The Dark Side...have I crossed over! Not really!

I was driving back from Cass, WV a couple months ago after riding the steam logging trains on the mountain. US 219 runs along the ridge and often at 3000+ feet, eventually bringing you to I-77. 219 is a driver's road, LOTS of twisties, steep grades, and breathtaking views...and I was doing it all in a 4600 lb. truck!

A few weeks later I was in south Florida, in the truck, for a high school reunion. I took some time to run out to the beach and tour the old town (Punta Gorda) where I grew up. Same story, I could put down the windows and let my hair (what's left) blow a bit, but I REALLY needed a different ride on that trip.

I started a want list of features/capabilities, refined it, and wound up with:

• MUST be a rag top

• new enough to find parts/service (goal > 1995)

• low mileage (goal - < 50,000)

• classic design...nothing too far "out there"

• performance first, economy second

• affordable, NOT a budget buster

• comfortable; AC, PS, PB preferred

I researched as many on line reviews and road tests as I could find and narrowed it down to three vehicles...Mercedes SLK, Porsche Boxter, BMW Z3...too bad there are no longer Brit cars that fill the bill.

For me, I reached the following conclusions...YMMV! The SLK seemed a bit soft; it's built on the same platform as the small sedan and while comfortable and somewhat stylish, it seemed to me a bit "girlie" (any girlies out there, please forgive me). The Boxster had better performance and while many LOVE the mid-engine layout, it's just too unconventional for me...I like the long hood and short deck, RWD! That left the Z3 (I've never been to fond of the looks of the longer Z4, especially the trunk hump).

I checked out all the usual markets and in the process "discovered" the M Roadster. I was/am no expert on BMWs, so to keep it simple, it is basically a Z3 with a larger engine, different transmission and diff., stiffer suspension, and some styling changes, like the wide rear fenders/flares to accommodate the 9" wide rims and 245/17 tires.

Armed with this new information I refined my (nationwide) search and found the car I wanted in my backyard...Marietta Sportscar Company (just north of Atlanta).

In a nutshell:

• 1998 BMW M Roadster

• Imola Red with Napa red/black leather interior

• 3.2L inline six; 240 HP, 236 foot lbs torque

• 5 speed manual

• top speed 137 MPH (computer limited; Euro version is 155 MPH)

• Power top, PB, PS (variable at speed/computer controlled), power seats & windows
  AC

• 12+ inch brake rotors; fronts have cooling ducts

   For a dealer invoice click here.

   For a full set of specifications click here.  

I picked it up on Sept. 9, 2009 and have had some time to get acquainted...so far, so good! Having this in the garage should afford me the opportunity to take the time necessary to complete the Spridget without compromising the concept (i.e., street legal race car). It will also let me drive and show the Midget when I want, and continue to enjoy the TR EVERY DAY!

I'll think of the M as a "grocery getter" that is a bit more fun than my truck!

    For more photos click here.    

E-mail Ray at ray@raysmg.com about MG interests you may share.