www.carrozzieri-italiani.com

The ultimate italian coachbuilder site

News16 December 2021 by Andreas 286 Viewed

Ares Design latest One-Off: The Porsche 992 Targa

• Italian coachbuilder ARES unveils the new, one-off Porsche 992 Targa by ARES

• New carbon-fibre aero kit, designed by ARES Centro Stile in Modena

• New sport exhaust system and engine upgrades deliver 60 HP more than the original

Three years after the 2018 991 GT3 Targa, the luxury Italian coachbuilder ARES Modena had the chance to work again on Porsche’s droptop and the result of its creative effort is the Porsche 992 Targa by ARES.

Born as a one-off project, the 992 Targa by ARES feature a stunning new aero kit, which is made of carbon fibre and designed by the Centro Stile of ARES, housed in the Modena Factory. The styling elements blend fluently with Porsche’s original styling language, with new air intakes and lavish features painted in silver, contrasting perfectly with the elegant dark blue body.

Despite its elegant and stylish forms, the Porsche 992 Targa by ARES features a powerful new stance: the new wings widen the track width of the GT from Stuttgart by 4 centimetres at the front and 8 centimetres at the rear. Completing the athletic exterior look are new, larger, alloy wheels with a custom design and metallic silver finish.

However, the work of the craftsmen and designers at ARES Modena did not stop with the bodywork alone. The interior of the Porsche 992 Targa by ARES was completely refurbished using the highest quality leather and incorporating new decors. The tan-coloured leather, chosen by the patron of this unique car, upholsters the seats, the dashboard, the steering wheel and the entire panelling. The ARES Modena badges are also present on the steering wheel and the backrests of the sports seats.

The new and special look also corresponds to an upgrade in dynamic performance. The turbocharged Boxer 6 engine of the 992 Targa by ARES has been finely tuned by the technicians of the Modena atelier and now breathes through a fresh bespoke sports exhaust system, giving a new and exciting sound and 60 HP more than the original model.

The new Porsche 992 Targa by ARES is just the latest of the many unique and bespoke creations that ARES has delivered over the last few years. From the Corvette C2 Sting Ray by ARES to the Porsche 964 Turbo by ARES, not forgetting the Tesla Model S Convertible, at ARES there has always been a special place for one-off projects, exclusive creations, tailor-made for connoisseurs and genuine enthusiasts. This exceptional Porsche 992 Targa by ARES sits proudly amongst them.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

Posts You Might Like

News 27 June 2024

Aspark and M.A.T. Set World Record with 438.7 kph SP600 Electric Hypercar

In a landmark achievement, the Aspark SP600, a production intent prototype hypercar, has become the world’s fastest electric hypercar, clocking a remarkable top speed of 438.7kph. This record-breaking feat was realized through the dedicated efforts of Manifattura Automobili Torino (M.A.T.) in collaboration with tire specialist Bridgestone and driven by professional racer Marc Basseng.

0 Comments 145 Viewed
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Classic cars offer a unique blend of nostalgia, style, and driving pleasure, making them a favorite among enthusiasts. You don’t need to break the bank to own a piece of automotive history – there are many affordable classics, particularly from the pre-1980 era, that you can buy for under 20,000€. In this article, we’ll explore 10 such cars that combine timeless design and fun driving experiences at a reasonable price.

1. Fiat 850 Vignale (1964–1968)

Average Price: 7,000–18,000€
The Fiat 850 Vignale is a charming, compact classic with an Italian flair. The Vignale-bodied coupe version of the 850 is particularly prized for its elegant lines and rarity. Powered by an 843cc engine, it’s not a performance monster, but its lightweight chassis and quirky design make it a joy to drive. It’s a stylish and affordable entry into the world of classic Italian cars.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Rare Vignale styling, affordable, easy to maintain because of the Fiat 850 mechanics.
  • Cons: Low power, difficult to find parts for specific Vignale models.

2. Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (1955–1974)

Average Price: 15,000–20,000€
The Karmann Ghia is a timeless blend of German engineering and Italian design. Its flowing lines were penned by Carrozzeria Ghia, while it was built by the Karmann coachbuilder. Underneath its sleek body lies the dependable Volkswagen Beetle platform, making it easy to maintain. With its unique design and reliable mechanicals, the Karmann Ghia is a fantastic classic for anyone who appreciates style without compromising on reliability.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Iconic design, reliable Volkswagen parts, affordable maintenance.
  • Cons: Slow performance, rising prices for pristine models.

3. Fiat 600 (1955–1969)

Average Price: 5,000–15,000€
The Fiat 600 played a key role in Italy’s post-war economic boom, providing affordable transportation to the masses. Its small size and rear-engine layout make it a fun and nimble car to drive, especially in city environments. While its 633cc engine may not win any drag races, its charm and simplicity more than make up for it. The Fiat 600 is an excellent starter classic with plenty of character.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Iconic Italian design, affordable price, easy to work on.
  • Cons: Limited speed, basic interior.

4. Fiat 124 Sport Spider (1966–1982)

Average Price: 14,000–20,000€+
Designed by Pininfarina, the Fiat 124 Sport Spider combines Italian flair with sporty performance at an affordable price. It comes with a 1.4L, 1.6L, or later 2.0L engine, making it a peppy roadster perfect for cruising. With its stunning lines, lively handling, and convertible top, the Fiat 124 Sport Spider delivers an engaging driving experience reminiscent of much more expensive classic sports cars.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Italian style, affordable, good driving dynamics.
  • Cons: Prone to rust, regular maintenance required.

5. MGB (1962–1980)

Average Price: 10,000–18,000€
The MGB is one of the best-selling British sports cars of all time and offers a fun and engaging driving experience. Available as a roadster or GT coupe, the MGB is powered by a 1.8-liter engine that delivers respectable performance for its era. Its simple mechanics make it easy to maintain, and there’s a large aftermarket for parts, making the MGB one of the most accessible and affordable classic sports cars on the market.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Easy to maintain, large parts availability, fun driving experience.
  • Cons: Not particularly fast, rust issues.

6. Triumph Spitfire (1962–1980)

Average Price: 9,000–15,000€
The Triumph Spitfire is another affordable British sports car that delivers plenty of fun for a reasonable price. Its lightweight design and small 1.1L to 1.5L engines make it agile and fun on twisty roads, even if it’s not the fastest car around. With its convertible top and classic styling, the Spitfire offers a quintessential British motoring experience.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Lightweight, fun to drive, convertible charm.
  • Cons: Basic interior, prone to rust, some electrical issues.

7. Innocenti 950 Spider (1961–1968)

Average Price: 10,000–16,000€
The Innocenti 950 Spider is a rare and delightful Italian classic designed by Ghia and powered by a British Austin-Healey Sprite engine. With a 948cc engine delivering 43 horsepower, it’s not the fastest car on the list, but it compensates with beautiful styling and a fun, lightweight driving experience. Its combination of Italian design and British engineering makes it a unique classic that stands out in the crowd.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Rare Ghia design, affordable, a blend of Italian style and British engineering.
  • Cons: Limited performance, finding parts can be tricky.

8. Citroën DS (1955–1975)

Average Price: 15,000–20,000€
The Citroën DS is one of the most revolutionary cars ever made. Its futuristic design, advanced suspension system, and hydraulic innovations make it an icon of automotive history. While the Citroën DS might not be a traditional sports car, its unique driving experience, superb ride quality, and avant-garde looks make it a fantastic classic car to own. Models in good condition can be found within this budget, especially if you avoid the higher-performance variants.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Revolutionary design, smooth ride, unique driving experience.
  • Cons: Complex mechanics, costly repairs for hydraulic systems.

9. Porsche 914 (1969–1976)

Average Price: 15,000–20,000€+
The Porsche 914 is one of the most affordable ways to own a classic Porsche. Co-developed with Volkswagen, the mid-engined 914 offers excellent handling and balance, making it a joy to drive. While early models featured VW-sourced engines, later versions came with more powerful Porsche units, delivering better performance. Its quirky styling and Porsche badge make it a desirable choice for classic car enthusiasts.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Mid-engine handling, affordable entry into Porsche ownership.
  • Cons: Modest power, VW engine in early models, rising prices.

10. Lancia Fulvia Coupe (1965–1976)

Average Price: 10,000–18,000€
The Lancia Fulvia Coupe is a hidden gem in the classic car world. Known for its rallying success, the Fulvia is a front-wheel-drive coupe with sharp handling and a rev-happy 1.3L V4 engine. Its elegant design, especially in the earlier models, has earned it a loyal following. The Fulvia’s motorsport heritage and timeless looks make it a fantastic option for anyone seeking an affordable Italian classic.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Rally heritage, sharp handling, beautiful design.
  • Cons: Parts can be expensive, prone to rust.

Final Thoughts

These 10 classic cars offer a variety of driving experiences, from nimble city cruisers to sporty roadsters and rally-inspired coupes, all without exceeding the 20,000€ mark. Whether you’re drawn to Italian styling, British charm, or German engineering, there’s a classic car on this list to suit your taste and budget. Just remember to factor in maintenance and parts costs when choosing your dream car. With the right choice, you’ll not only enjoy the pleasures of owning a classic but also the potential appreciation in value over time.

© 2023 Carrozzieri-italiani.com
Handcrafted with love in Italy 🇮🇹