Very occasionally a real pearl slips through the net: a car that in its day was a little overlooked yet goes on to become something of a cult classic. Spotting these cars is not easy but I think I’ve found one: the Ford Streetka.

At launch the waiting list was lengthy but as it matured competition from some tough rivals saw demand ease and discounts appear. Three years on this chic little roadster can be bought privately for about £6,500, half what it cost when new.

Ford ended production of the Streetka in December, guaranteeing its rarity, certainly for a Ford product. Add to that its cute styling and practicality and you have the perfect car for discerning used car buyers looking for fun and style at a reasonable price.

Launched in the UK in early 2003 the Streetka took the underpinnings of the basic Ford Ka and added a beefier 1.6 litre engine, producing 94bhp.

Despite about 30% more power on tap than its 1.3 litre hatchback brother the Streetka feels only marginally quicker. This is due to its increase in kerb weight of about 350lb: the result of extra strengthening needed by soft tops. But with lowered suspension and revised steering the Streetka handles just as well as the hatchback.

On the road the Streetka feels compact but never cramped and even with the hood up the cabin is less claustrophobic than an MG F or a Lotus Elise. Experiencing open-air motoring couldn’t be simpler: the manual hood can be dropped and stowed in about 15sec. And while a decent boot is not something you might expect on a cabriolet the Streetka bucks the trend. At 214 litres it’s plenty big enough for a couple of soft weekend bags.

Equipment levels are generous although there is no denying that the original Ford Ka’s 10-year-old design is starting to show its age with the absence of an adjustable steering wheel and the useful cubbyholes that are now standard fare on more modern offerings. Safety is addressed with the inclusion of dual front airbags, ABS brakes and twin rollover protection hoops, although the car was never subjected to the Euro NCAP tests.

The best used buy is the Streetka Luxury. It cost about £1,200 more than the standard model when new and comes with pretty leather upholstery and useful air-conditioning. That premium has eroded to about £500 when you buy second-hand.

Reasonable servicing costs mean that there are no excuses for not maintaining your Streetka, but with an interval of 12 months or 12,500 miles between visits you are likely to encounter low-mileage examples whose owners have taken a relaxed view of the 12-month recommendation. It’s important to remember that regardless of mileage the Streetka should still have an annual check so be fussy and seek out used examples that have had this done.

Because it is a convertible it is also wise to check the roof seals and carpets for signs of leaks. It’s not a common fault but it can be expensive. The plastic rear screen is prone to minor scratches although all but the most serious can be removed with specialist polishes. On cars with air-conditioning check it works and on all models check bumpers and alloys for signs of damage.


Warranty Three-year/60,000-mile warranty on new cars, but they still require a service every 12 months or 12,500 miles to keep the warranty valid





Boot The surprisingly large 214 litre capacity is better than an Audi TT cabriolet





Security Remote central locking and alarm are standard on all models

Upholstery Standard cloth is a little dowdy. The leather of the Luxury model is a better bet





Hard top The Winter Edition models come with a removable hard-top roof





Roof Check roof seals and carpets for signs of water leaks





Suspension The stiffened, lowered suspension combined with 16in alloy wheels give the Streetka sharp handling





Cabin Height adjustable driver’s seat and plenty of headroom make it easy to get yourself comfortable





Stereo Single disc CD player standard





Mirrors Heated and electrically adjustable but check for scuffs on the body-coloured casings

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Ford Streetka Luxury
Engine 1597cc, four cylinders
Power 94bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 35.8mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 12.1sec
Top speed 108mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Ford Streetka Luxury 2004 04 with 20,000 miles. Pay £8,995 at a franchised dealer or £8,000 privately.

OR, FOR THE SAME MONEY...

2001 51 Toyota MR2 Roadster
2003 03 Vauxhall Astra convertible 1.6
2003 53 Peugeot 206 CC 1.6
2004 53 Mazda MX-5 1.6
2005 05 Smart Roadster

VALUES



Standard 1.6 cars worth about £500 less than Luxury models. Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer