CAR SOS duo Fuzz Townshend and Tim Shaw have urged drivers to pick up four “disappearing” motors that are much-loved by enthusiasts.
The motorheads suggested a particular make and model that they’ve both owned – and claim it shouldn’t be judged by its looks.
National GeographicPetrolhead duo Fuzz Townshend and Tim Shaw host the show Car SOS[/caption]
National GeographicMusician turned car expert Fuzz knows a thing or two about classic motors[/caption]
GettyTim’s top pick was the seldom-seen Renault Alpine GTA[/caption]
When asked to name which “emerging classics” drivers should consider saving, Fuzz and Tim suggested car lovers should get their hands on a Renault Alpine GTA.
Built between 1984 and 1995, the GTA was the first Alpine produced 100% by Renault and was the successor to the iconic Alpine A310 – one of the best-loved classic sports cars around.
The GTA boasts a top speed of 140mph and was widely considered to be a rival to the Porsche 944 – in both looks and oomph.
The rear-engined coupe is loved for its distinctive shape and was rare even when new before it “slipped away quietly,” according to AutoCar.
Tim believes the GTA is a great car to take to classic car shows as it will get plenty of attention from petrolheads.
He told Classics World: “If you want to get a lot of car for the money and you want a car that will turn heads and you’re very clearly in the classic car world, spend £15,000 and get yourself an Alpine GTA.
“You will still go to a car show and get people talking to you and that’s why we love classic cars, not just for the driving, the ownership and the repair of them, but also the social aspect of it.”
Tim also suggested the more contemporary Volkswagen Lupo GTI – a sporty hothatch that can be picked up for as little as £2,500.
Fuzz had two slightly more different suggestions, starting with the Dacia Pick-Up.
“I haven’t seen one of those for years, in fact I’m just wondering if I’ve actually imagined them,” he joked.
Over a 31-year period of production, Dacia produced over 300,000 iterations of the Pick-Up before it was discontinued and replaced with the Logan Pick-Up.
Fuzz explained that the Pick-Up is a perfect example of a motor that “was everywhere, now they’re nowhere.”
Tim and Fuzz’s final pick is the bizarre-looking Fiat Multipla that both Car SOS hosts admit to owning and “turns more heads than anything else you can drive.”
Tim added: “People are going to point and laugh at them despite the fact that I’ve got a cup super glued to the top of mine.”
Fuzz said: “Get one of those in your life, you’ll go from being an absolute hater to going ‘this thing is great’.”
Tim also revealed he drives his “everyday” and noted that the series one iterations are worth “twice as much” as the newer models due to their unusual appearance.
Indeed, despite being one of the most recognisable cars that’s graced UK roads, the Multipla was not a commercial success.
The Italian automobile behemoth only ever produced 400,000 of the peculiar six-seater.
But their design and practicality saw the car become a cult classic among enthusiasts.
This comes as Fuzz recently suggested motorheads should get their hands on a legendary British sports car that is his favourite motor on the new series of Car SOS.
Elsewhere, a Ford Capri with “crazy low mileage” went up for sale at an incredible price in a “one-off opportunity” – but fans of the popular model will have to act fast.
WikipediaThe Dacia Pick-Up was once widely popular, but is now rarely seen on British roads[/caption]
GettyThe peculiar Fiat Multipla was once a poor seller because of its unusual design, but is now considered a ‘modern classic’[/caption]