If winter exposes a car's resilience, then summer is the season in which a car may truly indulge itself and by extension, its driver. The roof can be dropped, the air may be scented with warm tarmac and freshly-cut grass in the countryside and the romance of movement can fully flourish.
A car for summer hasn’t got to be the fastest or the most extravagant, but it must offer clarity of purpose, a way of celebrating mechanical intimacy, and the joys of travel. Here is a list, which is by no means definitive, of cars that best encapsulate the spirit of summer motoring.
Mazda MX-5 NA
There is a tendency among engineers to mistake complexity for refinement. The Mazda MX-5, in its original form, deletes that notion entirely. Double wishbones at each corner, rear-wheel drive and a kerb weight that’s half of a modern family crossover, it proves that joy can be engineered with a light hand. The manual gearbox is not just a tool but a true driving companion. Weighing just 950 kg and employing double-wishbone suspension on both axles, it is simple and briliant fun behind the wheel.The unassisted steering connects you directly with the road. Driving along winding country roads becomes a wonderful experience. The low driving position and the lightness of the MX-5‘s body, rotating it in corners is pure driving bliss on the cheap.
Saab 900 Convertible
The Saab 900 convertible and its clean Swedish design is timeless and modern day classic car culture certainly proves it – it’s a trendy car, enjoyed by both the young and old, women and men. The convertible is especially attractive. It feels strong and well-made yet welcomes the open sky. If acquired with a turbocharged engine, it will provide enjoyable acceleration, and the slightly too high seating position gives the feeling of being in charge like a boat captain. It’s not a sporty car but it definitely delivers dignified enjoyment.
Volkswagen T3 Westfalia
To speak of summer travel and omit the T3 would be a betrayal. The T3, in its camper configuration, does not merely offer transport, but also offers accommodation.The Westfalia camper is a micro-home on wheels, complete with a pop-top roof, fold-out beds, a stove, fridge, and storage space for two or more dreamers. Depending on the model year, it came with a variety of engines, from a humble yet indestructible 1.6-liter diesel to the more spirited 2.1-liter Wasserboxer petrol unit making 112 hp. Its rear mounted engine burbles contentedly, the boxy frame contains a world of compact utility,and its presence in a forest clearing or cliffside layby screams cozy summer evening.
Citroën Mehari
This list deserves something playful, and the Mehari fits perfectly. Built from plastic and looking like a beach buggy drawn from a description via telephone, it’s as carefree as a holiday hat. Its suspension, borrowed from the 2CV, handles rough terrain perfectly and the canvas roof is only a basic shelter. Its ABS plastic body weighs just 570 kg, making it nearly immune to rust and lighter than a modern motorcycle. They were built for 20 years, from 1968 until 1988, so finding one that fits you and your budget best won’t be an issue.
Jeep Cherokee XJ
Of the many vintage 4x4s worthy of summer exploration, few strike the balance of utility and comfort quite like the Jeep Cherokee XJ. Introduced in the 1980s, its unibody construction was a technical novelty in the world of body-on-frame brutes. The straight-six engine delivers great torque and reliability. Its iconic station wagon silhouette hides a cabin of surprising spaciousness. It may not invite canyon carving, but it rewards with trail capability, lakeside repose, and the satisfaction of a machine built for both asphalt and earth. And considering the car's popularity during production, its footprint in modern 4x4 culture and the global popularity of SUVs, the XJ Cherokee is also a great long-term investment.
Fiat Barchetta
The Fiat Barchetta ( or "little boat"), to put it simply, is an MX-5 with front-wheel-drive, meaning it’s cheaper and less sought after than the Japanese counterpart. That’s good and bad, as buying one for not much money is easy, but they are harder to find, as the enthusiast community for the Italian roadster is just a fraction the size of the MX-5’s. Built on a front-wheel-drive Punto platform and powered by a lively 1.8-liter 16-valve inline-four, it revs freely and sings a sporty note near redline. Unlike the MX-5, there’s more European flair with a swooping dash, a tall shifter, pontoon style front wings only Italians know how to sketch. It is a charming little thing and while it’s not the most precise sports car, on a summer evening with the top down, it doesn’t need to be.
It is important to know that a summer car is not defined solely by its ability to shed its roof, its exclusivity or statistical excellence. It is defined by its ability to turn driving into travelling, into adventures and thus, into happiness. These machines, along with many others in their varied ways, offer that particular magic.
---
Embark on a journey to find your ideal vehicle by browsing through our Car Categories. Or, delve into our Classic Passion Shop for an exciting array of products from our partners, perfect for enthusiasts looking to enhance their collection!
