Miguel Sánchez
Purchase suggestions are back The Escudería. Suggestions that this time will not target less-seen models but specific units. All of them available in the Spanish market, without the need for restoration and also with prices that are more or less credible for the average enthusiast.
Of course, in this case we will talk about convertible units, so we advise you not to make too many comparisons with the comparable offers Hardtop; exclusivity comes at a price, and—in that sense—open-top driving has always required a healthier wallet, even with the same equipment and features.
That said, our selection of three possibilities - plus a final suggestion - will take us through garages of Valencia, Madrid and Girona. Three spots on the Iberian Peninsula where convertible versions of the tempting Peugeot 306 2.0, Ford Escort XR3i and Golf Mk1 await us.
All of them with the MOT in order, Spanish registration plates and good states of apparent conservation under a range between the 4.950 and 11.900 euros. Anyway, another day we'll talk about the Lotus Elan S2 again—or even the M100, which we defend just as much as Davide Cironi—but today it's about what it is: convertibles for the majority based on popular compacts.
PEUGEOT 306 2.0 CABRIOLET, THE MOST SENSIBLE OPTION
The image of convertibles has been associated with sportiness and speed. However, if you've dealt with owners of open-top vehicles, you'll already know about the convenience of using these models under the parameters of a quiet driving, enjoying the vision of the surroundings, detached from the nerve inherent in speed.
In short: unless you have the desire to emulate the pilots of the fifties in their improvised “tray"The logical thing in a convertible is to enjoy a smooth and quiet handling for a beautiful mountain road by the sea.
In this way, if the geography of your residence does not suit you, it is better not to buy a convertible; but if your thing is an area like Mallorca or the Axarquía This Peugeot 306 2.0 Cabriolet is an excellent choice for enjoying a convertible sensibly.
Powered by its 2-litre, 123-hp petrol engine, This Peugeot It not only has easy maintenance but also has a noble and predictable reactions powered by a mechanism that is not at all given to the nerves of the most demanding piloting.
All of this is finished off with the fantastic aesthetics of Pininfarina's signature, in which the wickerwork of what is undoubtedly destined to be is woven. a young classic capable of turning heads as it passes by with a price of 11.900 euros and 55.000 km on the odometer.
We can think of a flaw: the combination of the leather on the seats and the sweat produced by the summer heat in the Mediterranean coastBut we also trust that you won't have sex in the Peugeot, but rather in your home, hostel, or tent. We, at least, aren't prone to contortions.
FORD ESCORT XR3i CABRIO, THE EIGHTIES' OPTION FOR POPULAR CONVERTIBLES
Reviewing this selection, we have a lot of homework to do, and at La Escudería it would be very useful to have an article capable of analyzing all the keys to the Ford Escort XR3/XR3iA very interesting model for those who want to get started in regularity rallies, and whose history shows substantial changes between the Escort MK3 and the Escort MK4 versions.
In general terms, that transition that took place at the end of the eighties was based on using the same engine - a reliable 1.6 with up to 105 HP - arranged in different settings, since while the XR3 of the Mk3 went in a more "rally"The Mk4 was aimed at the widest possible audience segment, trying to compete with the sports compacts led by the Golf GTI.
At this point, the convertible unit featured in these lines It belongs to the Escort XR3i Mk4 already with electronic injection, new cylinder head and a gearbox much more civilized - although also impersonal - than its predecessor.
In short: this sporty base - but without being demanding - is the best possible for a convertible with recreational overtones, of which we see here a unit of 1989 With a well-preserved interior, around 50.000 kilometers on the odometer, and a asking price of just 10.000 euros. Very tempting.
GOLF MK1, THE MOST CHARMING CHOICE
If you regularly read La Escudería, you'll already know that we don't tend to confuse encyclopedicity with impartiality. That is, we publish daily publications capable of covering all kinds of topics and purchasing suggestions, but we also clearly explain our likes and dislikes with complete sincerity.
Because of this, we will be clear: in relation to convertibles made on the basis of the popular compact, everything related to the Golf Mk1 It's going to be our preferred option. And yes, it's purely for vanity. For the pure vanity of an aesthetic defined by the coordinates of a pared-down size and flat volumes, very much in line with the Giugiaro of that era.
That said, this 1 Golf Mk1982 with its MOT in order until next August couldn't have caught our attention more. Offered in Girona for 4.950 euros -some of his coreligionists go up to 14.000, so this figure is still surprising even though we are talking about a basic unit with the 1.6 carbureted of only 75 HP - this one is not in its original condition.
But that doesn't matter, because the widened track perfectly matches its rugged dark green color, thus promising intrepid driving sensations. The only drawback would be the more than 160.000 kilometers on the odometer, but the truth is that in the Golf Mk1 the German reliability of the time is mixed with a good assortment of spare parts to make maintenance relatively simple.
Conclusion: Call the owner and ask, it could be an excellent classic and, although it may be underpowered, it also doesn't have much weight. Always remember to Colin chapman when looking for a non-family sports car.
ONE MORE RECOMMENDATION
We've now finished our trio of convertible suggestions based on popular compacts. However, if you're thinking of driving with an open top, we're going to be generous enough to recommend something different from what we've seen: the MG F.
Conceived after the impact of the MX-5 on the British market, this model wanted to recapture local pride in terms of "roadsters» and - oh surprise - he didn't succeed. In this sense his legion of critics continues to this day and there are still many who will criticize him. advise against fervently its purchase.
We recommend it to you. First of all, because we're talking about collectible vehicles, a field where originality counts more than practicality, as anyone who owns a classic should already have their daily mobility needs met.
So, the MG F is the simplest and most credible option - possibly the only one when talking about "youngtimers"- when it comes to having a two-seater sports car in the garage with center-rear engine. Regarding the mechanics, its 118/143 hp are more than enough for its weight of just over 1.000 kilos, so you... You're not Jean Ragnotti, so don't go crazy with the accelerator pedal.
And you don't have to go to foreign markets: peninsular offer It covers a good number of well-preserved units with an average price of around 5.000 eurosSo yes, a convertible based on a popular compact car offers many advantages, but who needs advantages when you can have a mid-rear engine?
