I've had a convertible every Summer of my driving life, but this one, and I miss it something bad. I sold my Manx dune buggy late last Summer because I found myself driving it too fast for its limits. Before that, it was '73 914 2.0, and before that a '73 VW Ghia...

Well, I want one again, but accept the fact that it won't be this Summer. The MINI will remain a fixture, and someday be stricly my Fall/Winter ride, commuter, and this convertible will serve the same, but for the Spring/Summer months...

A light, well-handling, RWD car with plenty of oomph (strong weight to hp ratio) is the aim. The three that have topped my list have faded lately, for various reasons:

Like many, I find the Ariel Atom very appealing. However, getting this thing licensed, registered and insured is not easy, particularly in CA. I frequent their forums, and just saw that this is still an issue, and for that reason, it is off my list; at least for now...

Of equal interest to me is a Lotus Super 7 replica, such as a Catherham or an American derivation - the SuperStalker V6. The price point of the later is very tempting, but requires a fair amount of build-up, and I won't be able to do that until my garage is finsished, and that won't start for another couple of years. I have spoken to the builder, and frequent a related forum, but it's just not in the cards now...

VW and the media led many to believe that the GX3 would make the jump from concept to reality, but it's looking more and more like that might not be the case now. Too bad as 17k for 1.25 g's, 46 mpg and use of the commuter lane was something I would have purchased without hesitation. A 35 page thread has virtually died in recent weeks, and gradually so is my hope for the GX3...

I just realized that I have photos of all of these in my Gallery! Even a poor photo of my old dune buggy. Oh well...

So, now I'm contemplating getting a production car, new or used, and mod'ing that to a desirable state of safe tune. Several have been considered, and I would love to hear the input of others:

- a Miata, of course

- an MR2 Spyder (Toyota has nothing new now, and won't for a couple of years, so I understand)

- Pontiac Soltice, GXP most likely (should have a nice discount with my GM Card)

- S2000

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I love the 350Z, but at 3,400 pounds, it just don't want something that heavy. You get the idea...

To be honest, after spending time on the S2k forums lately, I'm really intrigued. The stock NA engine is now getting 237 bhp, and with a popular supercharger upgrade (Comptech or Vortech), 300 whp is achieved, and it's CARB, which is very important for me. Sheding 200-300 pounds seems to be very realistic, so I feel that 2,500 pounds can be achieved.

I know that Miatas and MR2s also have forced induction options, but I'm not sure if they are CARB...

Yes, I've considered an Elise, and actually joined their forums long before their release. I suppose they are a fall-back option, but their forced induction option (ForceFed, a CA company) is not CARB, at least they were not...

If anyone has input into these options, or wishes to share ones that I might have missed, please share.

Thanks much!

 

S2000 all the way!

 

Well, thanks for the confirmation Ken! Apparently the aftermkt SC options for the S2k are not highly difficult installs.

Appearance-wise, I also like them... The Miata does nothing for me, and the MR2 Spyder, well, I'm not crazy about...

The Pontiac Solstice is the wildcard here, and given that they are so new, I just don't know what to expect. Their turbo'd 260 bhp GXP is to come-out soon, but it is more portly than the S2000. I think the Kappa chassis of the Sol, from what I've read, is quite amazing though...

Is there anything else coming-out soon that I should be aware of? This purchase is to be within the next year or so... It there was something really appealing, I might consider waiting a bit longer I suppose...