Looking for an R8 cabriolet

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metroid
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Joined: Sat Nov 13, 2021 8:17 pm

Looking for an R8 cabriolet

Post by metroid »

Hey guys.

I've decided I want a 200 cabriolet.

Viewed one advertised locally recently, an early (1992) 214 - I absolutely loved it, but "head" decision was to look for something better.

This one was generally scruffy, although not too rusty overall, but did have quite a nasty rust hole in the top corner of the windscreen frame. Engine was making a knocking sound at low revs, I think piston slap, although seller suggested tappets, pronounced when engine cold, and quiet when revving, but still apparent once engine had warmed up. I also noticed quite a lot of water coming out of the exhaust while running, possibly condensation but still quite worrying...

It drove brilliantly though, ran nicely, quick enough for me and much "tighter" than I was expecting, nice steering and ride and minimal "scuttle shake" compared to their reputation. Gearbox and clutch both nice to use too. Despite the issues I reckon it had been well maintained over the years...

So questions - I think I'd really like a K-series and the 1.4 appeals fitting into the lower tax band... it seems the 1.6 is more common which I assume is Honda? I also like the earlier interior/dash compared to pictures I've seen of facelifted cars. Is the 1.4 common or harder to find? What other engines were fitted to the soft top car? Obviously "buy on condition" is the sensible advice but what engine options and variations were made to the cabriolet over the years? Oh, and are electric hoods problematic and if so can they be converted to manual operation easily?

Have also read elsewhere online that these cars are very variable in terms of general rattlyness/scuttle shake. Is there anything in this? Would travel for the right car but it would be disappointing to do that only to find it's rubbish to drive. :D

Oh, and has anyone got anything for sale? I'd hope that a couple of grand would buy a decent usable car (scruffy is OK, terminal issues less so) and would travel. Saying that cheaper would be fine and I would stretch the budget for something really nice. I'm in Devon.
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Dorchester
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Location: Bioule, France

Re: Looking for an R8 cabriolet

Post by Dorchester »

Hello!
I've got a 1994 1.4 cabby (limited edition with all the toys of the 216) and I'm delighted.
Regarding the hood in any case there's a kind of tap in the boot. I've got an electric hood but the tap can be turned clockwise or anticlockwise to choose manual or electric. Easy peasy.
I've swapped the gearbox for a good rebuilt one with a brand new clutch and it's a very bliss to drive now.
When I bought it in 2019 the hood was in very poor condition but the seller gave me a brand new British mohair one.
The K engine when it's well and regularly serviced is a no brainer.
I've done 10k miles within 4 1/2 years.
I've just now to swap the worn alternator.
IMHO the 214 is a little despised and not so easy to find out. Many buyers have opted for the 216 Honda version.
Have a good look on the underbody and wheel arches to avoid corrosion.
Mine was superb but... I live in the South of France where rains are scarcer!
As you can see I've done a few upgrades inside...


20230621_160227~2.jpg
20210509_102228~3.jpg
Rover 214i cabriolet v16 1994 BRG & lightstone leather
Rover 25 1.4 Saws Tuning remapped 2002 platinum silver
Rover 75 V6 2.5 1999 Atlantic blue & sandstone beige leather
Rover P5B coupe 1968 Arden green & buckskin leather
metroid
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Re: Looking for an R8 cabriolet

Post by metroid »

Nice car, thanks for the info!
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220 GSi turbo
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Location: The National Forest

Re: Looking for an R8 cabriolet

Post by 220 GSi turbo »

The 1.4 came in two levels of power: approximately 90bhp from launch until the end of 1992 (these cars had a fairly basic single point injection system and a catalyst was optional), after that the power was upped to 103bhp with multipoint injection.
There were 8-valve 214s available too (even some with a carburettor and manual choke!) but not in the Cabriolet.

Earlier engines are generally regarded as being more robust (up to early 1994) although with the age they have reached now, neglect can soon undo all of that.
1995 220GSi Turbo: owned for 23 years
1994 216SLi
2000 25GTi

Daily: Honda Civic Type R GT

Previously: 216 Sprint (1988-91)216 Coupe(1993-95) 214SLi(1995-96) 420GSi Turbo L955UKV(1997-2004) 214SEi M884BMR(2004-11) 420GSi Tourer (2005-6) 214 SEi M103BCW(2011-12)
RMS1974
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Location: Dumfries

Re: Looking for an R8 cabriolet

Post by RMS1974 »

Hi, I have a 1993 Cabriolet, Caribbean blue, tan hood cream leather, very good mot history.

Please pm if you would like more info, pics etc.
kevinwillis
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Re: Looking for an R8 cabriolet

Post by kevinwillis »

PM sent
Paul_1978_yorks
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Location: Wakefield, West Yorks
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Re: Looking for an R8 cabriolet

Post by Paul_1978_yorks »

kevinwillis wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2024 11:00 amPM sent
Another one of my old ones Kevin!
Current:
1996-N 214 SEi, 2010 Volvo V50 2.0 SE Lux, 2015 VW Up!
Former:
214 SEi x3, 216 SLi, 216 Cabriolet, 416 GSi, 420 GSi Tourer, 25, 45, 75
metroid
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Re: Looking for an R8 cabriolet

Post by metroid »

kevinwillis wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2024 11:00 amPM sent
Just replied. :)
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