One thing I didn't mention was the hard top. I still don't know if I could live without a convertible. Driving home in the S2000 with fresh air in my face, and the sun setting over Bristol did make me pretty happy...

 

Always fancied a good bike engined kit car.. obviously needs to be light (they lack torque) but the sound is as epic as a 4 pot gets

 

But did you have your crash helmet on? Another bump on the head could be serious ...

 

Agree with that, before we bought the S it was of little interest to me, then we drove a MK1 mx5 and the S and now.. for a weekend car it's a big thing

Otherwise I would suggest trying the GR86

 

Ha! No I didn't. I bet I'd have had some amused/bemused looks driving through town!

 

Yeh I did think about the GR86. By all accounts a very good driver's car, but doesn't quite tick the 'special' box.

 

Like the Ev review, I missed it somehow.

I recall warming to one which was on a TV show I enjoyed. It's a good looking car but I think not instantly good looking

I don't understand why Lotus don't sell more. The Toyota engine is a little anodyne though I haven't driven one I have seen plenty on track (in Exige but same thing I think)

I would go more Exige but even then.. would it be sensible? Dunno. I could do with dropping to 2 cars but an Exige is £50k+ and faster than my SC S2? Not by much in my crude hands I reckon...

Complex choices.. but good review. I like the EV and would have it over any Cayman bar the GT4 I think

 

Agree Ev review was muted but try again. Your comment about the sill made me smile. That's the reason I couldn't test drive. Hips couldn't get over it

 

Ah, sad times! Apparently the Elise is even more tricky, so i suspect that'd be a no no for you too.

 

He lurks - from time to time I sold the S2000 and bought a Fiesta ST but then missed the roof down thing so bought a cheap Del Slo - so the answer to your question after 15 years of topless fun is yes, you WILL miss the opening roof. I don't miss the speed of the Honda, i've a Z1000SX for that.

There is nothing 'modern' at sensible prices that has the aural feel of the S2000 and yes, if you sell it, you will never find another one you trust at a price you like and with a history you could trust - i would never come back to ownership for that reason. As ever, Simon is correct. If you want track fun, get a Caterham or just go full idiot and pick up a Clio 182 and a trailer. Whatever you get as a track car, get a trailer and something that can tow it. Or just accept you might only ever do the odd track day and rent what you fancy for the day - probably works out cheaper and far less hassle. If you park it in a bank, walk away and drive your own undamaged car home.

TVR - very nice, there's a few around here but you only see them on summer evenings and only about 4 times a year. Heaven help you if someone prangs into it.

The only other ragtop / convertible i've sat in that's comfortable and reasonably quick is the new shape MX-5 - it's the closest thing i've found to the S2000. Porsche are just lardy by comparison. If you wanted a modern S2000 with a bit more useable poke then i'd be going here - https://bbrgti.com/

In my admittedly limited financial experience, multiple vehicles with specific purposes are the way forward, Being able to tinker with something whilst still having other reliable transport is not something to be sniffed at.