Hi all, this is my first post on the site. For a while I've loved the Coupes looks and I have always felt they are a future classic. This has spurred me on into buying one, although finances are poor so I'm considering restoring a coupe, this way I'll know it's been put together correctly, relevant parts have been replaced, can do bits at a time as money allows and I've restored a car before (Opel Manta - ok so totally different to the Coupe)so I have the patience not to rush.

Is there anyone who can advise as to whether this is a good idea? If anyone can provide any advice as to which models to look for and recommentd any cars that are out there I'd really appreciate it.

Buy an LE (Limited Edition) 20vt. Take it apart, then put it all back together and make it perfect. Make it perfect

There is one just about to be broken up that you could put an offer in for.

Are the LE's the ones with the body kit on? Just a personal preference but I like them without the kits and with the earlier alloys. What's it like getting parts for Coupes? I notice not many people recommend the non turbos.

It's a brilliant idea - we need more people like you willing to take the cheaper unloved coupes and turn them into something special! Hats off to you and don't be put off by anybody telling you it'll be a waste of time and money as you can get one for less than £1k as we have seen where that leads . . . .

Hint - see thread on coupe chat!

Also if you want my advice - go for a 16VT as they are getting rarer and are, in my (unbiased) opinion, the best engine after the 16v N/A

parts are easy to get, theres a couple of great chaps on here that will give you all the info you need and break regularly so parts are always available mate

I whole-heartedly recommend the 16v N/A!! I'm sure Barnacle would too!

I really feel starting from scratch is a much better idea, lets face it most people flog cars when there are things wrong with them and so many cr*pheads bodge jobs to get shot of them. There's me say I'm not keen on the kits, then I see Miss LickyL's and the kit doesn't look so bad. I love the contrast of bright red paint work on nice shiny alloys....very nice.

Personal preference but if you're building from scratch - probably best to keep it completely standard as, in essence, you're restoring it, not modifying it.

Good on yer whatever you decide.

Oh and thanks for the compliment about Nancy (coupe). To be honest, the skirts had to go on as there was a dent in one of the sills and I thought that while I was doing that I may as well put a new bumper on, get new alloys, get a full respray . . . .

That's how the coupe gets you so beware!

Can I ask also ask how you add a pic to your signature, do you add the IMG code?

Go to your profile and under signature put link to your pic with the img tags either side.

And welcome.

to the restorer

And welcome. All the info you need is on the site

Cheers, you all seem like a good bunch. I can imagine I'll be calling on all your help and advice over the next few years!!!

I can't wait to get a Coupe, I better keep my eyes down for one in distress.

Is there somewhere on this site where you can view owners cars?

If you've got a few hours spare you can start sifting through these beauties

Coupe pics