Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) Cars that are the Antidote to losing interest...

So, we have a thread about losing interest in driving for pleasure but what are the cars that are the antidote to that feeling?

Obviously, there is likely to be a strong vote for Morgans of all forms but what else does, could or would tempt you to get behind the wheel, just for the sake of it?

Personally, and to start things off, I found a Mk1 Mazda MX-5 to be the perfect antidote. Whilst people complain about speed cameras, you don't have to be doing law breaking speeds to enjoy driving it. The suspension is supple enough that even poor quality roads don't phase it or make a journey unpleasant. Lastly, even buying a cared for one, in excellent condition, won't break the bank.

Although I haven't driven one, I would imagine a preowned Alpine A110 would tick similar boxes, although the lack of manual gearbox may rule it out for some people.

So, over to you all. I am as capable as most of bemoaning the state of driving but this thread isn't about that: this thread is about vehicles that inject joy into the virus that is petrol-misery!

I used to borrow the twin cab diesel pick up used for rubber lining at mines in S Africa from a company I worked for called Linatex. The fitter borrowed my Toyota Carolla hire car & I took his Hilux up to Pilansberg for a weeked camping in a game park. What a vehicle in the veld. It came back covered in red dust as I was I from the dirt roads. The bed of the pick up let me bring a few Castles & some Klipdift along. Absolute heaven to get back to nature and impossible without that slow noisy Hilux.
The pleasure of making a BBQ starting with wood by your tent, sipping a beer after a hrad days drive & allowing the wood to turn to hot coals and then after dinner watching the stars appear was immense.

Here are some of the locals.


If anyone offered me that vehicular experience again I wouldn't say no.

The mg midget has alot going for it funwise. Struggling to keep one on the road as I came over the brow of a hill on a bend, I saw a speedtrap. Cursing I looked down at the speedo to find I was doing 30mph. Alot of fun at legal speeds. No modern facets at all.
Nick

Nick,
agreed I love d my 1969 Midget . So much fun with so little power. Ditto my Inidan spe Enfield Bullet 350 in Kenya with 12 bhp or porbably a lot less.

My 300tdi Landrover Defender 90" ... never fails to amuse me .... even after all the years ... and contrary to internet chatter has just run and run without letting me down once. Not pretty, not sophisticated but it's honesty does it for me every time.

K

If I had a 2 car garage - or even room for a 2 car garage - This is what would be alongside the Plus 4 in a shot - Well a year, as that's the waiting list time....




Pembleton T24

Older cars will always be more fun to drive, but it's complex on many levels. Growing up we naturally want the next model, because thats the Motor manufacturers survival plan. But for a start that depends on disposable income, which for many rules this out.

Then you get the divergence between driving involvement, and modern push button driver aids. Some get pleasure from one approach, some from the other. I've had my share of rentals over the years. Enough to make me realise that 95% of cars are dull. Enough to make me realise that a Morgan, on a road trip like the Scottish Highlands, makes the journey that much more special. My most enjoyable rental was a 12 seater Vauxhall minibus, and that was simply because I could thrash the nuts off it, it went surprisingly well, and would carve through traffic effortlessly.

The solution to driving enjoyment isn't lardy SUVs, it isn't autos or driver aids. It's lightweight simplicity. Try a Smart Roadster. Try an early MX5, or simple Caterham, or Chesil Speedster. That's where you find a smile.

You’re absolutely right about the MX5, that was my first “ of no real practical use” car I bought, great fun.
Can’t help but think a Dacia Duster would be good fun, it would have to be the cheapest, most basic version though, they’re the coolest.

Similar with my 200Tdi version from 1990, which for the present is my everyday "car". The better view from the extra height is great. Sally has to bring her "caravan" step in order to climb in though

Agree re the Alpine and MX-5

Original Mini.
Modern Mini Cooper S
VW T2 camper, it just felt as if the competitive world was invisible.
M3 E30
BMW Z3M Clowns Shoe
Any EVO/Subaru Impreza/Skyline GTR
TR4/5/6
TVR's, when they are working


I did have a laugh driving a rented Ford Transit some time back. Lets just keep that between us.