We asked our resident car nuts to nominate five fun but affordable cars that you'd never lose your shirt on. Here's John Wright's top five...
JOHN WRIGHT’S TOP FIVE BUYS:
1. BMW E36 M3
Price range – $15,000 – $30,000
I have to rank this M3 first because I bought one on exactly this premise: what is the most underrated but affordable classic car on the market? The original E30 M3 was not built in right-hand drive but they still command mostly six-figure sums. While the six-cylinder E36 is less pure in concept – because not designed as a race car first – it is wonderful to drive. Interestingly, the early 210 kW five-speed cars seem rarer than the 232 kW six-speed Evolution. range is $15K to $30K for a 1994-95 coupe.
2. FORD FALCON EB GT
Price range – $30,000 – $50,000
The EB Falcon GT may not have delivered the full 200 kW but its got style and that name makes it highly collectible.
3. MAZDA RX-7 TWIN TURBO
Price range – $20,000 – $40,000
The Mazda RX-7 Twin Turbo that ate Bathurst must soon head the way of the R100 and RX-3.
– Mazda RX-7 Type R Bathurst review
4. VOLVO 850R
Price range – $7000 – $12,000
When I saw a Volvo 850R sedan (while researching this yarn) with a roadworthy and rego at $7500 it was all I could do not to ring up and buy it. The wagon would be even neater.
– Future classic: Volvo 960/S90
5. AUDI TT QUATTRO
Price range – $5000 – $10,000
My bargain basement special is the original Audi TT Quattro, a classic Bauhaus design of timeless beauty.
More top five picks from our team:
– Andy Enright
– David Morley
– Angelo Loupeteis
– Uncle Phil
– Guy Allen
– Cliff Chambers
Tell us what your top five choices would be: uniquecars@primecreative.com.au