Tuesday 22nd March
SEAT Ibiza Cupra 16v: Spotted
Recently restored and still cheap?
Recently restored and still cheap? Grab it while you can!
Just as clean under here too
But the most successful car in this period was the SEAT Ibiza Kit Car, winning three consecutive world championships. It's easily forgotten given the predominance of French manufacturers, and here we have for sale a roadgoing version for just £2K.Alright, so thenot a genuine homologation car. But the Kit Car Cup was a production derived series, so there's a more legitimate motorsport connection than some other cars. It's also the right colour combination - Kiwi Green with white wheels - for the full retro rally vibe.
And doesn't it look brilliant? You don't see many Mk2 Ibizas nowadays and, given the car was first launched 23 years ago, the design still appears pretty modern. But this Cupra will look better than most given it's been treated to a glass out respray recently; seeing how rare Kiwi Green is that can't have been a cheap job!
Moreover, it's been refreshed underneath too. The 'new running gear' is disappointingly vague, but to see 'new wishbones, ball joints, calipers, discs, pads, brake lines, suspension, drop links, track rod ends, tie rod ends, clutch cable, new rear beam bushes' and a whole lot more is very encouraging. The only non-standard part is the FK coilover suspension.
How to jazz up a dull interior? Seats!
And it's £2,000! What else are you going to get for that money? Sure it may not be the best handling hot hatch of the 90s, but even having a big engine in a small car would have its appeal today. Furthermore, so many fondly remembered hot hatches and similar are getting expensive now. The Clio Williams is beginning to appreciate, the 106 Rallye too, plus both Integra Type R and Fiat Coupe Turbo are not available for this money anymore. Different cars, yes, but it shows that demand is increasing. The only other alternative is a fast 306 of some kind which, credit where it's due, would present a pretty compelling alternative.So go and buy the Ibiza. Now. It's rare, very well presented and probably still quite quick too. Preferably before PH pay day on Thursday and one of us books a train to Manchester...
SEAT IBIZA CUPRA 16V
Engine: 1,984cc four-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 152@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 133@4,600rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1998
Recorded mileage: 104,000
Price new: N/A
Price now: £2,000
See the original advert.