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First thing that came to mind is Honda S2000.
Get a clean one, keep it clean, and you’ll be thrilled when you try to sell it. These are already appreciating in value, and will not stop.
Fun fact: made more power / liter than any production vehicle at the time (1999/2000).
Will be far more nimble and fun to drive than an SL imo; the wheelbase and weight alone are major differentiating factors.
Hope this helps !
I appreciate the thought. Unfortunately, the S2000 doesn’t do it for me - nothing against the car. It’s just not my style.
1973 Cadillac El Dorado. Preferably Cherry Red.
My BIL had one (it didn’t look as good as the one in the link). It was fantastic.
https://www.vanguardmotorsales.com/inventory/2105/1973-cadillac-eldorado-convertible
OP, I had my BIL’s stored in my garage for six months when they moved to Chicago. It BARELY fit inside of the garage.
It is almost 18 feet long. And don’t expect to get anywhere near 10mpg.
But it is definitely a fun car to drive.
My picks, spanning a range of performance levels/car categories:
Mercedes SL, R129 generation
Porsche Boxster, 986 gen
BMW Z4, E85 gen
Mercedes SLK 55 AMG, R171 gen
Yeah; nice call
Pro
1971 Olds Cutlass
You can get a very nice running and driving car for <$20k.
The Rocket 350 runs great with just enough rumble to let you know it's there without being obnoxious, and the car is pure style.
Z4
Nice - most def
C3 T-top. Mullet not included.
One of these will definitely turn heads!
Also the Honda S2000, which will never depreciate.
Love!!!
E46 M3
My all-time favorite car but man that car is so unreliable 😞
I got my 87 MCB 560 SL for $26k worth every penny
Porsche Boxter straight 6 (before 2017)
Mazda Miata or Honda S2K
A few more ideas for you within that budget in no particular order...
1) Porsche 968 Convertible
2) C4 or C5 Corvette Convertible
3) Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet (will likely need to stretch budget to $30k and keep a size-able amount left over for deferred maintenance like belt service)
4) MG T-series (either TD or TF... older yes, but amazingly enjoyable driving experience)
5) Aston Martin DB7 (would look at the I6 to stay within budget vs V12)
Great stuff. Thank you. I like the European options
Adding to the already excellent options on this list: MG B and Triumph TR6. Might not be as zippy as some of the more modern options on here, but super fun and definitely will tick the “classic” box for you. IMO you can also get really good value for your $$ in that price range!
That being said, I own both a 986 Boxster S and a MG B GT (coupe). If I had to keep only one, it would be the Boxster. I love the old MG, but just can’t beat the Boxster for zipping around.
Nice choices. I live in a SoCal beach city. Does the salinity have a big effect on the classics?
E89 Z4 35i or is... I love mine and a hardtop is so much better
Think about whether you want a sports car - like a Boxster or Z4 - or a GT like the MB SL or Jag. Spend some time looking at the auctions on Bring a Trailer. You’ll figure it out, and have some fun along the way.
Rising Star
Not sure how you’re defining older/classic, but 996 911 cabrios are much cheaper than coupes, and the cabs came from the factory with a paint matched hardtop. I’d still get a manual.
It’s a funny thing with 911s. People buying new ones want convertible automatics. People buying used want hardtop sticks.
TR8 convertible