'Love What You Drive' Or 'Let It Go'

You have a $30k Max Sports Car Budget and you want real bang for your buck, what are your options, what should you buy?

Let's get started with this AMG Hot Rod, this is no normal SLK55 AMG as this unit was blessed at the factory with the P30 Option, which takes the model another step up the performance rung. Take an already potent base SLK55 and add factory lowered and stiffened suspension, new massive front brakes, and special two piece alloy rims, along with some interior cabin Carbon Fibre and a engine de-limiter that  allows this car to now run with the big boys up to 175 mph. Fast, sonorous, fun right from the factory! This 87k km example shows real nice and its $30k CAD asking makes it near impossible to ignore! This end of era 2008 example offers great value for the pure performance oriented enthusiasts

You have a $30k Max Sports Car Budget and you want real bang for your buck, what are your options, what should you buy?

The subject of a intensive restoration back in 2005 this incredibly mint TR6 will speak to you if you are a Brit Car Fan seeking out a Classic Sidekick. One of the of nicer that we have seen in a very long time, this is an all stock and fully restored original, with the exception of the wise change out to a set of Weber Downdraft Carbs. The cost of bringing your average TR6 up to the standards set by this example is now virtually prohibitive, yet at the seller's ask of $27,500 CAD, this one would seem to be a real opportunity. These Brit Classics are finding new fans every day and an upside in values in the longer term seems highly probable.

You have a $30k Max Sports Car Budget and you want real bang for your buck, what are your options, what should you buy?

If you know and love your Porsche cars this $30k question should be a no brainer given that this magically mint Limited Edition 2004 Boxster S '550 Spyder' is currently being offered at $30,888. CAD. These cars were special when built and they remain special as just 1963 units were produced by Porsche to commemorate the fabulous 550 Spyders that help make Porsche into the racing legend it is today With the 550's,Porsche opened the cupboard doors wide and selected the best available parts to bring these special cars to the next level, A little piece of Porsche History now available for pennies on the dollar. Time will tell, but I think this model has a strong upside in the years to come.

2001 Porsche Carrera 911 Coupe just 40k original km from new and super fresh throughout. Value at $39,900. CAD . The 996 Cars are no longer Ignored, unloved, unwanted,  We have always been a fan of the 996 Series of 911s, but the general marketplace often did not agree. Prices were beaten down to the ground on these models, but we could see that the market sentiment was adapting to the new reality. Now many of these 996 models are changing hands at near twice what they were just a few years ago. The simple reason being that these cars were generally misunderstood, and mislabelled as unreliabe. Time has now proven them to be terrific 911s overall, cars that brought Porsche  into the modern era and buyers are taking note. 

Fast, fun and great looking at speed or sitting still, a little less hardcore than some of it's competing sports cars, but a great traditional front engined roadster with an updated look. This model is now 25 years of ago, but unlike many other similar era models it still looks fresh to my eyes! 

This is a 2000 BMW Z3 2.5/5 Speed Manual, yes one step down from the slightly quicker M Series models, but still fast fun and significanly less expensive too. This beauty shows super fresh, Canadian car from new with just two owners and only 76k original km  Yours for $16,800 CAD

It is not often you see one of these Lotus 7s come into the marketplace. Rarer still is that this is a true Factory Built Lotus 7, not a clone or kit built example. Used in it's past life for a few years as a vintage race car, but it has since been converted back to the street duty.  As to expected you'll find a touch of patina here and there on this car, but that just adds to its worth in my mind as these were meant to be driven, not babied.  Strong running 1600 Ford with Twin Webers and there is little doubt that this super light 7 can keep up with toys far more potent and nothing is going to beat it through a set of corners. Every drive you are sure to love and every peek at it in the garage will set your heart a flutter. Yours for $39,000. CAD

One Owner for the past 25 years, Garage Kept & Winter Stored... most importantly it is reportedly All Original with the only upgrades being a Twin Stainless Exhaust & Roll Bar. Original Paint with no evidence of corrosion top or bottom. Loved , Maintained and it continues to run strong and sound great! The images provided support the seller's description and to me this looks to be a rarely found well preserved 'Driver Grade' TR6 as priced at $14,900.. CAD

Looks to be a Pristine Example, fully optioned 2011 BMW 135i. These cars come powered by an under rated 300hp Twin Turbo Inline Six and this beauty has the preferred 6 Speed Manual plus the all important 'M' Package. 103k km from new Winter Stored and Always Garaged, this is not like the ones you'll see elsewhere, as this car is mature owned and has been treated right. Near tops anyone's list for Performance for the Dollar, especially now that it has been fully depreciated. Yours for $18,800. CAD

Always gorgeous Black on Tan Leather 911. Generously optioned and quite a tough find as it is a 997.2 with the Six Speed, Three Pedal, Manual Transmission which is rarely seen in a Wide Body Cab. 2011 Carrera 4 with that oh so desirable 2nd Generation 350hp DFI Engine that removed the fear of IMS Breakdown, which had become all too common on the earlier 997 & 996 Cars, Canadian original, Porsche Serviced, Winter Stored, and just 80k original kms from new. Yours for $79,500. CAD

1967 Mercury Cougar XR7 - impressively restored some years back and it remains in wonderful overall condition. These cars were reskinned Mustangs and the XR7 version was a little more dressed up than the base units. Rare piece as this is a factory born 289/4V V8 with 4 Speed Manual Coupe. Not many Cougars were built like this and far fewer remain available today, especially in this condition. A lot of value to be had here when compared against most of the Mustangs you'll find similarly priced. You can make this yours for $30,000. CAD

Yes, I know it may not be what you normally find on Dan's Picks. Hardly what you would term Fast Fun, but still one very competent road car, and given that it is summer, a very desirable convertible soft top. Pristine, One Owner, Dealer Serviced find with just over 100km added to the odometer over the past 20 years. Garage kept and winter stored too! This CLK320 is powered by the venerable Mercedes V6 which provides all the power you need for a great run on the roads in the sun. Tasteful and modest looks near guarantee that your jealous neighbour won't be ranting about you spending more than you should on another car. Worthy of a spot in any garage for  $10,900 CAD

These rarely found, very special Miata Mazdaspeed MX5's were produced in house by Mazda via their Performance Arm. Production only lasted for two short years before the plant producing them burnt down so there were only a little over 5000 producted for worldwide distrubution. Far more than simply a Turbo Charged Engine as near every aspect of the car was modified and strengthened to handle the new found power. This example is one of the nicest we have seen, two owners from new, mint, winter stored and just 37k original km. Maintained to the max and every piece of documentation from day one comes with the car. A driveable, collection grade find  $25,000 CAD

This memorable model was never imported officially into North America, but now as time moves on these storied Alfa's are finding there way from across the waters to Canada & the U.S.  These Afla Romeo (916)  GTV's were the star of the European market when first introduced, a multiple Car of the Year award winner, a car that Jeremy Clarkson stated was one of the best sports cars of its time. The one to own and cherish today is the rarely found 3.0 V6/5 Speed version, as this beautifully perserved 1998 MY example just so happens to be. 'Love What You Drive' wth that unmistakable Italian Flair for just  $19,000 CAD

So you are a Porsche focused enthusisast and you want to truly 'Love What You Drive', but don't want to spend your way to a modern era 911? Porsche built this model just for folks like you. A car with pure Porsche Heritage and Porsche Parts, a car that on the right road can dispatch with most any 911, yet a car that was priced less than the 911.  This One Owner, Dealer Serviced,  Massively Optioned , Near Mint - 2013 Porsche Poxster 'S' is the car for you. Now seriously depreciated and privately offered  at $47,900 CAD ... Hurry it won't last!

The subject of a very detailed Two Year Restoration this 1966 Mustang Coupe remains a stunning example of the breed. Powered by a 'Strong' 289V8 with Auto Transmission. This is no backyard reno project and no expense was spared when the work was completed. This is a 'Love What You Drive' car and those you pass by will love it too. The ask is $36,500 CAD

Not often seen in the Convertible Version, but these Factory Modified Mini's with the John Cooper Works Package take the already fast and furious Cooper S to another level. Beautifully kept and well optioned these are hard cars to match as the Fun For Dollar ratio is off the charts.  The ask is $16,800 CAD

Introduced by Mercedes Benz in 2003 these SL55 AMG cars set a new standard of performance for the brands two seat drop top GT. AMG took the SL to a whole other level. With 500 HP on tap from it's handbuilt Twin Turbo Engine along with suspension and braking upgrades to manage its new found brute power. The SL55 turned the SL into a performance monster which was reminisent of the SL's storied origins. Just 44k km on the odometer and the original list exceeded $180,000 CAD, but now you can own it for $32,.600 CAD 

1987 Porsche 944 ‘Turbo’.. near as fast and handles better than the 911's from it's era! A pure performance bargain.... this is very much unlike the norm for a 944, near mint, maintained and in need of nothing. Gorgeous in Metallic Blue with Porsche Script Interior. A real Porsche Classic that is finally finding a new group of enthusiastic followers. The ask is $24,500 CAD

... and this 2002 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe is without much doubt such a car! Immaculate 17k original km example in a tasteful colour combo that helps to tone down the otherwise outrageous appearance. It looks mean and with its Borla Pipes it sounds beast wild, but when treated with the respect it deserves this is a beast that can be tamed. Driver engagement is desired by every enthusiast and there is little out there more engaging than a 8L 450hp/6 Speed Manual Viper. Every drive is an event worth talking about, hell every peek under it's covered loins as it sleeps in the garage is going to get the heart racing. $109,500 CAD direct from its loving private owner!

1979 Porsche Turbo 930 - Recent extensive Restoration by one of the best - Martin's Classic Cars of Alabama! Porsche's 930 was and is the pin up car for multiple generations and as such it has remained nearby the top of Air-Cooled desirability with what we believe will be continued value appreciation in the years to come. We see real value here as the workmanship is top drawer including the very respectful, highly professional fresh modifications that take this 930 to the next level. Looks worthy of every penny of the $129,900 USD ask

1965 GM Corvair Corsa Coupe. Ralph Nader tried to kill this breed, but GM soldered on and turned what was originally a bit of a sows ear into a silk purse. General Motoes was originally targeting Germany's VW Beetle, but by 1965 they finally got the Corvair right and started chasing down Porsche's 911. If you wanted to hunt 911's you needed the now rarely found 180hp Turbo Charged Corsa model that with Four Speed Manual and weighing in at under 2500 lbs. combined with the all new for 65  True Fully Independent Suspension. Rust Free, dry climate California car with fresh 2.7L Turbo Engine - virtually original find with an ask of $18,900 USD

Replicas are rarely my thing, but this local Canadian find my prove itself to be right on target for someone with a hankering for speed  in combination with classic Brit Car looks. Built to replicate a 60's Austin Healey, but powered by a healthy 302 Ford V8 and 4  Speed Manual. Overall it looks to have been well built inside and out with reported just 3200km since it was completed. Mechanically freshened and ready to be enjoyed. The $25,000 CAD ask by the private seller wouldn't even buy you the full kit these days.

2004 - 911 Turbo X50 Cabriolet - Canadian Original under 100k kms. A true Classic in the making. The 996 Porsche Turbo Cabriolet was produced for just 2 very short years (2004/05) and with under 4500 total drop top units made with the highly desirable X50 optioned cars built in the hundreds there is little doubt that these cars will continue to be in high demand. 450 hp direct from the factory, and yes this is a 6 Speed Manual car. Rare chance to own one at just $85,000. CAD

1966 Mustang Coupe looking a bit like Shelby himself prepped the car, but of course at this price in reality it is just a very nice clone. No shame in that as the car is stunning everywhere you look. Clearly a recent comprehensive restoration - inside, outside and upside down this car will tick your boxes! Powered by a dressed, potent 289 V8 and hooked up to a 5 Speed Manual this stunner not only looks good, but runs strong and sounds good too! A whole lot of value to be had here as you simply cannot build one today for this very sensible ask! $29,900 USD

1962 Triumph TR4… what was at one time common is now so rare, especially in this condition! It is becoming very difficult to find anyone willing to part with these now so rare British Roadsters. One peek under the hood will tell you that this is nothing close to the norm and the gorgeous neat and tidy engine bay is indicative of the impressive quality of the rest of the car. Nice ones don’t come cheap at this is not cheap at $39,900 CAD, but try and replicate or restore one for less.

Ravishing Signal Orange Resto Mod 1971 Porsche 914-4 (Now 6) - packing an Air-Cooled 3.2L H6 sourced from a 1988 Porsche 911, which was married up to a 5 Speed 915 Transmission with LSD. Unlike so many Resto Mods this one was engineered right, from the top to the bottom with Suspension, Brakes, Wheels and more, all commensurate with the power on hand. Done right with Steel Fenders, stunning color matched Pepita Interior Trim etc. The ask is currently $60k USD,  but we would want it for a touch less!

1996 'Excalibur' Cobra - built and engineered by the only legitimate U.S. vehicle manufacturer authorized to construct New Cobra Classics.  This is not a Kit Car  built in a backyard by a bunch of beer swilling 'Experts'. Every part of this vehicle was custom built by Excalibur or purchased new. Powered by Ford's 302 FI V8 with 5 Speed Manual. The workmanship and attention to detail is not something you'll find in most any Cobra and this near new 6k original mile example is sure to please, The private seller's ask is $44,000 USD

1968 Dodge Dart - Mopar’s A Body - Fast, Furious, Lighter & Often Quicker than it’s bigger stablemates the B Body cars. This little beauty in gleaming Yellow has been built to run hard, but remains sensibly streetable. Packing a built 340 V8 with High Stall Automatic and as priced at $31,900 CAD we think you’ll be hard pressed to find a piece of 60’s muscle that offers more for less. 

1980 Porsche 911 SC Coupe in desirable Black on Black. High mileage dry climate California ‘Driver’ that is now powered by a Short Stroke 3.2L H6 and of course 915/5 Speed. Reportedly runs and drives well and actually looks impressive overall… of course some wear & tear, but clearly well loved and nicely patina’d - I wouldn’t change a thing. Drive and enjoy as the value continues rise. Not much in the Air Cooled market that matches the virtues of this one at $65k CAD - that said think 'Driver'!!

... You stop and stare, and when you dig further on this car you'll soon learn that the car's restoration was undeniably complete and beyond impressive. This was a private owner's personal passion project gone deep and you can now be the lucky recipient of this fellows need for near perfection. True full frame off restoration with untold hours invested by its owner/seller. Dry Climate Cali Original! Lucky for you the seller has since purchased a 59 Triumph to lust over and you can make this Spitfire yours for $15,000 USD