Steve, if I can throw in my tuppence worth, I bought a very tidy, basic 1981 Plus 8 3.5 with 5 speed gearbox back in May. I already had a 2004 Plus 8 Anniversary Model which I have since sold in favour of the older car. The later model was a fine car but it did'nt quite match the vision impaled in my mind as a spotty teenager in the 1970's of what I wanted a Plus 8 to be. In my opinion, the older car has much cleaner, simple lines ( I dont like the way the hood protrudes when stowed on the newer model, it ruins the line of the car ). I also think plus 8's look much better on alIoy wheels. I like my motoring pretty basic and involving and the earlier car provides this more than than the newer one, it just seems to have more character which is'nt to say that the newer model does'nt have character but I found it too refined for my tastes. The newer model, being one of the last of the plus 8 had everything chucked at it from the options list and again when you stood the two side by side, the newer car looked a bit of tarts handbag in comparison to the older car. Having said that, getting in and out of the short door older model with any dignity takes some practice and I'm not looking forward to having to put the roof up in hurry but having said that, I don't even carry the hood in the car and just stick with the tonneau cover even when I've been caught out by the odd shower. It just puts wider grin on my face than the newer car ever did. Not a tangible analysis I know but one more from the heart. Best of luck with yours. Regards Steve
