Opinion will probably be split down the middle but what are everyone's thoughts on modifying a coupe?

Does it matter what model coupe it is (ie LE, Plus, 20VT, 16VT or NA versions) and does it matter just how far you take it. Are body mods more frowned upon more than engine, brake and safety mods or does the purist out there think they should be kept in line with the original car and spec?

The reason I ask is that it is something I haven't really given much thought to and although I'm against body mods (stupid spoilers and body kits) I hadn't considered engine mods.

I'm currently looking at two LE's, one totally stock and in original condition and the other with a few mods (stage 3 turbo, flea map and inter cooler etc). What car will keep its value or is that irrelevant if both cars are well maintained?

Thoughts..........

Clint

In my opinion both have their places and there is a market whichever route you take. I think if buying a car already modified you need to be assured of the quality and care taken in the mods so you can be relatively sure it won't go pop.

If you mod it from standard yourself (as mine was) it can still go spectacularly wrong but once it was sorted it was awesome to drive.

On the other hand, it seems that keeping cars approaching classic status unmodified will maintain the value better.

The recent article in Auto Italia alludes to as much...

Decent stock examples are more sought after apparently. And will ultimately probably last longer (maintenance dependant of course) as they have been stressed less.

Yep. I think minor mods which "improve" the car is a good idea. Uprated oil cooler perhaps.

Some classics are shunned unless certain mods have been done. Eg better cooling, and fixes of common faults requiring a mod.

My NA is remapped only mildly, but it has made it a nicer smoother drive with better mpg too.

Other than that, I like my cars stock.

The thing about modified classics is that you reduce your potential market when selling.

To the right buyer – someone who enjoys driving a modified classic, like you do – a well sorted one-off is exactly what they want. They’ll pay real money for it.

But to the casual buyer, who fancies a classic – you’ve no chance. They’ve been told over and over again that ‘original’ cars are worth more. Are an investment. Can rise in value over time. Etc.

This reduces your potential market massively. To the right buyer, your modified car is worth a mint. But finding that right buyer is very difficult. You’ll have trouble selling a well-modded Coupé through eBay, Pistonheads, Auto Trader, etc. Selling it here though, would work.

I see both attractions and would love a modified coupe. That said, I'll have to wait for the right modified one to come along as my priority at the moment is looking for that special low mileage crono grey classic that I can enjoy but keep in as close to its original condition as possible. I know I will probably need to replace oil cooler, hoses, flocked centre console and exhaust at some point but will try and maintain the looks of the original.

The only solution is to have both....

My modded Coupe is worth a fortune to me, but probably not much to most other people. It is ridiculously quick, and handles exceptionally well, but it's a bit compromised, especially in traffic.

A couple of years ago, I also owned a bog-standard, very early 16v N/A which was a pleasure to drive - quiet, smooth, agile (but slooooow....)

Unless my lottery numbers come up, my modded Moonie is a keeper, but I'd really like a completely standard Coupe to complement it. Sadly, no space on the driveway, so its not going to happen