Before you buy
If you’re looking for a ‘green’ classic, the Calibra has good credentials – all had catalytic converters and fuel consumption was impressively frugal, even from the Turbo. On the road, all should feel lively and solid; wayward handling indicates worn dampers, while clonks may be broken springs or worn suspension joints.
As interest grows, lots of neglected Calibras are coming back on the road, often after spells sitting unused outside: check the MOT history carefully and beware of multiple electrical and maintenance issues with long-neglected cars. Budget to replace the cambelt, tensioner and water pump if this hasn’t been done in the past five years, and check carefully for signs of headgasket weakness, especially on the 16v and V6.
On Turbos, check that the 4x4 warning light comes on and goes off as it should: the transfer box and the six-speed gearbox on these cars are weak and can be hugely expensive to fix. Turbos must have matching tyres at similar wear levels: damage one and you must replace all four. The traction control on V6s can fail – check its operation under hard acceleration.
Calbras were built in Rüsselsheim, Germany (‘1’ in centre of the VIN), and from 1991 also in Uusikaupunki, Finland (9 in centre of the VIN), where production would be concentrated after 1995. Later galvanised cars have survived much better and pre-facelift examples are now rare.
Parts availability is currently a serious issue requiring the trawling of breakers, club forums and Facebook pages to find scarce components.