Other vehicles like the VX: Affordable, limited production, crazy owner obsession

[Osteomata]

Just curious, what other vehicles have a similar situation as the VX? That is: autos that, for whatever reason, had a very limited production run, are accessible/affordable (no Ferraris!) but enjoy something similar to the VX owners enthusiasm/obession/worship. My initial thoughts suggest:

1. Pontiac Aztek
2. Suburu Baja

Your thoughts?

[pbkid]

interesting thread idea....
maybe not super rare but pontiac fiero has a big following(poor mans porsche)
not sure who makes it, but i know the grand national is one heck of a vehicle for its time...(lots of power for the looks)
check out the t-rex too, dont know about the rarity but i know people are very into modding them (similar to the VX)

[Osteomata]

Fiero, good call. Somewhat unrelated, but they are also popular in the eco-modder community.

T-Rex, wow, had to google that one. Tri-wheel, dual front / single back. Odd, cool, but very.... odd. I'll leave it at that.

[Thmstec]

I wanted a subaru baja turbo bad, but then I came across the VX, and I'm glad I did.

Would love to have a fiero too

Aztek.... ;puke:

Buick ;) Grand National

Wouldn't have thought the t-rex was popular with the modders. Going to have to check that out.

[etlsport]

subaru svx

acura nsx

chevy SSR

[pbkid]

I wanted a subaru baja turbo bad, but then I came across the VX, and I'm glad I did.

Would love to have a fiero too

Aztek.... ;puke:

Buick ;) Grand National

Wouldn't have thought the t-rex was popular with the modders. Going to have to check that out.

buick, there it is lol....(sorry im young so i dont know these older cars, but i respect them)

ya the t-rex has become really big with the whole modding community...
just think about it, TONS of power, something you almost never see (i have only seen one in person), and tons of potential for modification

oh, and what about the toyota supra? or the nissan skyline? or mazda rx-7?

those are all huge in the import community...

[pbkid]

subaru svx

acura nsx

my cousin has a 93 NSX, supercharged, custom borla exhaust, 20 and 19inch FOOSE rims...not a scratch or dent on the car (ya he's super anal)

[Gussie2000]

Friday afternoon i saw this white fiero,the guy was talking on the phone while we were waiting for the traffic light,funny thing about is that onces he saw my VX & give me two thumps up at the same time i did the same with his fiero.

Very nice looking coupes :)

[Rubicool]

Kinda rare these days, and a huge following online.........Porsche 914

This one was a bare metal restoration with a 300hp 3.6 Carerra engine to spice it up a bit!

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/DSCN0187.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12996)

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

I came within an eyelash of buying a black one about 10 years ago...I passed only because it was automatic & I wanted a manual trannie.

turbo-charged 4cyl w/ rwd. Sold as either a Mitsubishi Starion or Chrysler Conquest TSI Turbo.


http://www.starquestclub.com/forum/index.php
http://www.turbomagazine.com/features/0802_turp_1987_dodge_conquest_tsi/index.html

http://www.drifting.com/forums/attachments/buy-and-sell-area/5412d1090995162-1989-chrysler-conquest-tsi-for-sale-conquest-1.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4858/4681/24644840001_large.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/conquest_2_rr.jpg

[isaac65]

How about the 2003 VW GTI 20th Annyversary Edition? I actually own one, lol. I love rare cars!
I also wouldn't mind a DeLorean...

[etlsport]

I came within an eyelash of buying a black one about 10 years ago...I passed only because it was automatic & I wanted a manual trannie.

turbo-charged 4cyl w/ rwd. Sold as either a Mitsubishi Starion or Chrysler Conquest TSI Turbo.

i saw a starion the other day for the first time.. it was red, in really nice condition.. pretty cool looking:thumbup:

[PittVXr]

I've always liked the Plymouth Prowler.

[Scott Harness]

How about the 2003 VW GTI 20th Annyversary Edition? I actually own one, lol. I love rare cars!
I also wouldn't mind a DeLorean...
I had the Euro 25th anniversary GTI 337...NICE!:cool:

[tjh]

I wanted a T-Rex , the price tag was a deterrent for me . I'm a bit of a Toyota fan so , how about the celica gt-4, mr2 turbo , and the Fj 40 . In the not so affordable is the Toyota 2000 gt convertible . I know there were a lot of fj 40's built , but I rarely see them . Well except when I go out to the barn that is . Mine is slightly modified .

[CoastieCosta567]

Well the T-Rex is something you get made for you, it's not something that came out and sold, you get it made if you have the cash, so it's not really a production car, it's kinda of a rare and some what expansive modded motocylce.

http://www.campagnamotors.com/index.html

thats the website.

December 4, 2004 Despite being classified as a motorcycle, the radically styled T-Rex three-wheeler handles more like a sportscar with the help of huge, sophisticated rear suspension that significantly enhances road holding. A distant relative of the Morgan automobile, the T-Rex exploits Japanese motorbike technology to create a 1200cc superbike engine that can go from 0-97 km/h in a lightning 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 225 km/h.

The chassis features a multi-tubular steel-roll cage for maximum protection and the glass-fibre reinforced plastic body contains a carbon-fibre windscreen and headrest. The driving position, the angle of the steering wheel and the suspension make this three-wheeler respond like a car while a wide front track and a balanced geometry give T-Rex drivers extraordinary control. Additionally, the new TR V-Twin offers an open-air cab that adds an extra level of street cred to an already eye-catching vehicle.

The combination of motorcycle technology and precision steering provides the T-Rex with optimal handling. The 28 litre fuel tank supplies a 1200 c, 4 cylinder engine that exploits Japanese superbike technology to give the T-Rex it's astounding acceleration. A six-speed close ratio gear box allows sequential change, with a purposely designed final drive housing the reverse gear and a torque damper in the rear wheel.

Inside the cockpit, two seats fit a driver and a passenger and featue an adjustable back and foot-pedal box along with three-point retractable security belts. The compact design doesn't leave much room for luggage - but this is taken care of with an optional extra suitcase by the wheel designed by Giva Maxia in soft cover, chrome or carbon-fibre.

History

Founded in 1990 in the Province of Quebec (Canada), the Campagna Corporation has acquired a reputation within the automotive industry since the development of the first T-Rex prototype in 1994. Campagna's founder Daniel Campagna has devoted more than eight years to creating the T-Rex, personally handcrafting the first vehicles. Since then, Campagna has gathered a creative team of technicians carrying the mission, the vision and the T-Rex heritage.

Daniel Campagna is no newcomer to the automotive industry. In addition to participating in Formula Ford competition championships held in Quebec (1976, 1977 and 1979), he built the off-road racer Voodoo in 1982 and created the twin-track snowmobile in 1984. Meanwhile, Campagna was one of the mechanics to the Formula 1 legend: Gilles Villeneuve.

Paul Deutschman is an internationally known designer who developed the bodywork for the T-Rex. After graduating from Hatfield (England) with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Deutschman was employed by Rover and Jaguar before he returned to his native Quebec to work in design and prototype construction. As a designer from Callaway, he was responsible for all Callaway cars, from Corvette aerobody to C-7 and C-12.

T-Rex's are available for a suggested retail price of US$43,190 and can be ordered direct from:

http://www.campagnamotors.com/

[Riff Raff]

I wanted a T-Rex , the price tag was a deterrent for me . I'm a bit of a Toyota fan so , how about the celica gt-4, mr2 turbo , and the Fj 40 . In the not so affordable is the Toyota 2000 gt convertible . I know there were a lot of fj 40's built , but I rarely see them . Well except when I go out to the barn that is . Mine is slightly modified .

TJH--- Well, I'll be damned. I thought I was the only VX'er here with an FJ-40. Mine is a prestine 1978 FJ-40 that I've owned since new. It is the original mustard yellow with only 70,000 original miles, and 100% OEM stock except for BFG A/T - LT33x9.5-15 tires. As you can tell it's not a daily driver; but rather, only used for specific missions and outings.

There are plenty of "clubs" for the FJ-40; however, I have never seen a better "forum/blog" site than Vehicross.Info for the '99--'01 Isuzu Vehicross. I have visited many other automotive forums/blogs as a guest and the people on those other sites are totally rude and obnoxious. Here on Vehicross.Info I've found a truly genuine comraderee of fellowship that is extremely rare and unique of which people go to great lengths in an effort to help each other. Some of you have already become E-Mail "pen-pals" with me, and I am proud to be part of this close-knit family!!!

[lasturbo]

For a 4x4, I consider the Classic Range Rover a dying breed and alot harder to find if not abused or a rust bucket. 87-95 in North America. There are "cult" rover clubs all over the country similar to the VX family. The ol' body Ford Broncos are cool too..

[WormGod]

Just curious, what other vehicles have a similar situation as the VX? That is: autos that, for whatever reason, had a very limited production run, are accessible/affordable (no Ferraris!) but enjoy something similar to the VX owners enthusiasm/obession/worship. My initial thoughts suggest:

1. Pontiac Aztek
2. ANY Subaru model

Your thoughts?

Corrected. :)

[kodiak]

Awesome thread!:cool:

Ok, this is my top ten list of Very Rare relatively inexpensive vehicles with a cult following. . I also added there club links.;)

1 Acura NSX http://www.nsxprime.com/
2 Delorean http://www.deloreanowners.org (http://www.deloreanowners.org/)
3 Chevy SSR http://www.ssrfanatic.com (http://www.ssrfanatic.com/)
4 Plymouth Prowler http://www.prowleronline.com (http://www.prowleronline.com/)
5 Cadillac Allante http://www.allante.com (http://www.allante.com/)
6 Ford Mustang SVO http://www.svoca.com (http://www.svoca.com/)
7 Buick Grand National http://www.turbobuicks.com (http://www.turbobuicks.com/)
8 Subaru SVX http://www.subarusvx.com (http://www.subarusvx.com/)
9 Ford SHO http://www.shoclub.com (http://www.shoclub.com/)
10 Avanti http://www.theavanti.com (http://www.theavanti.com)

[pbkid]

i actually bought a fiero like 4 years ago...

found one in the newpaper that the body and int were in great shape but the motor didnt run (which is what i wanted because i wanted to drop 300ZX motor into it) asking $800...ended up getting it for $500.

went and got it with my dad's 350 and flatbed trailer.
got home that after noon and started looking into the motor...figured out that it had bad fuel. so i went ahead and disconnected the fuel line at the filter and turned the ignition on to pump out all the bad fuel.

anyhow, got all the old fuel out, reconnected everything, and put new fuel in...
(keep in mind i bought this and made this mistake when i was in high school)

anyhow, got in, started her up and everything ran fine...next thing i know my new car had 25 foot flames coming out from underneath of it (ya there was a TON of fuel on the ground around the car, and apparently it was flammable enough to ignite)

got out of the car and by the time i got a hose and got the fire put out the car was toast...nothing left but metal (all the fiberglass melted and frayed)

the car wasnt even off the trailer yet :(

my dad came out freaking out at first because there were huge flames coming off his trailer...then once he realized there was no one hurt and the only damage done was my 'new' car...he only had one statement (which he thought was pretty f'in funny)

"guess we know why they call it a fiero huh?"

so ya, thats my fiero story :)

[tjh]

TJH--- Well, I'll be damned. I thought I was the only VX'er here with an FJ-40. Mine is a prestine 1978 FJ-40 that I've owned since new. It is the original mustard yellow with only 70,000 original miles, and 100% OEM stock except for BFG A/T - LT33x9.5-15 tires. As you can tell it's not a daily driver; but rather, only used for specific missions and outings.


1974 green no dents Paint job needs some fixing due to a incident with shooting some paint that was the wrong color after a little refurbishing .400,000 plus miles on it . 289v8 under the hood custom dual exhaust that exit right behind the door . 4 speed . custom brush bumper that wraps around the front of the jeep, up over the tire wells and down around the doors to form nerf bars ,then terminates right behind the door . Oh and an old Ramsey winch . Rolling bfg mud I forget the name . 31's on stock rims . It was my fathers daily driver he bought long time ago , He picked up the notes ,so he almost had it since new .
Dad lost his eye site so he can't drive it , as he had said when I was just a little boy if you want this jeep when I can no longer drive it tell me now . I said yes! I want it! So it's mine now .

I'm keeping it in the family . So ,no its not for sell . I love that old thing. It's more than just a car to me .

[VX KAT]

Love the FIRE-O story!!

I'd add Land Rover D90 and 110 to the "cars with cult following" category. We had a '97 D90 for 5 years, too much fun, ah, the places we went in that! (But oh so primitive). Traded it (after much hand-wringing) for a new FJ Cruiser...oh so civilized! But the D90 was awesome. In trying to explain what it was I usually just said "it's those ones you see in African/Safari shows" ....and then people would nod.:yesp:

[nfpgasmask]

Yeah, I was going to say Defender 90. I love em. Someday...

Dub, is that some sort of newer Impulse??

I always liked the 80s ones, kind of like a poor man's DeLorean:

http://isuzu.pro-motors.ru/content/_large/isuzu-876-1.jpg

I know there is a small cult following for these cars for sure, and they sure are rare.

Bart

[don moore]

http://www.amcrc.com/photos/P1010043.jpg
ive owned 2 of this model..

[dmdvzla]

I came within an eyelash of buying a black one about 10 years ago...I passed only because it was automatic & I wanted a manual trannie.

turbo-charged 4cyl w/ rwd. Sold as either a Mitsubishi Starion or Chrysler Conquest TSI Turbo.


http://www.starquestclub.com/forum/index.php
http://www.turbomagazine.com/features/0802_turp_1987_dodge_conquest_tsi/index.html

http://www.drifting.com/forums/attachments/buy-and-sell-area/5412d1090995162-1989-chrysler-conquest-tsi-for-sale-conquest-1.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4858/4681/24644840001_large.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/conquest_2_rr.jpg


Being almost all my life a big fan of Mitsubishi's I would have to agree with you on this one. I've had 4 Starions/Conquest and they are amazing machines. So my list:
-1987-1989 Mitsubishi Starion/Conquest TSI
-1991-1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR4 (2500 units made)
-1994 Mitsubishi Galant GS (1500 units made)
-199? Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 Spider (500 units made)

[blacksambo]

Don't forget the Canadian....Bricklin. The first safety first car.

[pbkid]

what about the late 80's corolla's??

lots of fans who are into drift...

[Thmstec]

buick, there it is lol....(sorry im young so i dont know these older cars, but i respect them)

You forget, I'm only 19 myself :P

[jdm monkey]

I am hooked on this affordable and limited production car search. This is the reason why I bought my VX. I currently own an Acura NSX and an Toyota MR-S and I think both cars are well qualified to be on the list.
I would also consider the following cars: Mazda RX7 3rd gen (FD3S), MK4 Supra (JZA80), Mitsu 3000GT VR4, Datsun 240/260/280Z, Toyota Starlet (KP81), Toyota Corolla Sprinter (Mango).

[Ldub]

Dub, is that some sort of newer Impulse??

I always liked the 80s ones, kind of like a poor man's DeLorean:

http://isuzu.pro-motors.ru/content/_large/isuzu-876-1.jpg

I know there is a small cult following for these cars for sure, and they sure are rare.

Bart

Sorry Bart, I wish I knew...:sighwgray

I horked those pics from this site when someone was looking to buy an Impulse & posted them...:_confused

I looked around with a search or two, but couldn't find the original thread.

[nmazzone]

The aztec had a relativly limited production run because it is ugly as sin. To qoute a neighbor who owned an Aztec for a few months. "If the aztec was a woman and I woke up with my arm wrapped around her in bed, I would rather chew my arm off than wake her to 'drive' it again."

I like PB kid's sugestions: The Toyota supra is legendary and has in my mind one of the best engines ever put in a car because of its reliablilty and its almost limitless potential. Yet the problem is finding one within reasonable price range and one that is not modded to the extreme and ran incredibly hard.

My best friend is a die hard RX-7 guy. He absolutely swears by them. I've been to several rx-7 events with him, in particular 7-7-2007. They are incredibly impressive in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing with them. But many, including my friend even warns me about them for reliablity issues, mainly with electrical issues in the 93 and up models, which was the attractive model run.

If I could afford an everyday driver that is semi-rare and has a loyal following I would buy a VW R32. Its like the Subaru STI for the grown up.

Yet I think many will agree with me: There just isn't anything the VX.

[kodiak]

That’s more commonly known as the Geo Storm in the US.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geo_Storm

http://www.milkmandan.org/dev/null/archives/geo_storm.jpg


Yeah, I was going to say Defender 90. I love em. Someday...

Dub, is that some sort of newer Impulse??

I always liked the 80s ones, kind of like a poor man's DeLorean:

I know there is a small cult following for these cars for sure, and they sure are rare.

Bart

[VehiGAZ]

1974 green no dents Paint job needs some fixing due to a incident with shooting some paint that was the wrong color after a little refurbishing .400,000 plus miles on it . 289v8 under the hood custom dual exhaust that exit right behind the door . 4 speed . custom brush bumper that wraps around the front of the jeep, up over the tire wells and down around the doors to form nerf bars ,then terminates right behind the door . Oh and an old Ramsey winch . Rolling bfg mud I forget the name . 31's on stock rims . It was my fathers daily driver he bought long time ago , He picked up the notes ,so he almost had it since new .
Dad lost his eye site so he can't drive it , as he had said when I was just a little boy if you want this jeep when I can no longer drive it tell me now . I said yes! I want it! So it's mine now .

I'm keeping it in the family . So ,no its not for sell . I love that old thing. It's more than just a car to me .

This post is useless without pictures....

[VehiGAZ]

Another small-volume classic with owner devotion bordering on clinical psychosis?

The Porsche 928 fits that bill nicely!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/928GT2.jpg

[circmand]

http://www.jensenhealey.com/

[TheGanzman]

Another small-volume classic with owner devotion bordering on clinical psychosis?

The Porsche 928 fits that bill nicely!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/928GT2.jpg

Except for the "affordable" part! I shudder to think what parts/labor on THESE moneypits is like nowadays!:eek:

[Ldub]

http://www.amcrc.com/photos/P1010043.jpg
ive owned 2 of this model..

Isn't that a MARLIN?...Sweet!:thumbup:

[don moore]

yup ..ive had 2 of them a 65 and a 66:p

[VehiGAZ]

Except for the "affordable" part! I shudder to think what parts/labor on THESE moneypits is like nowadays!:eek:

"Affordable" means different things to different people, but owning one is not nearly as bad as you would expect. It does require a steady in-feed of cash, though, and But yes, it has been noted to be one of the highest maintenance cost cars ever built (if you were to bring it to the dealer for everything). Still, parts are readily available, and there is a phenomenal support community on the Rennlist.com forum that will help you locate what you need for the best possible prices, plus provide you with excellent technical advice, too.

A solid running 1987-1991 928 S4 with auto "only" runs between $10k and $15k to buy. Annual maintenance costs will average out to around $1k - $1.5k per year, but you'll have some big-price-tag years in the mix there. The more you can do yourself, the more reasonable it is. It seems that a LOT of the 928 owners are in it for the wrenching as much as for the driving.

Anyway, for that you get a head-turning classic GT coupe that loves the highways as much as the by-ways, and will easily run up to 150 mph and beyond. It's supremely comfortable, extremely powerful, and pretty classy at that.

[vt_maverick]

Here are a few. Not saying I would actually want to own any of these vehicles, but they are three good examples of vehicles from major makes that were discontinued after a small production run.

Lincoln Blackwood (http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/MediaNav/year=2002/make=lincoln/model=blackwood/firstNav=Gallery)
http://www.iceposter.com/thumbs/A28020_b.jpg
The Blackwood was killed only 3-6 months into production, so there are only about 3500 out there. They run cheap on AutoTrader, unless you can find one of the sought-after "Neimann Marcus Edition" models, of which only 50 were made for exclusive sale through their catalog.)

Suzuki X-90 (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=suzuki+x-90&gbv=2)
http://www.izook.com/features/lancex90/images/Fig%2012%20-%20Ready%20to%20drive%20white.jpg
Only 7205 imported to the US - came standard with - count 'em - 95 horses of four cylinder power!!!

Buick Reatta (http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/MediaNav/year=1991/make=buick/model=reatta/firstNav=Gallery)
http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2007/04/Buick_Reatta.jpg
http://www.niot.net/niot_570/buick%20reatta%201988%20niot.net%20(8).jpg
Only about 7000 of these made (wicked cool digital display for back in the day)

[tjh]

This post is useless without pictures....

Here ya go, I went out and snapped one for ya!http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMG_1468_L.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/13015)

[Toad80t]

Suzuki X-90 (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=suzuki+x-90&gbv=2)
http://www.izook.com/features/lancex90/images/Fig%2012%20-%20Ready%20to%20drive%20white.jpg
Only 7205 imported to the US - came standard with - count 'em - 95 horses of four cylinder power!!!


I had a suzuki x-90 or X as we called them. Loved that car!! 2 or 4x4, 25-30 mpg, and they will run forever. Had to sell mine..... having another kid. So, I bought the VX.
There was a X-90 Owners site up untill about 1 year ago. He just didn't have enough money or time to keep it up. What a shame. That place was my home. It was ALOT like this place, which is why I like it here.

[pbkid]

Here ya go, I went out and snapped one for ya!http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMG_1468_L.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/13015)

that thing is cool ;) i would love to have one of those....

oh and on the blackwood, i believe they are making them again now, a friend of mine has a 2006-07
and they were actually EXACTLY the same thing as an F-150 with different lights, grill and interior...maybe rims too...

[VehiGAZ]

Nice FJ40! I saw one in the same color in Londonderry VT this past weekend. That one had a plow on it - still doing hard time.

[circmand]

I had a suzuki x-90 or X as we called them. Loved that car!! 2 or 4x4, 25-30 mpg, and they will run forever. Had to sell mine..... having another kid. So, I bought the VX.

Someone actually bought a VX because they were having a kid

[PHO2GR4]

My very first car was a 1973 Opel GT...sort of a baby Corvette. I don't have any digital photos of mine, but here's a good example:

http://www.opelgt.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/15213

Quick, pretty, easy to work on. Great first car.

[VehiGAZ]

Quick, pretty, easy to work on. Great first car.

My father would not only disagree with that statement but would probably punch you in the nose for saying it! :)

After his Karmen Ghia rusted out, he bought an Opel GT (poor choice there, huh?!). He was under that car every weekend just to keep it running, and I was right there handing him the tools. It was cool as anything when it was running well, but man - his was mostly a POS. Totally rusted out within 5 years, maybe 4.

[pbkid]

how about the healey sprite?
my dad has a bugeye...

[PHO2GR4]

See? It was so easy to work on, he did it all the time!!!
:p


My father would not only disagree with that statement but would probably punch you in the nose for saying it! :)

After his Karmen Ghia rusted out, he bought an Opel GT (poor choice there, huh?!). He was under that car every weekend just to keep it running, and I was right there handing him the tools. It was cool as anything when it was running well, but man...

[MoonRaker]

I came within an eyelash of buying a black one about 10 years ago...I passed only because it was automatic & I wanted a manual trannie.

turbo-charged 4cyl w/ rwd. Sold as either a Mitsubishi Starion or Chrysler Conquest TSI Turbo.


http://www.starquestclub.com/forum/index.php
http://www.turbomagazine.com/features/0802_turp_1987_dodge_conquest_tsi/index.html

http://www.drifting.com/forums/attachments/buy-and-sell-area/5412d1090995162-1989-chrysler-conquest-tsi-for-sale-conquest-1.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4858/4681/24644840001_large.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/conquest_2_rr.jpg

I had one, that was a fun car, looked just like that blue one. How about that AWD Porsche that came out in the 90s I think. They won baja or the Dekar with it. It was a 911 of some sort.

[MoonRaker]

Another small-volume classic with owner devotion bordering on clinical psychosis?

The Porsche 928 fits that bill nicely!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/928GT2.jpg

I just saw a black one today, good lookin car V8 also.

[MoonRaker]

Here it is

[pbkid]

I just saw a black one today, good lookin car V8 also.

actually they are pretty slow, but i guess for the time they were built they were fast....

one of my x co-workers had one and i drove it...not all that impressive...

[Toad80t]

I had a suzuki x-90 or X as we called them. Loved that car!! 2 or 4x4, 25-30 mpg, and they will run forever. Had to sell mine..... having another kid. So, I bought the VX.

Someone actually bought a VX because they were having a kid

It's tough to get myself and 2 kids into a 2 seater. Without beaking the law anyway:p

[DeepSilentComplete]

DMC-12 Delorean

[MoonRaker]

It would have been nice if they did a production version of Robbie Gordons H3. Theres no way a leaf sprung HUMMER was going to match the performance of the VX.
http://www.off-roadweb.com/features/0606or_robby_gordon_racing_hummer_h3/index.html

[DeepSilentComplete]

It would have been nice if they did a production version of Robbie Gordons H3. Theres no way a leaf sprung HUMMER was going to match the performance of the VX.
http://www.off-roadweb.com/features/0606or_robby_gordon_racing_hummer_h3/index.html

Hummer, that is soooo pre-four dollar per gallon gasoline... ;)

[MoonRaker]

Yep, gas prices suck. On that subject, I just got mail from fox racing about some suspension for my high milage fuel saver, take a look. Were already talking about an AWD version.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=159517

[kach22i]

Suzuki X-90 (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=suzuki+x-90&gbv=2)
http://www.izook.com/features/lancex90/images/Fig%2012%20-%20Ready%20to%20drive%20white.jpg
Only 7205 imported to the US - came standard with - count 'em - 95 horses of four cylinder power!!!
That is the only picture of an X-90 I've seen which did not look like a chick car.

I had a K-line notchback top on my Geo Tracker, looked much cooler in my opinion.

Gallery:
http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x295/kach22i/Zebra%20Tracker/
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x295/kach22i/Zebra%20Tracker/ZT-2.jpg

Couple more pictures in this album:
http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x295/kach22i/S10%204x4%20Pick%20Up/

[Phantom]

http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jarednile/images.jpg

The GNX version of these is a real cult favorite. Even the NQ version is pretty badass from a performance standpoint. Looks wise it is definately a love it or leave it design like our beloved VX. MSRP on the 1987 GNX was 29 and change, less than the vx was when released and it pounded the vette in 0-60 and 1/4 mile. People have modded these to get well below 10 sec 1/4 miles.

oh and the GMC typhoon/syclones as well, they made about as many of those as were made of the VX.

[Raque Thomas]

How about that Subaru SVX (I think that was what it was named) - had the "window within a window" on the sides - only the middle section of the glass rolled down. Odd, but they seem to have a loyal following.

[pbkid]

phantom- ya i mentioned the grand national a little while back, its a cool car for its time...really impressive

raque- the reasoning behind the wierd windows on the SVX is for aerodynamics

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jarednile/images.jpg

The GNX version of these is a real cult favorite. Even the NQ version is pretty badass from a performance standpoint. Looks wise it is definately a love it or leave it design like our beloved VX. MSRP on the 1987 GNX was 29 and change, less than the vx was when released and it pounded the vette in 0-60 and 1/4 mile. People have modded these to get well below 10 sec 1/4 miles.

oh and the GMC typhoon/syclones as well, they made about as many of those as were made of the VX.


Anybody here fans of the "Fast & the Furious" movies...this April 3rd (I believe) a new one with all the original cast (Vin Diesel, etc...) & the previews show Vin Diesel in a Buick Grand National.....just a F.Y.I.!

[Phantom]

My mistake PB, I missed your post. I know you are a car audio installer so I thought you might find it interesting that I got to know about the grand national thru my VX. I was putting in my stereo when I first got my baby and was looking for a place to buy the HU and and mid and high amp. I was driving from my house to best buy to see if they had the alpine cda-9887 that I was interested in and drove by a pretty large shop that had a big alpine banner out front and decided to swing by. The shop turned out to be Speakerworks, a legend in car audio circles, I had heard of them, but didn't know they were just down the road from me! The owner and I had a very long talk about car audio in general and he showed me the pictures of their grand national install that is still to this day considered to be one of the greatest car audio installs of all time and some of their other local installs. I wanted to get them to do a SQ install on my vx using their waveguide horns and serious sound deadening but I just didn't (and still don't) have the cheese to make that happen. I did end up buying almost all of my gear from them and installing it myself, and am very happy with the results. But I know I won't ever be satisfied until I take the VX down there for the royal treatment. I can only imagine what it must have been like driving that GN around town :bgwb:

[pbkid]

wow, thats awesome!!!

i would love to see some pics of what they came up with...

[Phantom]

http://www.usdaudio.com/sw/cars/buick/

http://www.termpro.com/showcars/index.asp?Page=20

[don moore]

[QUOTE=Phantom;151376]http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jarednile/images.jpg

the guy down the street has 4 GNs different years..

[VehiGAZ]

actually they are pretty slow, but i guess for the time they were built they were fast....

one of my x co-workers had one and i drove it...not all that impressive...

Huh? Slow?! I'm not sure what model you are talking about pbkid (since MoonRaker referenced my 928 but posted a picture of a 911).

My 1989 928-GT was spec'd to do 0-60 mph in 5.8 sec with a top speed of 171 mph. I would hardly call that slow. Maybe your co-worker had an early-80's model? Those were a bit pokey at around 7 sec for 0-60.

That said, those were fast cars in their day. You don't remember the dark ages when Corvettes made a stunning 170 hp, huh?

[JoFotoz]

My other "obsession"...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/139.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13186)


Owned her for 15 years....but , she's up for sale...:o


jo

[don moore]

jo..thx Ive wondered what she looked like...sorry she has to go.....how much?

[JoFotoz]

As she stands....


jo.......how much?

....$8000.00


jo

[pbkid]

Huh? Slow?! I'm not sure what model you are talking about pbkid (since MoonRaker referenced my 928 but posted a picture of a 911).

My 1989 928-GT was spec'd to do 0-60 mph in 5.8 sec with a top speed of 171 mph. I would hardly call that slow. Maybe your co-worker had an early-80's model? Those were a bit pokey at around 7 sec for 0-60.

That said, those were fast cars in their day. You don't remember the dark ages when Corvettes made a stunning 170 hp, huh?

ill find out exactly what model and year he had...all i know was that it was one of those older porsches with the weird round and flat lights (flush with the hood) and the weird long hatch....

definately smoked it with my 200hp integra....and his car weighed less than mine so i dont think he was running that much hp...(and yes i know japanese sports car haters are gonna call me a liar but im running about 195hp to the wheel on my teg, its been dyno'ed)

[VehiGAZ]

ill find out exactly what model and year he had...all i know was that it was one of those older porsches with the weird round and flat lights (flush with the hood) and the weird long hatch....

Sounds like it could have been a 924 or 944 even? They both had 4-bangers. Let me know what you find out - I'm curious...

[nfpgasmask]

As she stands....

....$8000.00

jo

It's nice, but with that hideous paint job, I'd only give you $2000. :eek::rolleyes::p

:) Bart

[pbkid]

Sounds like it could have been a 924 or 944 even? They both had 4-bangers. Let me know what you find out - I'm curious...

ok, it was a 1988 porsche 944...

so, as you said it had a 4 banger in it..sorry for the confusion, i personally dislike porsches and think they are highly over-rated, thus is the reasoning for my confusion on which one it was (i can respect other people for thinking they are neat cars however, similar to how some people love the VX and some hate it...) so, by no means am i trying to say that anyone who owns a porsche has bad taste, it just isnt my taste ;) (just covering my arse because i know otherwise it would have been ripped because i know there are a lot of porsche fans in the world)

[nfpgasmask]

ok, it was a 1988 porsche 944...

so, as you said it had a 4 banger in it..sorry for the confusion, i personally dislike porsches and think they are highly over-rated, thus is the reasoning for my confusion on which one it was (i can respect other people for thinking they are neat cars however, similar to how some people love the VX and some hate it...) so, by no means am i trying to say that anyone who owns a porsche has bad taste, it just isnt my taste ;) (just covering my arse because i know otherwise it would have been ripped because i know there are a lot of porsche fans in the world)

You know, I have never been a big Porsche fan. My dad had two when I was a kid and he still loves them. My wife always wanted one as well, and last December she bought one. It is still not my thing in any way, however it is a very nice little car. It's super quick and pretty fun to drive. I can't say anything bad about them thus far.

Bart

[pbkid]

maybe its just that every experience with someone who owned one was a bad one...they all seem to think they are better than everyone else...

they may be fast and handle well, which i cant argue with facts, but the looks in my opinion are old and outdated...the only type i would every consider owning would be a cayenne S...

it just seems like they are afraid to change to a newer body style because people wont like them or something, so they stay with the same old boring body they have always had...and i feel the exact same way about people who own corvettes...

[nfpgasmask]

maybe its just that every experience with someone who owned one was a bad one...they all seem to think they are better than everyone else...

Wait, wait, are you sure you aren't talking about the BMW crowd??? Talk about people who think their $|-|1T don't stink!! 9 out of 10 Beemer owners I have known have been completely stuck up douchers. :D



they may be fast and handle well, which i cant argue with facts, but the looks in my opinion are old and outdated...the only type i would every consider owning would be a cayenne S...

In many ways, I agree here. The only Porsche's I REALLY like are the 928s. I think that is a cool looking sports car. And, some of the newer super high end models are pretty slick looking. But it's just like Jeep. For the love of all that's holy, that same old OLD Wrangler look just sucks. That said, I still think most Porsche's look better than most cars on the road, but again, just not really my thing. It is slowly growing on me however. Either way, I am definitely more of a truck and muscle car fan than an exotic fan.

Bart

[Osteomata]

I would like a 914 as a project car some day. Very accesable, money wise.
- Os

[JoFotoz]

LOL Bart...not really my taste either...


It's nice, but with that hideous paint job, I'd only give you $2000. :eek::rolleyes::p

:) Bart

...but its bullet proof "Yacht" paint (Awlgrip) , that was done before I owned her.


Tell ya what...gimme $7500....and I'll rattle can her matt black for ya!

[Scott Harness]

Porsches are about the only super car that is actually a good daily driver.
911's have changed more than you think.Look at the older models compared to the new ones.Way different, yet recognizeable as a 911

[etlsport]

Wait, wait, are you sure you aren't talking about the BMW crowd??? Talk about people who think their $|-|1T don't stink!! 9 out of 10 Beemer owners I have known have been completely stuck up douchers. :D


haha.. most all of the bmw owners ive met are the same way.. although ive known 1-2 cool ones

if you look at www.youparklikeanasshole.com like half the cars parked like jerks are bmws

[VehiGAZ]

Wait, wait, are you sure you aren't talking about the BMW crowd??? Talk about people who think their $|-|1T don't stink!! 9 out of 10 Beemer owners I have known have been completely stuck up douchers. :D

+1!! I agree - BMW owners seem to be in aggregate much bigger jerks than Porsche owners, ...although YMMV, as in all things. There is no shortage of German-sports-car-owing pricks, and they cover all the marques.

My own experience in the Porsche Club of America has been pretty much prickless, though. They are for the most part all nice people without any I'm-better-than-you attitude... just a bunch of gearheads, and that's the level they interact on,a dn they don't differentiate between members that go for the newest and highest-performance models and those (like me) that dig the older classics. One member can be a million-dollar-salary CEO and the next one a blue-color machinist, but the difference never comes into play... they are all about the cars.

[VehiGAZ]

ok, it was a 1988 porsche 944...

Yeah, the base 944 was not the nastiest ripper of the bunch...

Although the 944 Turbo/Turbo S of that same time period ('87-'89) is a freaking screamer! At the track or on the highway, it'll give most cars a run for their money.

[VehiGAZ]

Porsches are about the only super car that is actually a good daily driver.

I'd have to agree with that, in terms of the 911 versus similar true sports cars. The 911 is the only one that you can really live with and rely on.

I think I would quite enjoy a Cayman S as a summer DD, but that's just not in the cards at this time, if ever: you see, my personal little financial mantra goes like this... "I hope to have the income to buy a brand-new new $70k car... and the good sense not to."

[4X4 UFO]

So I get to tell this joke: Do you know the difference between a BMW and a porcupine? On a porcupine, the pri(k is on the outside!
Thank you! I'll be here all week!

Randy

[pbkid]

I'd have to agree with that, in terms of the 911 versus similar true sports cars. The 911 is the only one that you can really live with and rely on.

I think I would quite enjoy a Cayman S as a summer DD, but that's just not in the cards at this time, if ever: you see, my personal little financial mantra goes like this... "I hope to have the income to buy a brand-new new $70k car... and the good sense not to."

um, i know once again there aren't many japanese sports car fans...and when i say sports car i dont mean <$35,000....

what about 300zx?? reliable as long as it isnt the twin-turbo one (thats what i have read, and maybe crotchrocket can chime in on reliability on those)

and the honda S2000??? its actually a very quick car, all you need to do is free up the air system and chip it...bam lots of horsepower and almost 50-50 weight distribution (ya it wont keep up with a porsche on the straights but its also <$40,000)

STI- 35k and reliable, handles like a son-of-a-*&^#....and i would love to see a porsche in the mountains of colorado snow vs. STI (and this is as ricey as i consider when talking about japanese sports car)

NSX??- plenty reliable and has the best rating for handling during the years it was produced....not really fast stock, but that can be fixed easily and similar to the S2000

i would say skyline but its not reliable, neither is the supra, or the RX-7

mazdaspeed3??? 30K and plenty reliable....0-60 in about 5.5 (i dont know specific stats but i know its faster than the STI)

oh, and in defense of german-
M3....wow....would love to have one if i could keep it on the road without dropping all of my money on it every year...

[Osteomata]

Another candidate for the "Other vehicles like the VX: Affordable, limited production, crazy owner obsession" category: Saab 9-3 Viggen

About 3000 made, much higher performance capability than the standard 900/9-3s, active mod community etc.

[VehiGAZ]

what about...

I mostly meant that Porsche in general makes the most livable high-performance sports cars (like Ferraris, Astons, etc). I have no anti-ricer bias at all... my favorite car I've owned is still my '97 Prelude SH.

The Mazdaspeed 3 is a great little screamer, but it's not in the high-performance category. The GTR/Skyline certainly is, though!

NSX and 300 ZX are no longer available. The 370Z will run with a Cayman, though.

S2000 is not that livable as a daily driver in my book.

The Car & Driver editors would take an M3 over a 911, so that's certainly in the running, too.

The STi might beat a 911 C4 on a snowy road, but not on a track.

Anyway, those are all fine choices in their categories.

[Dallas4u]

What about the Studebaker Avanti?

http://www.ritzsite.net/63Stude/1963_Studebaker_Avanti_f3q.JPG
http://www.ritzsite.net/63Stude/1963_Studebaker_Avanti_r3q.JPG

[VehiGAZ]

A fine nomination!

There's one that lives near me. I gag every time I see it. I know it's supposed to be fast, but it can't be faster than it is ugly!

[nfpgasmask]

Funny stuff, yeah, we have gone to 3 or 4 PCA meet ups since December and all the people we have met are really cool and down to Earth, just like 90% of the VXers I have met. :)

Bart

[pbkid]

I mostly meant that Porsche in general makes the most livable high-performance sports cars (like Ferraris, Astons, etc). I have no anti-ricer bias at all... my favorite car I've owned is still my '97 Prelude SH.

touche' for that category

The Mazdaspeed 3 is a great little screamer, but it's not in the high-performance category. The GTR/Skyline certainly is, though!
agreed, mazdaspeed3 is not a sports car, but it impressed the hell outta me! for price and reliability.. skyline- great car for someone who has money, my mechanic has one of the first 5 shipped to the US of the R-35 model

NSX and 300 ZX are no longer available. The 370Z will run with a Cayman, though.
we generally arent talking about cars that are still available ;)

S2000 is not that livable as a daily driver in my book.
why is that? reliable, reasonably priced, handles very well, and can be quick...whats not livable about that?

The Car & Driver editors would take an M3 over a 911, so that's certainly in the running, too.
love the M3, just expensive to maintain...my cousin has one and its truely amazing power wise, for something without forced induction (we whooped up on a CBR600 from 0-60)

The STi might beat a 911 C4 on a snowy road, but not on a track.
true, but i have to and prefer to orient my car decisions on how it does in the snow...i spend about 20 hours a week snowboarding during the winter, 911 just wouldnt cut it...but in regards to sports car, yes....
look at it like this though, buy an STI for 35k and drop 10k into it....now its gonna compete with the 911

Anyway, those are all fine choices in their categories.
agreed, in general though

[VehiGAZ]

Totally agreed in general!

The S2000 is not livable as a daily driver in my book because it is has very little storage space and keeping the engine boiling at over 3k rpm on your way to work in the morning while you're trying to drink your coffeee and listen to NPR gets on your nerrves very quickly. Two people I know well had them - one bought another car as his DD, the other traded the S2k in on a Boxster S.

[pbkid]

Totally agreed in general!

The S2000 is not livable as a daily driver in my book because it is has very little storage space and keeping the engine boiling at over 3k rpm on your way to work in the morning while you're trying to drink your coffeee and listen to NPR gets on your nerrves very quickly. Two people I know well had them - one bought another car as his DD, the other traded the S2k in on a Boxster S.

hmm..didnt know they had problems like such...

i've always heard that they are neat little cars with a few mods can be very capable...and of course you cant lose on honda reliability

[twistedsymphony]

no one has mentioned my current car love... the Nissan 240sx

the 240 isn't in itself rare but there were a few rare versions.

the 91-94 Convertible .. less than 8000 made in the USA
http://images03.olx.com/ui/2/07/33/f_18190433_1.jpeg

it wasn't released anywhere else in the world.
Japan received only 600 of the Silvia convertible which is based on the same chassis, just with a different motor and front end (the convertible mechanism was different too) many people do silvia conversions to their 240s since the body parts are interchangeable.
http://forums.240sxone.com/picture.php?albumid=8&pictureid=144
^this car belongs to a friend of mine it's a 240sx convertible that has had the front end and motor swapped to look like a Silvia.

Also the 97-98 240sx called the "kouki" (Japanese for late period) only saw less than 7000 released in the USA...
http://www.mynismo.com/images_products/4090.jpg
^all OEM aero with aftermarket wheels

I own a 1995 240sx that I plan on converting to a kouki (body parts are interchangeable) I plan on buying a 240sx convertible sometime next year if I can find one :)

Even though the 1995-1996 body style like mine (called "zenki" for early period) isn't as desirable as the kouki style, it's still pretty uncommon with only 30,000 being releases in the US.

[pbkid]

[QUOTE=twistedsymphony;152071]no one has mentioned my current car love... the Nissan 240sx

Also the 97-98 240sx called the "kouki" (Japanese for late period) only saw less than 7000 released in the USA...
http://www.mynismo.com/images_products/4090.jpg
^all OEM aero with aftermarket wheels. [QUOTE]

ah man i knew i was forgetting something ;)

those are very very nice cars! tons of two-ford freaks out there!

i love the kouki versions, along with the silvia S15, those are one of my dream cars...
http://www.driftingstreet.com/images/nissan-silvia-s15.jpg

my mechanic has a 240 with a skyline conversion on it...R32 motor i believe...

he has a few cars actually...most of them i am very jealous of ;)
240sx with skyline conversion
97 integra with JDM front end
R35
F350 with around 8-10" of lift and tires to match, to pull his 240 to the drift comps
93 hatch civic...12.5 quarter mile with no forced induction (H22 heavily built motor, lighted up the whole car, ZEX nitrous)

[kcbsvx]

I didn't read this entire post but did anyone mention the poor man's exotic, the Subaru SVX?

I have had several, still have one, and can attest to the fanaticism of the ownership ranks. I am actually here because I would like a nice VX.

Actually Dayle, who runs motorsportwarehouse.com, is an SVX person and a VX guy too. You probably know that he is carrying VX items on his site along side the vast SVX inventory.

I hope to have a VehiCross in my stable in the next year.

Is anyone here in Western Mass?

Christian

[pbkid]

I didn't read this entire post but did anyone mention the poor man's exotic, the Subaru SVX?

I have had several, still have one, and can attest to the fanaticism of the ownership ranks. I am actually here because I would like a nice VX.

Actually Dayle, who runs motorsportwarehouse.com, is an SVX person and a VX guy too. You probably know that he is carrying VX items on his site along side the vast SVX inventory.

I hope to have a VehiCross in my stable in the next year.

Is anyone here in Western Mass?

Christian

welcome to the family!

keep your eyes open...VX's appear around here or get posted around here all the time for sale...

also, check Vehigaz's VX..i think its still for sale and its a great deal with supercharger ;)

[Sprey]

Heres one that seems to fit the title ( i think)
Little bit of insight to them before you click the wiki link.
A total of 15,852 units were built and registered in Japan, however with niche market car importing occurring in the early 1990s it is possible that some vehicles were constructed and exported directly from Japan without first being registered there. This makes it difficult to know exactly how many Seras were produced, although it is certainly less than 16,000 and they are now becoming rare collectibles.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Sera
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Toyota-Sera.jpg/759px-Toyota-Sera.jpg
http://www.cargurus.com/images/2008/12/11/03/27/pic-4543.png

[AUPilot09]

Another candidate for the "Other vehicles like the VX: Affordable, limited production, crazy owner obsession" category: Saab 9-3 Viggen

About 3000 made, much higher performance capability than the standard 900/9-3s, active mod community etc.

Just had to applaud this good call. Viggens can be had for sub $8k prices with some nice mods too. Great little rides.

[VehiGAZ]

hmm..didnt know they had problems like such...

i've always heard that they are neat little cars with a few mods can be very capable...and of course you cant lose on honda reliability

They are neat and capable. But to have one as your daily driver can get annoying is all I'm saying...