Rover 75 V8
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No one expects a Rover to be quick.
Rover 75 V8 - Good shout.
I had an Abbott Racing Saab 9000 Aero that was pretty damn quick but even that looked like it would be fast so doesn't really qualify.
Going with the Citroen theme I'd go for a Xantia Activa. The UK one had a weedy 150bhp 2.0 8v Turbo which could be tweaked to 200bhp easily enough but to do it properly you'd need an Mi16 engine or, even better, get a French 3.0 V6 version and supercharge it.
Why the Activa?
Take a look at the list of speeds for Swedish magazine Teknikens Värld's list of speeds achieved in their famous "Elk Test".
[url= http://www.teknikensvarld.se/algtest-lista/ ]Elk Test Results[/url]
A Merc W124 500E, they didnt do an estate but it looks like a mini cab but has a 326bhp 5.0 v8
[img] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSSTKl-PXXoryDKCvjD3SqNE0awVZSIY0LLV2rfXU_OWIp5nfY3 [/img]
VAG diesels can be tuned reliably while still retaining respectable MPG. I'd get a Passat estate (the old school cool box shaped one) and take it close to 200bhp.
Bikes in the back, understated, lovely.
Doesn't truly fit the original 'looks like shit but goes like shit' definition, but I find it hard to think beyond this when it comes to unassuming Q cars.
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You're on ClubVR4 aren't you. I recognise the username im sure.
We may have even met....
I have been on there, yes, but not for a while. The VR4 went a couple of years ago after being a total money pit. I resent it still even though I got it for free. Not sure if we've met though....? You know Calum up at Ratho?
3L legacy estate, uncle has one and it is nothing look at wise but will take on most things at the lights.
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bomb proof but obviously drinks fuel and servicing on the heavy side
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a Q car yesterday.
hora - MemberThe C1 is amazing. I mean that. Its pared-down, basic, a lustful 3cylinder engine that LOVES to be revved bloody hard and sounds nice. It only weighs 700kg's. My only gripe is it should be cheaper.
What's the gearbox like on yours? Everyone I've ever driven has been horrendous, not good for a company that started off manufacturing gears.
[geekmode] The Citroen badge is meant to be a representation of the helical gears they started off manufacturing.[/geekmode]
I drove a C1 from Cambridge to Manchester and back 4 up with no problems, and it was a wee bit more frugal than my Micra. 🙂
Not having a boot is an irritation though.
Back on topic, I give you the Royal Nail!!! (google it for specs)
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Some brilliant sleeper cars in here inc a Toyota MPV shed and a Mini with a Type R engine..
The C1's gearbox in mine is fine- clicky so you know exactly which gear you are going in and theres no vagueness. Only drawbacks are you can't turn the key and nail it asap. It needs a few seconds before pressing the accelerator and its economy isn't great (40 average).
ive seen a peugeot partner royal nail as well ....
same idea . 3.0 V6 405 coupe engine ..... it shifted.
yidd off SDH had a type R mini..... WOWZER fast
The Flying Ox - MemberYou're on ClubVR4 aren't you. I recognise the username im sure.
We may have even met....I have been on there, yes, but not for a while. The VR4 went a couple of years ago after being a total money pit. I resent it still even though I got it for free. Not sure if we've met though....? You know Calum up at Ratho?
Ox - you a friend of Pedro?
Sure am. Might have seen you around the shop some time?
Sure am. Might have seen you around the shop some time?
Yes indeed - Have the same name as a famous Scottish King and it's not Robert 😉
surroundedbyhills - MemberHave the same name as a famous Scottish King and it's not Robert
Remnant? Weird name.
Legacy seems a good call. I [i]nearly[/i] bought an XT Forester, that'd do the job... (but was put off by it not actually being very big)
My scabby Mondeo does a bit of this, though it's not an extreme one... It's a grey Ghia diesel so just looks, sounds and smokes like all the other grey TDCI diesel mondeos, but it's got roughly 50% more power than the 2 litre. Can be good fun.
I'd never heard the term Q car before, although I think now, I might own one.
Does the scruffiest Land Rover 110 you ever did see with a 3.9 efi count ?
ourmaninthenorth - Member
Doom blue..!
Almost as bad a dog cock red.
"Does the scruffiest Land Rover 110 you ever did see with a 3.9 efi count ? "
No 😉 thats standard for land rover.
[i]3L legacy estate, uncle has one and it is nothing look at wise but will take on most things at the lights.[/i]
Hmm, maybe.
I tested one earlier this year and it just didn't feel like it had either the cc/bhp, or it was heavy, not sure.
I've got to agree a German car with fat exhuast pipes (I know I've got one) cannot be a Q car.
The 3.0V6 Xantia Activa estate is super rare and definitely a Q car. It's hard to think of many Q cars on sale at the moment.
Rover 420 GSi Turbo - 200-odd BHP, 150mph, 0-60 in about 6 seconds, and looks like any other 400 saloon at first glance.
A tartan blanket and Trilby hat can be placed on the parcel shelf for that classic Grandad Style.
You don't know what you're missing. Fast and corners like a dream. Big enough to get two bikes in the back (with the rear seats down).I nearly bought an XT Forester
Would help to have your own oil well, it drinks petrol at a furious rate (certainly the way Mrs Rusty drives it). Nothing like burning off a boy racer with 2 dogs looking at him out the back window.
Our butcher's got the STI version which is seriously fast.
A mate of mine had a Rover 600 turbo for a bit and that was a great Q car. Not amazingly quick but fast enough and just looked like a 600.
My old Nissan Primera GT was quite good as a Q car but not quite quick enough. The older eGT was a belter though.
Not that interested in modified cars, though you can turn any shed into something special. There seems to be fewer choices of fast yet standard looking cars now, but then I guess the market has totally changed.
Passat W8 on the first page is a good call, although being a 4-litre(?) it must be a bit thirsty.
BMW M-Coupe doesn't count as it looks fast, unfortunately. Rover V8 is probably one of the best recent really Q cars...
Found one.....
Superb Estate with a 3.6 v6. 0-60 in 6.4s & top speed of 153mph...
Also, the 4x4 Yet with the 170 diesel is good for 60 in 8 secs, which would probably raise a few eyebrows.
"Also, the 4x4 Yet with the 170 diesel is good for 60 in 8 secs, which would probably raise a few eyebrows. "
and then fall over in the corner and go roof sledging ....
superb is one fast taxi though :d
rusty90 - MemberYou don't know what you're missing. Fast and corners like a dream. Big enough to get two bikes in the back (with the rear seats down)
Which isn't very impressive tbh- I had a Focus before which was slightly smaller externally, but made much better use of its space.
3.2l A6?
Fair enough, but I don't imagine the Focus did 0-60 in 5.7. Life is all about compromise 😀I had a Focus before which was slightly smaller externally, but made much better use of its space
Ok so its not a car and its not for sale, but as this is STW how about this?
[url] http://www.greatbritishsportscars.net/xj220-transit-van/ [/url]
rusty90 - MemberFair enough, but I don't imagine the Focus did 0-60 in 5.7
Hey, I'll have you know it had the old enduro diesel in it, putting no less than 80 lame horses on the tarmac.
Superb Estate with a 3.6 v6. 0-60 in 6.4s & top speed of 153mph...
Good choice. Don't see many of those around anyway, and they're usually driven in the middle lane at irritating* speed.
*68
I had one of these a looooong time ago.. Laydees and gents.. The ultimate Q car! It made the Astra look stylish.
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Nissan bluebird turbo. Came with the Sylvia 1.8 turbo engine fitted as standard and looked like a taxi..
I even had people try to get in it a few times thinking it was a taxi 😀
Lotus Carlton
Q Transit for me
Test bed for the Jag XK220 apparently
Rover 420GSi Turbo
Rover 620 Ti (never did an estate)
Rover Vitesse Turbo
MG ZT-T V8
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No-one expects Rovers to be quick. The top 3 above all have the same engine (200hp, 2litre turbo) and can be had for £cheap. The MG is more expensive.
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C5 V6, good call. That VR6 Transporter is very nice.
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Does a Pheaton look enough like a Passat to count? Shame no estate version.
My choice would be a 1.8T Octavia 4x4, with the motor given a thorough seeing-too, bigger turbo, or bi-turbo'd, bigger intercooler, re-mapped, racing anti-roll bars, updated shocks, and nothing too fancy in the wheel department.
An Audi A3, with the 3.2TDi V6, re-mapped and maybe bi-turbo'd, ought to be a proper rocket, and I'd have all badges removed. A well-tweaked A3 1.8T Quattro ought to be shit-loads of fun, with stiffer anti-roll bars, better shocks, etc.
The Audi RS6 Avent is a bit of a Q-car, especially if its de-badged, the slightly flared arches don't get noticed by most people, and I almost walked straight past a black one parked in Bath, except I spotted the grill badge. W12 engine is insane!
The new one will 'only' have a V8, but still good for 175mph. That's a rapid whippet hauler!
Actually, if I was going for [i]really[/i] subtle, and had the money, then it has to be one of these:
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VW Passat 3.6 R36 estate - 300BHP - easily mistaken for all the 2.0tdi out there
The innocuous looking saloon above puts out 450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp)@6050, 560 N·m (413 lbf·ft)@2750-5200.
Tasty! 😀
Saab 9-3 estate.
With the engine from a Dodge Viper....
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/05/insane-swedes-turn-dodge-viper-into.html
My dad had an Alfa 155 Q4 Cloverleaf, awesome car, basically a Lancia Delta Intergrale Evo but with a 155 bodyshell, gutted when he sold it!
The innocuous looking saloon above puts out 450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp)@6050, 560 N·m (413 lbf·ft)@2750-5200.
Most of them have depreciated like b*ggery, too, so can be had for a bit of a bargain.
Doesn't the big lump of an engine make it a bit of a boat to drive though?
thegreatape - MemberDoesn't truly fit the original 'looks like shit but goes like shit' definition, but I find it hard to think beyond this when it comes to unassuming Q cars.
Yeah every time I watch Ronin I end up going straight on to Ebay looking for bargain price S8s.
V70 T5R, in AWD flavour.
T-5Rs ended on the 850 (loved mine!). V70R came out after the 850R. Borderline if it could pass for a Q car as it was fairly noticeable for anyone with basic car knowledge. Actually think volvos struggle to fit in as Q cars as everyone knows the police used them and they are quick.
One that's been mentioned a few times and never gets away with as a Q car is the lotus Carlton. Fair play it looks close to a standard Carlton but the differences are too shouty. Anyone with a slight car knowledge could spot one a mile off.
My last two have been borderline Qs, the 850 T-5R and the current jag s type R 400 bhp & lbs with a fairly quiet 4.2 V8, similar looking exhaust set up to V6s, minus points that no one is surprised to see a quick jag and the noise of the supercharger when booting it (over the engine!) gives it away.
[i]My last two have been borderline Qs, the 850 T-5R and the current jag s type R 400 bhp & lbs with a fairly quiet 4.2 V8, similar looking exhaust set up to V6s, minus points that no one is surprised to see a quick jag and the noise of the supercharger when booting it (over the engine!) gives it away. [/i]
I test drove the Type R, but it just didn't feel that it'd another 150bhp over my 535i - and they do look look good, so not a Q.
I was a bit underwhelmed first time I drove it until I hit the sport button and really nailed in. Was out on a run where it kept up with a Carrera 4s, locked on 3rd or 4th gear with sports on its a bit of a beast!
Completely agree, it can't be classed as a Q but it is quicker than people would expect. Lot of hot hatch drivers think they'll be quicker than it!!! Think it falls into the same category as a lot mentioned on here, the ones that get the comments of '****, I never knew they were THAT fast!'.
Like it khani like it 🙂
In the spirit of recommending what you know my Q-car is a de-badged 335D SE touring which is pretty quick and surprises the 316i's , and apparently is quite rare in that guise. It also has a towbar which helps!
Yeah, Jag XF SV8, think I might get one!
[img] http://pictures2.autotrader.co.uk/imgser-uk/servlet/media?id=55468351 [/img]
My choice would be a 1.8T Octavia 4x4
That was my choice as well. It replaced a venerable Subaru Legacy which in turn replaced a very venerable Saab 9000 Turbo. Of the 3 it is by far the most practical, fairly civilized when you need it to be, shifts when you have to, swallows bikes and luggage, and cost a hell of a lot less than the equivalent Subaru or Volvo.
Given a choice between a V70 & Legacy, and having driven both on a track & at work, it would boil down to outright performance versus reliability. They're both incredibly forgiving cars that are easy to get the best from, but when we got the legacy to use it was like a generational leap forward in terms of performance. However, whilst the Legacy was off the road having yet another clutch, the V70s were happily plodding on & clocking up the miles. if I had the money I would buy the Legacy as my own car just because its got the performance when I want it & I can nurse any fragilities by driving with mechanical sympathy most of the time. This is not to say they're fragile cars per se, but that they are fragile in comparison to the V70.
Like it khani like it
😀 it was so crappy looking it was good. And totally reliable..
I didn't know wether to put a tartan blanket on the rear shelf or a gold tissue box for the full effect..
I want that Jag - that's less money than the A6 (yeah, I know, STW Audi shocker...) my wife just bought! Mind you, service and fuel bills may be a little steeper!
I wonder if you could build up a Bowler Wildcat/EXR Nemesis with a proper, traditional 300/Defender bodyshell? 😈
Zulu-Eleven - MemberI wonder if you could build up a Bowler Wildcat/EXR Nemesis with a proper, traditional 300/Defender bodyshell?
Now you're talking! 🙂
lad on slroc has GM LS3 v8 engine(430bhp, 430lb/ft torque) in a tomcat - which means i reckon it would fit in a defender with a little work. - might have to move the outriggers and bulkhead back and shorten the rear tub a bit - you really need to change the gear box though - there isnt a rover box on this planet that can take the torque .... this fella used a Tremec tko600 5 speed gearbox,that can handle 600lb/ft of torque, close ratio version and lt230 tranfers box with changes made to the gearbox tail houseing to allow lt230 fitment
Another lad on landy zone fitted a 6.3litre daf engine of sorts to a landy .... really narrow power band but could pull the chassis apart if you anchored it to something strong enough .....
was stood in union street last january and i heard a v8 rumble and some mega fans going, turned round and there was an old scrappy white 110 SW at the lights.. Saxo vts sitting on the otherside of it was giving it laldy like a yappy dog with the throttle basically saying race me race me .... dont know what was under the hood of the landy but it didnt sound like a 3.5 or a 3.9 ....sounded like there was a supercharger involved somewhere...maybe a rangey engine transplant .... This 110 TOOK off .... saxo was left wheelspinning at the lights making lots of noise and going no where.
Currently got hold of one of these, very nice Q car, though fuel costs with a bike on the roof down to Afan last week were not a million miles away from what i used to get out my L200 Animal, just not as fun as the RS4.
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Unless that Fiat has a V8 in it, I can't see a Q car in your pic RV 🙂
namastebuzz - MemberZulu-Eleven - Member
I wonder if you could build up a Bowler Wildcat/EXR Nemesis with a proper, traditional 300/Defender bodyshell?
Now you're talking!
I want one of those!
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Also, anyone remember the Nissan Pulsar? Skyline bits in a Sunny. Obvious body kit but should be easy enough to make it look like a Sunny again. There are a lot of Sunnys which look like Pulsars...
Unless that Fiat has a V8 in it, I can't see a Q car in your pic RV
Now a V8 in a Fiat 500 is another good idea.
Not really a Q-car but a car I think has abilities beyond its appearance is a Panda 4x4 - neat, tidy, small, unpretentious, small, 4WD, small. Not big like a Land Rover. Small.
I'd defo have one in my dream garage, next to the F1 and Morgan 3 wheeler.
Also, anyone remember the Nissan Pulsar? Skyline bits in a Sunny. Obvious body kit but should be easy enough to make it look like a Sunny again. There are a lot of Sunnys which look like Pulsars...
There is a reason they looks similar. They are the same.
Sunny = UK market
Pulsar = Japan market
The name changed to Almera in the UK, stayed as Pulsar everywhere else.
Also, they were not Skyline parts. The Pulsar GTi-R used the 2.0 DET engine. The skyline used various engines, but mostly 2.5 litre twin turbo.
In the Almera shape they also did a hot version called the VZR, although it never came to the UK. It had a 1.6 litre VVT engine with a smidge under 200bhp. It held the record for the highest bhp/litre of any NA production car for a while.
Q car? how Daft. Why not just modify your car?!
Q car!?!
killwillforchips - Member
Q car? how Daft. Why not just modify your car?!Q car!?!
Do you not understand the Q-car principle, then?
I'll keep it simple, it's a really hot car that looks like a really boring standard car. Factory, custom or DIY, doesn't matter which.
Clear now?
I'm the other way round I want the old C70 with a D5 in it.
Maybe a 180bhp polo or fabia TDI Quattro...
Whilst looking through autotrader the other day I spotted a late clk500. Bog standard looking wheels / bumpers / trim, with some little exhausts. It could have passed for a 220cdi if it wasn't for the 388bhp V8 🙂 Very tempting
Also, anyone remember the Nissan Pulsar?
I was loaned one of these for a while;
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Holy crapola it was fast!
Polo G60?
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Little rocket ship!
This is for sale...am sooooo tempted!
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58k on the clock. Wowzers.
Sounds like kids trying to make tatty old junk sound cool.
killwillforchips - Member
Sounds like kids trying to make tatty old junk sound cool.
[url= http://www.barryboys.co.uk/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=22 ]I think this may be more to sir's tastes. [/url]
I owned a GTIR for a while, big dent in the roof when I'd finished with it...
Not a Q car though! Cars with big bonnet scopes for the intercooler aren't sleepers.
How much is the Volvo Flashy?
My favourite colour, low mileage - Still, my beating trousers........
[url= http://www.formulacars.co.uk/used-cars/27/volvo-850-855-23-t-5r-ltd-edn-estate/ ] No price given for that ugly Volvo.[/url]
Polo G60?
Surely it's a G40?
Rusty, it's price on application. I'd imagine it will go for good money. It's THE colour and THE spec for the T5R
http://www.formulacars.co.uk/used-cars/27/volvo-850-855-23-t-5r-ltd-edn-estate/
Simon, it is indeed a G40. Slip of the fingers!
Mazda 323 4x4 turbo anyone?
Tweaked mine to a respectable 186bhp ( RR tuned ) . Surprised many car owners on track days , and the police didnt even know what it was . I overtook [s]blasted past[/s] an unmarked car who then 'followed' me for miles as I got all the traffic gaps and he didnt.
When he finally caught up he had a look underneath at the 4wd system and let me go with ' keep the speed down a little please' comment.
Had a Nissan Cherry Turbo too , slightly tweaked. Torque steer ahoy and a very basic 80's turbo instalation, was fast though , for a Sunny
Mazda did a 323 GTR with a 1.8t engine, fitted with a rather large turbo charger. Very easy to obtain 250 bhp with a remap only. Trans boxs explode if launched though
b r
3L legacy estate, uncle has one and it is nothing look at wise but will take on most things at the lights.Hmm, maybe.
I tested one earlier this year and it just didn't feel like it had either the cc/bhp, or it was heavy, not sure.
The 4x4 drive train takes the sting out of it on take off, and the power band means you have to ring it's neck to get peak power. When it's off the line though there isn't much that'll sit with it through the corners. A very fast composed car, and much more "Q" than any of the german estates as most people have little idea what it is.
The 2.0 twin turbo GTB has 270-290bhp as standard and older ones have huge cross compatibility of parts with classic impreza's so pretty much unlimited tuning potential. 2k would get you one, 6k would get a 320bhp minter.
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I had an Mk2 Escort on an 1100cc log book, nice and cheap to insure coming back on the road after a DR10. It was spotted for sale by a mate who had helped build up the 1760cc motor etc. A rusty four door saloon that would leave XR3s standing and give a good fight to XR2is and XR3is. Loved that car.