Debating my next Mini (or other car)

[MPlayle]

It is not that I don't like "Miss Ruby" (my current Mini) as I do like the car.  It is a nice driver quality car, though not without typical quirks of an Mini.  I just am having the urge to either pursue something different or finally try to build "my dream Mini".

For "my dream Mini", it would have to be build it or have it built (or a combination) as it is in a bit more rare MK-II Cooper S color combination: Sandy Beige with Snowberry white roof.  I tend to really like the MK-I appearance, though true MK-I shells are hard to come by as donors.  I could go for a MK-III (and up) with the MK-I grill and tail light treatment.

For trying something different, I am quite undecided.  Finding another Moke that is affordable is not likely.  I do like a few of the Triumphs - GT6, Herald, Vitesse, TR-3, and early Spitfires.  I also like the Porsche 356s, but even the replicas are getting very pricey.

Tossing it out there for opinions and/or leads on a possible "project" Mini to consider.

[BruceK]

If you are considering something different, i.e. a not-Mini, besides Triumphs and Porsches, have you considered looking at Japanese cars?  Plenty of interesting cars available in all shapes and sizes.  For example.

Interesting hatchbacks:
https://sp.beforward.jp/nissan/be-1/bh830801/id/2364855/

Cool long-roof wagons:
https://sp.beforward.jp/toyota/crown-station-wagon/bh709253/id/2242309/

High-end luxury cars:
https://sp.beforward.jp/nissan/president/bk059608/id/2552012/

Small SUVs:
https://sp.beforward.jp/mitsubishi/pajero-mini/bk061468/id/2554717/

Unique vans:
https://sp.beforward.jp/toyota/hiace-wagon/bk050892/id/2545317/

Plus, buying from Japan is an easy source for cool European cars too. Like this very pretty Fiat Barchetta.
https://sp.beforward.jp/fiat/barchetta/bh927967/id/2464683/

[MPlayle]

Lol.  You're going to put me into option overload - too many choices and my brain locks up.

I had thought about some older Fiats (124, 126, 500 variety), but I don't know enough about maintaining them.

I know some British (thus Minis or some Triumphs) and still remember some from my old VW days many years ago (thus some VW and the Porsche replicas).

[BruceK]

Yeah, lots of choices available. But once you narrow down what intrigues you, you can usually find lots to choose from.   

Me? I like those Crown wagons with the straight 6 cylinder engines.

But that blue Fiat convertible is stunning.

[MiniDave]

Yes, and they were fairly reliable too.....(the Fiat) 1997, so not importable yet, and no A/C....

Bruce has me thinking about a small convertible too - maybe a Cappucino?

[BruceK]

Yes, and they were fairly reliable too.....(the Fiat) 1997, so not importable yet, and no A/C....

Bruce has me thinking about a small convertible too - maybe a Cappucino?

Yeah, the Cappuccino is tempting.

https://sp.beforward.jp/suzuki/cappuccino/bh668596/id/2200853/