying with a modified K, take out the old engine refurbish and store. I’ve chased power, did it my way, failed miserably, fun tho
I’ve had a good look around Shrek and Keith’s car, both stunning. I guess that’s the sort of car you’ll be after, it’ll be worth it. They should post some pictures…
Welcome,
Andy Gordon has just put his blue one up for sale in classifieds here, looks a nice motor.
As said above, dont be frightened of one that has been use on track providng it has had a loving owner. What you are after probably doesnt exist, or if it does you will not be able to afford it and be scared of using it.
Yeah I agree with Pesky and Gav, don’t get too hung up on low mileage. These cars don’t wear the years well in my opinion and need constant looking after and fettling. Plus as Pesky has said one with after market shock absorbers etc will be a much nicer car to drive as the standard stuff wasn’t really up to the job. Most of the suspension components will need refurbing every couple of years, so again one that had been regularly maintained and no expense spared will be a much nicer car than a standard low mileage example that has just done a couple of afternoon jaunts. I don’t think sensible mods like suspension and brakes etc would harm the value of a car either.
Thanks for all your thoughts guys, it’s very much appreciated and hopefully the right car will come up soon
Toby
Keep us posted Toby, good luck
Yeah good luck Toby, hope to hear that you and your Dad have found ‘the’ car soon,…you won’t look back.
The best ones came without it