Hello All. I'm new.

Hi all.

First post so lets jump straight in.

I am seriously considering purchasing a GTA (turbo), and am looking for some information on what to look for and what the ownership experience is like.

I have loved the GTA since the 80s as it is a bit different, and looks awesome! Probably looking to buy in Mar/Apr and will have a budget of £5k. Reasonably competent DIY mechanic so servicing and suchlike aren't much of a problem. not into welding/Bodywork as I'm not equipped for it anymore.

Had a quick look for a buyers guide but any pointers/advice/stories are most welcome.


Thanks all.

[The Saint]

Welcome..

When the weather gets better ( ... as if ) try to have a drive of one and get a better feel for the car...
I am in Warwickshire, so not too far... Maybe if you would like a drive, then once I get mine out of hybernation, I'll let you take it out.
There seem to be a few popping up for sale, so don't just jump for the first one you see... take your time, as with all cars of this age, and temperment, you will never find a perfect one... and ask anything, we are a helpful bunch.... mostly!!

Hi there. I've always had at least 1 GTA in my garage for the last 25 years so I must like them. They can be a labour of love at times but I think they are worth it. Think 80's Lotus and I think the ownership experience nowadays would be broadly similar, although I think the GTA mechanicals are generally more robust.

My advice find one that runs well, has a good solid chassis and all the electrics work and you won't go far wrong. Most important checks - rear chassis rot, leaking steel water pipes that run under the car, paintwork is iffy on a lot of cars now and painting them is tricky so keep an eye out for moody resprays. Speedos and fuel gauges notoriously unreliable. Later cars - look for orange dials, are generally better made with quite a few detail improvements. Engines are both strong, and generally reliable. On atmos the carbs are problematical if not properly maintained and cars with 3 branch manifolds eat starters and alternators on a regular basis. Headlamp glasses are expensive to replace and are often cracked or delammed.

You should get something tidy and useable for your budget and its a good time to buy, prices are now rising quite fast.

[BIG_MVS]

Yes pretty much what Tony and Vince have said get the best car possible for your budget and you should have a great practical classic.

As long as you are not a 2 bob and a "conkerman" with regard to servicing and maintenance you should be fine.

Have a look in the for section as I'm just about to post an ad for a Turbo model.

Thanks for the feedback chaps.

I must admit my biggest fear is rot.

And I suppose most of the cars in the country will be known by some of the members.

Are there any bits that are made of unobtainium?

I'll keep an eye on the For sale section.

Cheers again.

[BIG_MVS]

Rare parts are:

Rear Lights (not available new, £600 new repro lenses, £1-200 second hand.

Headlamp Glass (available new £200 second hand £100)

Window mechanism as far as I know unobtainable

Most body panels unobtainable but still around second hand. I think the front bumper is the rarest and heard that they are changing hands for £500.

Front windscreen tricky to find although it's being re-produced by auto glass as far as I know. Mr Sweet do you have news?

Interior trim/plastic all unavailable but they do come up second hand from time to time.

Bushes, most engine components are all available mostly.

Overall not too bad, if you join the club we have money off with suppliers and we will know where to get it from otherwise.

It was a little while ago but Stephen told me that he had front bumpers in stock.

[The Saint]

If Stephen does have these in stock... I am sure that once we have the new shop site up and running.... they will be known to all!!
Just give him time to sort out things....

Breath hold don't.......

Thank you all for the great info and warm welcome.

Looking forward to going shopping.