Spares or Repairs
Which sports car should our Matt sell?
The PC team recounts its buying and selling exploits.
The big question: MGF or MX-5? It’s causing me a major dilemma! I have been agonising about it for the past few months while I’ve had both on the road. Every time I come to a decision, I drive the other and can’t help but get swayed to sell one car. But I can’t afford to keep them both.
My 1992 Eunos Roadster is a Japanese spec model that was imported into the UK in 2001. It’s got PAS and AC as standard, but as an S edition it also boasts a spoiler, strut top brace, Nardi sports steering wheel and gearstick, viscous LSD and a Jasma tubular exhaust manifold. Mine has also been fitted with coil-over suspension, aftermarket wheels and a silly exhaust. Oh, and a lift-off hard top making it (in my mind at least) perfect for winter driving. As the early 1.6-litre model, it’s got more power than the late ones (Mazda de-tuned the 1.6 after the 1.8 failed to produce significantly more power on its release), and it goes like a rocket, with go-kart-like handling and racecar noises to match. I’ve welded up the sills and replaced the clutch, and the little car brings nothing but smiles every time I drive it.
The MGF, too, is a little bit special. It’s the 1.8 with VVC (Variable Valve Control) and an aftermarket stainless exhaust. It’s got brushed aluminum where walnut sits on other models and on each corner are the better looking, in my opinion, MG TF alloys. This car came with oodles of history from specialist Brown and Gammons… including the critical bills for a Payen triple layer head gasket and rail-in-sump conversion, along with new OE spec stretch bolts and water pump as well as a recent cambelt. Not to mention bills for recent brake discs, calipers and braided hoses all round.
It had been off the road for the best part of eight months, and required just a Lambda sensor to pass an MOT once I’d unseized the alternator and fitted a new belt (the cause of the smoke). It’s modern in feel and even has remote central locking. Higher seating position, Hydragas suspension with Gaz assistershockers makes for a more comfortable ride and the VVC power is smooth. I’m in a right pickle here!