Anybody here own one of these? There is one in the neighborhood and I quite like it. Just looking for some impressions, the one around here sounds great.
I remember in the early 80s my uncle owned one for a short period, the car was very light and had a 2litre engine giving around 130 bhp, the car was very short geared so had terrific acceleration, top end was not much good, being RWD it would step out at the back at every opportunity, i remember it being very light to drive and comfortable, sitting so low the sensation of speed was heightened 2x, i cant remember a great deal, but do remember it being a terrific little car.
I have never seen the drop top, that must be an after market chop. I always liked them, but I'm not sure I can put up with the comments about it being a mini-corvette. I had a 1900 in college, which had the same engine, and it was loads of fun. Like MG midgets and Spitfires I never see one that was properly taken care of. Lots have been heavily modded or simply neglected. I think parts might be a bit of a problem as I suspect the enthusiast network is thin in the USA compared to the Midgets and Spitfires my 1/50 of a buck.
There's a few left here in Houston still in good condition. Based on the same drivetrain as the more sedate sedan at the time, they were sporty but not exactly barn burners on performance, IIRC.. That's the first coinvertible I've ever seen, as well. Only coupes here. I think the corvette resemblance probably hurt the car's sales, as the engine was certainly not capble of that kind of performance..but I think these owners keep 'em alive because they are cool little cars... Always one of my favorites to spot on blocks peeking thru overgrown weeds..usually with a couple of FIAT syders on either side....
US Plates.....maybe a conversion I jus' dunno...hard to believe someone would take the time and money required....
The convertible is a conversion. The GTs only came as a coupe. I have a targa conversion. And have started a roadster conversion as well. Parts are not hard to come by as there is a large club following. And they are really enjoyable cars to drive. They handle really well as they are front mid-engine design. And parts are inexpensive. I drive the bolts off my car and she keeps coming back for more. Which is more than I can say for my Dino. The GT never fails to start and returns over 30mpg while being thrashed. And the best part is you don't see yourself coming and going, even in Los Angeles. I've had a GT since 1980. The targa has over 160K miles on her. They are fun to tinker with and mod. Mine's a keeper. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions. Manny Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'm trying to remember, does it have the 1900 like the Mantas or did it have an 1100 or something like that?
Both. The early '69s in the US had 1100. And all subsequent years had the 1900. But nowadays, there's anything from rotaries to V8s in some of the GTs.
