Faults:

Overheating.

Rust.

Engine pinking.

Lumpy tickover.

All the above easily and cheaply rectified (apart from rust which can be slowed by preventative measures, but is eventually terminal. Keeping it in a garage would be best).

General Comments:

Excellent engine bay access and parts availability make it a great car to tinker and play with.

Handling is fun but in no way good. Wouldn't fancy using it every day though. Long journeys on fast roads are very tedious. Good fun for the aspiring classic owner.

Faults:

Engine replaced 3 months after purchased (big end went). Gearbox replaced (reverse gear went), both at quite high mileages.

Clutch replaced (broken spring in plate).

Sills welded up.

Numerous and continuous minor stuff e.g. number plate light, rear brake adjusters, broken speedo cable, worn jets and needles in carb, alternator gone (twice) etc. etc.

Worst period was first 3 months of ownership fixing inherited problems from the previous owner, mostly reliable since.

General Comments:

Excellent fun car, does need some maintenance but that is only reasonable, it is 22 years old and I do cover 16,000 miles a year in her, rain and shine, summer and winter! Hardtop makes winter driving very agreeable, while the soft-top makes summers a delight.

Light weight contributes to superb RWD handling.

Cabin design makes accomodation perfectly possible for a 6'2" person, but it is a little awkward to get in and out of - mainly because it is so incredibly close to the road. Laugh when you see it park and realise that the roof is barely above the bottom of the window of the car parked next to it!

A very beautiful sports car, stylish inside with proper wooden dash (unlike modern cars with token wood inlays).