Today’s want

[ZedLeg]

The Volvo bug has been biting again.

Seeing a C30 the other day has led me to the cheapest manual T5 on ebay.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266828727472 ... media=COPY

What could go wrong

Very dull to drive though - they look nice and are very easy to live with but poor economy, don't make a lot of noise to show off the 5-cyl engine either.

I knew they weren’t the last word dynamically but what Volvo is.

My thinking is that the platform is the same as the mk2 Focus so there must be some cross compatibility with ST/RS stuff.

Which would lead to the question, why not just get a Focus ST?

The answer is that they’re all rusty, expensive or rusty and expensive.

[IanF]

Always worth a perusal: compressor or chainsaw anyone? 20T towing strop.. razor wire? No?.. try looking again after some Buckfast

https://bid.mod-sales.com/auctions/8933 ... ageSize=60

@Sundayjumper https://bid.mod-sales.com/auctions/8926 ... 7e01012e76

[Mito Man]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266828247525 ... R-CBior9Yw
£48k

[simon_g]

I do very much approve of the concept, but.... if you are going to the bother of completely swapping out the engine - I am aware there are LS-powered MX5/Miata out there. I mention that with zero idea of the comparative cost/difficulty/negatives associated with throwing a large capacity LS-V8 in there, but a gloriously gargling V8 soundtrack plus oodles of power would appear rather obvious positives.

A many-part series here:

Needs cutting/welding on the mk1/2, wheras I think the Jag v6 can fit straight in.

Plus there are plenty of engines in unloved old Jaguars here, while a LS is a lot more expensive to get your hands on.

[mik]

A many-part series here:

I had no idea you could lift the body off the not-ladder-frame-chassis of an MX5 like that

I scanned E1 and then jumped immediately to E12.

I fully accept everything you said about the Jag engines, but then I listen to that LS3 and.....

Other than the horrible split rims - that is fabulous!

[integrale_evo]

I assume it’s subframes and a torque tube.

You can do similar to most cars, but the two ends will probably roll away from each other making it look a bit less car like

[Mito Man]

Looking at these again

Real world care free Nomad. I don't like that they all have CVT gearboxes though with pretty low top speeds so your banging off the limiter at 60-70 mph and I'm too old for that. However you can get them all sorts of sideways whilst doing your best Richard Burns impression, look down and see that you're only doing 35 mph.

FFS, I managed to forget about this until I saw one at Goodwood and I’ve been thinking about it ever since

I’m an idiot and a Neanderthal, this was my favourite car of the show
Base price is £18,000 but the one pictured above had all the options ticked and was £24,000. They’re just too much money for a stupid thing. I’m really hoping a few people buy them so I can pick one up used for mid-low teens.

The exact one
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/31539922771 ... R7bBmqb-Yw
Almost picked up the phone to call the seller about it today but I don’t think I can commit.
Ugh I’m torn over it tbh.

[Gavin]

The Volvo bug has been biting again.

Seeing a C30 the other day has led me to the cheapest manual T5 on ebay.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266828727472 ... media=COPY

What could go wrong

Very dull to drive though - they look nice and are very easy to live with but poor economy, don't make a lot of noise to show off the 5-cyl engine either.

I knew they weren’t the last word dynamically but what Volvo is.

My thinking is that the platform is the same as the mk2 Focus so there must be some cross compatibility with ST/RS stuff.

Which would lead to the question, why not just get a Focus ST?

The answer is that they’re all rusty, expensive or rusty and expensive.

We briefly had an S40 of similar vintage, it did not feel very Volvoish at all, the cascade dash was nice enough, but everything felt cheap and lacked the quality solidity of all my previous Volvos. It was replaced by a D5 S60 which was a different league, comfy seats, amazing hifi, engine was a gem, 60 mpg on a run, averaged around 50, so although heavier than the 1.6D S40, it was far more economical.

Get a nice T5 V70 or S60, or even a manul S60R if you can find one.

[IanF]

[Rich B]

4.6l
High efficiency
270bhp.

[DeskJockey]

They haven't specified which component is "high efficiency". I'll bet the fuel pump is highly efficient at draining the tank!

[Mito Man]

Probably 8mpg

[IanF]

[MikeHunt]

https://www.hkperformance.co.uk/details ... t/1050360/

[Sundayjumper]

Yeah the Alpina is very nice A bit at the price but I guess it's "find another one" territory.

[Matty]

90's audio systems were CAF Love that with the square screen.

[MikeHunt]

Only £22k 6 years ago.

[Mito Man]

Still crazy that it was the last good looking 7 series.

[JonMad]

Looking at these again

Real world care free Nomad. I don't like that they all have CVT gearboxes though with pretty low top speeds so your banging off the limiter at 60-70 mph and I'm too old for that. However you can get them all sorts of sideways whilst doing your best Richard Burns impression, look down and see that you're only doing 35 mph.

FFS, I managed to forget about this until I saw one at Goodwood and I’ve been thinking about it ever since

I’m an idiot and a Neanderthal, this was my favourite car of the show
Base price is £18,000 but the one pictured above had all the options ticked and was £24,000. They’re just too much money for a stupid thing. I’m really hoping a few people buy them so I can pick one up used for mid-low teens.

The exact one
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/31539922771 ... R7bBmqb-Yw
Almost picked up the phone to call the seller about it today but I don’t think I can commit.
Ugh I’m torn over it tbh.

Sold. Did you buy it? Never seen them before but looks awesome. My first thought was - autosolo and targa rally!

[ZedLeg]

Still crazy that it was the last good looking 7 series.

Don't know if last good looking is right but there's definitely not been a better looking one since.

I'd probably get one I wouldn't feel bad airbagging on BBS split rims but the Alpina is smart.