Top 10: Turbocharged classics
The principle of turbocharging hasn’t changed massively over the years, although fuel-injection tended to replace carburettors through the 1980s. And these days you get innovations like low-pressure turbos, bringing smoother acceleration through a broader rev range, as well as twin-turbos for even more ‘grunt’.
The good news when buying a classic turbo motor is that turbochargers are generally reliable these days, and even relatively elderly examples can still give good service – depending on their mileage and service history. It’s essential that any turbocharged car has had oil changes at the correct intervals, and that high-performance or synthetic engine oil has been used. And remember, after a fast run, don't swtich off without letting the car idle for 30 seconds or so!
But enough of the practicalities, as there are some fantastically exciting turbocharged classic choices out there these days. It’s just a question of which one tempts you the most.
You’d think the extremely rare MG Maestro Turbo would be a prime candidate, but we plumped instead for its little brother. Yes, the Metro Turbo deserves its place here for being the first ever turbocharged production MG; and it was popular too, with almost 22,000 sold in eight years.
Strapping a turbocharger to the 1275cc A-series engine was never going to create the smoothest turbo-hatch. But with an extra 21bhp (93 in all) over the naturally aspirated MG Metro, sharp handling and compact dimensions, the ‘blown’ version was a nippy and entertaining choice.
Pug RCZ on 11 April 2018
That 12 seconds should, I think, be 6.0 seconds.classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/porsche/911-turb...s
John of Gloster on 12 April 2018
Two HUGE omissions from that list.How about the always under estimated MG Montego and MG Maestro Turbos? Yes, under rated particularly by the car consumers, not to be confused with car enthusiasts, in their country of origin. More highly regarded in other parts of the world though. Righty so.
Grego on 12 April 2018
MG Maestro Turbo, the fastest FWD car car at the time (1989) I owned one for 5 years and in that time only one car got past me and that was a Rover 620 Turbo, possibly the most underrated car everAdd a comment