PaulJ.....we all choose cars that we enjoy. The ARP4 is attractive for the Cosworth tag and styling. Personally, and I have not driven one so just surmising...I don't think the car is truly a car designed for long tours due to the torque/power profile. It would do the job but with the reservations you have encountered. Sufficient torque in the 2500 - 3000 rpm range would improve things for a more relaxed drive.
You clearly like the car in general and I hope you can get the improvements you want without to much £££££.
Now...go get it done and keep us posted.
