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News16 December 2021 by Andreas 448 Viewed

Ares reveals latest addition to its Legends Reborn Programme: Wami Lalique Spyder

  • Renders reveal elegant 1950s inspired roadsterwith interior jewelled detailing by Lalique
  • French luxury crystalmaker Lalique to craft exquisite interior embellishments
  • Very limited edition of 12 units for first production run
  • Order book open
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Italian coachbuilder ARES and world-renowned French crystal maker Lalique have revealed first images of their stunning automotive design collaboration, a perfectly proportioned two-seater roadster, the WAMI Lalique Spyder.

With a bold muscular silhouette, reminiscent of the halcyon days of the 1950s, the Spyder’s exterior is crafted from a blend ofhand-shaped aluminium and carbon fibre.

Its evocative styling cues include chromedexhausts, front and rear bumper with over-riders and wire wheels giving the vehicle the opulent nod to the past and a timeless appearance.

Inside, bespoke French crystal design meets handcrafted Italian upholstery creating a perfect blend of artisan skills and sumptuous luxury detailing. From the delicately decorated centre console to the doors the elegant interior boasts hand-made crystal embellishments, perfectly complemented by the finest English oak dashboard housing the classic white on back dials – reminiscent of the bygone era.

The car’s inspiration, derived from the finest two-seater roadsters, was painstakingly conceived by the Modenese design house’s Centro Stile team.

The hand-made jewels will be produced at Lalique’s factory in Wingen-sur-Moder in Alsace, France. Like its Italian counterparts, Lalique’s team of gifted artisans marry traditional skills of the past and modern-day technology to create stunning and unique works of art.

Commenting on the initial renders, Lalique’s Chairman and CEO Silvio Denz said: “Thanks to the perfect marriage between Lalique’s bespoke crystal design and ARES Design’s high level of excellence in car design and technology, the masterpiece that will result of this collaboration will be the ultimate luxury accessory.This very special collaboration perpetuates the work of René Lalique whose iconic car mascots were some of his best-known piecescreatedin theroaring twenties.”

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ARES Design’s CEOand Co-founder Dany Bahar said: “As work progresses, we can now begin to truly appreciate what a beautiful and unique car we are co-creating with our partner Lalique; it is unlike anything we have produced before. The WAMI Lalique Spyder will be a joy to own –the ultimate luxury accessory. Owners will be able to relive the romance of travel that is synonymous with the Côte D’Azur and the Amalfi Coast of the 1950s in a beautifully adorned masterpiece; the epitome of bejewelled excellence.”

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.

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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.

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