Dear John,
I started vintage racing back here in the Philippines way back 1996 and when
I started I really did not have any choice but to race a car which was in
our family collection---a 1964 VW Karmann Ghia Convertible. Although it was
not considered a sports car in the true sense of the word, I believe that
you will find the virtues of a sports car once you start working on the car.
First of all it is not so hard to maintain especially when you are in the US
considering the number of VW parts suppliers and builders. What you have is
basically a VW Bug with a gorgeous and sexy body designed and made by
Karmann Ghia.
Second, it is not so powerful such that you get to learn the basics and not
get muddled up in just controlling the car. You see it is important to
learn the racing lines, the throttle control, the steering, etc. in a less
powerful car.
Third, you can make up with relatively low horsepower with good handling
because what you have is basically a Porsche 356 suspension. You just need
to add a camber compensator at the rear and a Sway-a-Way sway bar in the
front which are both bolt on devices.
So value for money, the VW Karmann Ghia is still the best vintage racer you
can get (that is if it is acceptable in the racing club you belong).
Good luck and all the best.
Marc Ablaza
1964 VW Karmann Ghia (now my dad's vintage race car)
1961 VW Karmann Ghia (my present vintage race car built to FIA Specs)
1956 VW Oval Window Bug (my alternate car when the KG is broken)
PS. Just a few more suggestions based on your criteria
1. Porsche 914
2. Porsche 356
3. MGB
4. Austin Healey Sprite
5. Triumph TR4A
6. MGA
7. Datsun 240Z
8. Opel GT
9. Alfa GTV
10. Lotus Elan
Not in order of appearance.
-----Original Message-----
From: John Cowan <jfcowan@pacbell.net>
To: vintage-race@autox.team.net <vintage-race@autox.team.net>
Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2000 1:39 PM
Subject: Vintage racer: What car to buy?
> I'm interested in learning to drive a race car well, on tracks like
>Laguna Seca and Sears Point. When I decide to learn how to race, I'll
>start with sprint karts, but lets say (perhaps hypothetically) that the
>goal for now is to run SCCA Solo I.
>
> My criteria so far are:
>
>1. Closed wheel.
>2. Rear wheel drive.
>3. Four or five speed gear box.
>4. Licencable and street driveable; e.g., bolt in longitudinal roll bar
>member.
>5. Less expensive to buy, maintain and prep than other possible choices;
>e.g., simple; relatively many examples available; relatively spacious
>engine compartment; parts in good supply; mechanics around who know the
>car; etc.
>6. Excellent handling. (This is what I'm really looking for.)
>
> At this point sheer speed and power are not important. I want a car I
>can keep up with while I build skill and confidence. Four cylinders would
>be fine and I prefer high displacement engines over those that develope
>their power through high RPMs.
>
> This is obviously a newbie question and I'm aware of the risk that my
>criteria might deem me not entirely clear on the concept. Only one way to
>find out.
> I'd appreciate any suggestions or opinions, expect there may be a
>variety of them and thank you for your help.
>
> John Cowan
>
>
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