Check Out This Car

81k-Mile 1987 BMW 325i

2013-04-23T00:51:00.001-04:00

The E30 is the definitive 3-series. It was unlike the E21 that came before and especially the E36 after. It also helped solidify the brand's status in the United States as a maker of great automobiles, and gave rival Mercedes-Benz some real competition against their W201 190. It's a New Classic.

These were produced from 1982-1993, otherwise known as the Reagan-Bush era. Sure, the E30 is the original yuppie mobile, but for all the right reasons: they were extremely solid, fun to drive and reliable. In fact, so well-built and relatively simple to fix were the E30 that Kiplinger's named them one of the top 10 Cars that Refuse to Die.

The body was designed by Claus Luthe and is an exercise in incredible restraint and detail. It's not quite boxy but definitely not round, the lines all laser-straight chiseled and crisp, and yet up close, the corners are softly rounded, like they were gently sanded and buffed by hand. The greenhouse is proportionally huge, making the windows look large and the space inside inviting, not to mention providing excellent visibility inside and out.

Inside, the interior is an all-business, no-nonsense, hyper-functional, driver-oriented paradise. The gauges are crystal clear white-over-black. The center console is angled towards the driver. Above the rearview mirror is an onboard service indicator that displays the status of vital systems through a red LED bargraph.

Underneath the hood is the timeless 2.5-litre inline six-cylinder engine providing a decent 168 horsepower to the rear wheels. This particular example is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Since they were commuter cars for the upwardly mobile, they were often driven hard then quickly traded in for the next flashy car, before they fell into multiple hands and eventually rusted away. As such, clean, low mileage examples are very, very difficult to find. The E30 M3 is already a collectible classic, so it's likely the regular coupes and sedans may follow.

This particular survivor defies the odds. The seller says this '87 325i has just 81,574 miles on the clock. Cosmetically, it looks amazing. It helps the grey/black color combination is perfect and flatters the exterior and interior shapes. The seller also says the body has no rust, a huge plus. They even say the paint is shiny and not faded.

Mechanically, they say it was regularly serviced, taken good care of and now "runs and drives great".

I want this car. As long as there is no rust and the seller can provide some proof of prior maintenance, the next owner (should it not be me), has my sincere envy. This puppy is good looking, fun to drive, relatively fuel efficient, simple to fix and reliable. It could very well see 181k miles without major problems, if the oil is changed regularly and it's driven carefully.

Available here on ebay in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for $8,495.

Perfect Strangers: Porsche and Thunderbird

2013-03-03T23:02:00.005-05:00

Last summer I spotted this rusty white 911 sitting at a Shell station in Massachusetts. The attendant said it has been sitting there in need of repairs for a while, but they stayed in touch with the owner. The car itself was complete looking but in poor shape. The clear coat had completely faded and was peeling to reveal surface rust. The interior was a mess. The engine is probably even worse. But it still looked striking in refrigerator white, just sitting there, neglected, forever in purgatory. My guess it was a late 70s or early 80s non-turbo Carrera.

Fast forward to this fall, when I buy my E46. I'm in need of a local European garage who I can trust to honestly assess, repair and service my car. I found them nearby and get talking with the friendly owner, Dave. He's a big Porsche guy, and he's looking for an old 911 to completely redo into a race car. I immediately think of the 911 I saw. It's a perfect candidate for that kind of work.

So I went back to see it today, and sure enough it was still there, but this time it had moved across the lot and now sat next to 1964 Ford Thunderbird.

The Thunderbird was also painted white, but in much better condition. The paint still had gloss and the chrome looked decent. It wore a hardtop and whitewall wheels. It looked beautiful.

One of the things I immediately noticed was the size difference between the two - how small the 911 is in general and especially compared to the boat-like Thunderbird.

I sent the photos of the Porsche along with some contact info over to Dave and am interested to see what he does. Regardless, it's fun seeing these this odd couple together, and even more amusing both seemingly broken down at a gas station. Purists don't cringe! They will hopefully have homes soon. At least the Porsche. COTC will keep you updated!

1985 Maserati Quattroporte Euro

2013-02-27T22:53:00.002-05:00

The Quattroporte was Maserati's attempt to steal the ultimate luxury car crown from Mercedes-Benz in the eighties. It almost worked. The body was designed by none other than the legendary Giugiaro and the engine was an large and powerful V8. The car looked more modern and edgy than anything Mercedes was putting out, too, but was just as luxuriously appointed on the inside.

There were actually two previous generations of Quattroporte before this one debuted in 1979 and continued until 1990, resulting in a mere 2,155 units being produced, making this a rarity. It was conceived after the company's takeover by Alejandro de Tomaso (of the De Tomaso Pantera), and while not a success with that low volume number, did leave an impression in the minds of many, especially after it appeared in movies and on tv shows as the bad guy's ride.

Giugiaro's body is classic, and fits into his impressive portfolio of clean straight lines and hard edges. The thick and sloping c-pillar was no doubt influential and is especially seen on today's cars as they get more and more windswept back and over.

Underneath the hood was either a 4,136 cc V8 producing 238-255 horsepower, or a larger 4,930 unit that produced 280 hp, very healthy for the time and still respectable today.

Adding to this example's rare factor is that it's a Euro-spec version, with shorter and lighter bumpers, headlight washers and other small but good changes.

The seller says the bought it 4 years ago when it had only 32k miles and are now reporting it has 42k. They say it needs some time to warm up but always starts and the Chrysler transmission shifts well. The do mention the blower doesn't fully work, it needs new trunk shocks, and the a/c doesn't work any longer.

Cosmetically, they said it was repainted in the original color but needs weather striping on all the doors.

For the appreciative eye, this is a rare example of a rare car and seems to be overall well kept and enjoyed. With some tlc it could be ready to hit the Italian exotics circuit in no time.

Available here on ebay in Henrico, Virginia with no reserve bidding at $4,173.

In the US: 1988 BMW 325ix Wagon

2013-02-18T17:59:00.003-05:00

Oh winter! How you punish me with your freezing temperatures, relentless snow and overly sanded and salted roads. But how you give me reason to buy cars that would make the winter so much more bearble - at least when driving.

The E30 station wagon was never officially offered in North America, and only a handful have made their way here since through private importation. While Mercedes-Benz wagons are legendary, BMW variants are less so. They were never offered in diesels, and weren't introduced until the late 80s, so they never developed a cult following. But that doesn't mean they aren't as cool.

The E30 wagon is particularly neat because the E30 chassis is arguably one of the best BMW cars of all time. It's about the size of a Honda Civic, but with superior design and engineering.

This particular example is the first year they starting making the wagon body style, and it's utterly brilliant. The roof is extended and the rear slopes perfectly into the same taillights as sedan, coupe and convertible had. It also has a rear wiper.

As a cherry on top, this one is also equipped with BMW's first all-wheel drive system, simply denoted by the "x" in 325ix. BMW did not advertise this system as much as Audi did with Quattro and Mercedes with 4Matic, so it disappeared after the E30 and did not return until nearly a decade later with the E46 "xi" (of which I am a very happy owner). As an additional bonus, this one has a stick shift for those rally enthusiasts.

The U.S. government prohibits the private importation of vehicles newer than 25 years old for road use, but this puppy just turned 25 this year, so it should be here legally. The seller says it is exempt from DOT and EPA exempt, and can be registered as a classic vehicle.

Cosmetically, it seems to be wearing ugly aftermarket rims, but otherwise looks fine. The front black plastic spoiler is missing, a common flaw on these as they are usually taken out by road debris or parking blocks, and should be easy to replace.

Mechanically, the seller says it's a 1-owner vehicle with full maintenance, everything working, and no needs.

If this thing checks out with no rust and a clear title, you've got one really cool car for a bargain price.

Available here on ebay in New York for $6,999.

1974 Mercedes-Benz 240D Manual

2013-02-03T00:34:00.001-05:00

I spotted this vintage Benz yesterday at dusk and went back again today to 'check it out' in more detail. While I was taking some photos, the seller emerged from their house and kindly answered some questions about it for me. Basically, it's a U.S.-spec W115 '74 240 Diesel with a 5-speed manual transmission and over 250,000 miles on the clock. The seller is not the original owner, and didn't elaborate on how and when they acquired it, but said it runs fine.

The W114/W115 was produced from 1968-1976, resulting in over 1.9 million constructed. The W114 chassis signified the 6-cylinder models, while the W115 represented the four-cylinder models, including this 240D.

The body is credited to legendary auto designer Paul Bracq, and is a classic three-box shape, taught, conservative, squared-off and perfectly proportioned. Unfortunately, this being a 1974 U.S. model, it sports the heavy and unsightly 5-mph bumpers and lousy sealed beam headlights. Fortunately, it looks utterly charming in pale flat moss green, a relic of the 70s but still fresh looking today.

The '240D' signifies the 2.4-liter OM616 diesel-powered 4-cylinder engine that powered the rear wheels. These are not fast cars. I've actually read they are downright slow, even dangerously so, in modern traffic. Fortunately, this one is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission to bring both some liveliness to the engine and engagement to the driving experience. And what it lacks in overall performance it more than makes up in reliability. Mercedes-Benz diesels from the 60s, 70s, and 80s are some of the most durable engines ever released to consumers.

Cosmetically, the car is far from perfect, with obvious rusting and faded paint among other defects in the body. I didn't go inside, but the dark green interior sported what has to be that indestructible MB-Tex vinyl leatherette, as the seats looked really good.

The seller is asking just $2,500. This could easily be a great first car for someone, a temporary set of wheels for a college student until the end of the semester, or really just about anybody's beater car. It's good looking, diesel-powered, and has a stick-shift. What do my readers think? Thumbs up or down?

COTC Spotted: 1983 Toyota Tercel Hatchback

2013-01-31T17:47:00.001-05:00

Spotted in Providence, RI. Photos taken with my iPhone.

Early Bangle: 1996 Fiat Coupe Turbo

2013-01-28T23:20:00.003-05:00

Utter the name of designer "Chris Bangle" among auto enthusiasts and a collective shudder will ensue. Bangle is an American who was hired as a stylist for BMW, and beginning with the 2002 E65 7-Series, radically altered the look, tone, and feel of all BMW vehicles, much to the public's disdain. During the late 20th century, BMW designs under Claus Luthe were always evolutionary, building carefully on each predecessor. These cars, like the E30, E32 and E34, were also built extremely well and when combined with the conservative styling, became seared in the minds of drivers all over the world as superior products. Bangle broke the evolutionary chain in favor of revolution. It backfired. The E65, with its bloated proportions, ridiculous trunk, overly complex electronics and unintelligible "iDrive", was a step in the wrong direction after the beloved E38 it replaced.

So what was Chris up to before he "bangled" up BMW? He worked for Opel and then Fiat, and this '96 Coupe bears his mark.

The Coupe was produced from 1993-2000. Bangle designed the body, and Pininfarina did the interior. Bangle's work here isn't half bad. It's quite in line with that Italian designers were striving for in the 90s, moving past the chiseled-from-steel edges and lines of the Eighties and into soft curves and minimalist panels. The unorthodox wheel arch shapes are interesting but give it an odd look from certain angles. The round taillights are nice. It's kinda futuristic, kinda pretentious. I also appreciate the rear wiper.

Inside, exterior color flows in and wraps around the dashboard to brighten things up.

Like Alfa Romeo at the time, which Fiat owned, the Coupe is front-wheel drive. Fortunately, under the hood of this example is the later 2.0-liter 20-valve 5-cylinder turbocharged engine. It pumped out around 217 horsepower and propelled the car from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, not bad. This one is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The car is located in Canada and the seller says it has only 69,999 kilometers on the clock, which is only about 42k miles. They say it's in "perfect" condition inside and out. The also say it's one of just a handful ever imported to North America. The US currently doesn't allow cars newer than 25 years old to be imported for road use, but there are exceptions. Perhaps this could be made into one of them? The seller warns however if you are a US bidder and you don't have a concrete plan on getting the car across the border, don't bother bidding.

Available here on ebay with no bids starting at $6,000 and a Buy-It-Now of $12k.

1 of 1: 1986 Toyota Camry Custom Pickup

2013-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

I've been intrigued by the first generation Toyota Camry lately. Is it a classic? I loath what the car has turned into today: a bloated, overpriced and unreliable front-wheel drive vanillamobile. But in its first year, the original Camry was this lean and compact ultra-utilitarian vehicle for the calculator watch-wearing Reagan era commuter. Sure, it was fwd, but it was also cheap, simple, and extremely well built. It helped the body was a clean cut three-box shape of straight lines and zero pretensions.

So you can imagine my delight when I found a Camry that epitomizes the 1st gen's thrift to the max: a customized two-door pickup version, one of only one in existence to my knowledge (unless this was a common customization).

The seller has seemingly taken an '86 Camry four-door and done one heck of a chop job, removing the entire rear roof, seats, trunk and doors and replaced it with a pickup bed. I think it looks amazing, and the craftsmanship is extremely impressive. The cabin looks natural thanks to the b-pillars and side window slivers. There is no fold-down rear gate but the car is low enough that throwing items over the bed is easy enough.

Adding to usability is a 4-cylinder 2-liter turbo diesel engine putting out just 85 horsepower. Camry turbo diesels were offered by the factory briefly so they are rare. I'm assuming this was one such sedan before the transformation. There haven't been many complaints about Toyota diesels except that people wish they made more of them.

The seller doesn't shed much light on exactly who did this, how they did it, or why. But the pictures speak for themselves. Mechanically, they say the odometer reads 163k miles and it has new tires, brakes, belt, water pump and seals. They also say it's running well and turns heads. Toyota made diesel pickups, and there are also those Volkswagen Rabbit diesel pickups, but there probably isn't another Camry Pickup out there, and this one seems ready to go for many more miles of dutiful service. Just check for rust and get the full scoop on the transformation then decide for yourself.

Available here on craigslist in Raleigh, North Carolina for $4,500.

Shipping a Classic Vehicle

2013-01-18T12:38:00.003-05:00

Unless you are buying and selling vehicles on a regular basis the question about car transport and the costs does not come up often. You need to be prepared and know what to do if you are about to ship a car, and especially if it is a vintage or custom automobile. A classic car requires special attention when shipping and thus you need to find a car transport company with experience.

Find an Auto Transporter or Broker

Finding auto transporters is not hard today. All you need to do is go online and do a search for car shipping companies or services. Most established companies have their websites listed and optimized to give you the information you need. Find a few car carrier companies and a few brokers as this way you will have better chances of finding an affordable rate.

Read Customer Review

When you find a few auto carrier companies online, how do you decide which one to go with? What most people will rely on customer reviews. You want to dig deeper and find out what other customers say about the companies you have chosen. Today most of us are willing to go and write a review when we buy a product or a service, especially if we are not happy with what we got. We voice our opinions all the time online now. So, before you decide on a company read the auto transport reviews online.

Get Multiple Car Shipping Quotes

Once you have done your research and know the auto transport companies you are considering it is time to collect car shipping quotes. Getting multiple quotes will give you the opportunity to compare the cost of shipping a classic automobile. The car shipping rate will depend on the type of vehicle you are transporting, the distance, the type of transportation method and on how flexible you are with your pickup and delivery dates. Custom vehicles usually call for custom quotes so, often you will find yourself calling the auto transporter for a customized quote.

Open or Enclosed Auto Transport

Most auto transporters offer both open and enclosed car shipping service, which is good because that way you can choose. Enclosed auto transport is in general more expensive as it offers a better protection for your vehicle. Classic and custom car' owners prefer enclosed car shipping service because it preserves the car from weather elements, possible flying objects and from dust accumulation. It is more expensive so you will need to consider the level of service you want relative to your budge.

A Good E32 Is Hard To Find: 1992 BMW 735i

2013-01-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

When I started looking for an alternative to my beleaguered and disappointing '08 Civic Coupe, I originally wanted an E32. I relished the idea of trading a flimsy late 2000s Japanese econony car for a bank vault-like 80s/90s German sedan. What I didn't realize was how few E32 there are left in reasonable condition, especially in New England (where I currently reside). It's basically impossible. And when I did stumble on a clean example, the seller wanted absurd top dollar.

Not that I entirely blame them. The 1988-1994 E32 remains a high point in BMW history. True, it marked a shift towards the "Lexusization" of the brand, when it grew in size and weight from its predecessor the E23 and abandoned manual transmissions. But it was also before the overly complex E38. The E32, then, is the best of both words: contemporary size and space and operable on a manageable budget.

The most desirable E32, in my opinion, are the early 6-cylinder versions which BMW stopped offering in 1992 and replaced with the infamous Nikaniki-plagued V8. Sure, you'll get more power with the V8, but worse fuel economy and the possibility it could die at any time (slight exaggeration but still). The 6-cylinder is no drag racer, but it will get the job done and last you a long time.

The exterior styling by Ercole Spada working under Clause Luthe is another highlight. It is an absolute masterpiece, a sculptural icon of the late 20th century, combining industrial form over function, classic BMW cues, and slight art deco-esque flair. The L-shaped taillights, where the trunk lid seemingly cuts into the taillight form to emphasize closure, have been copied many times by dozens of manufacturers. Spada and Luthe took everything that was good about previous BMW designs and leaped into the future, but kept a firm hand on tradition. How they were able to do this balancing act is still a mystery to me, especially as designers are utterly failing to do so today.

Inside is one of BMW's best interiors. The instrument cluster consists of crystal clear white-on-black gauges that illuminate red at night. It's also got a nifty analog fuel economy gauge tucked under the tachometer, a remnant from the fuel crises of the 1970s when consumers and automakers alike paid special attention to thrift and conservation. The center console is a stack of rectangular boxes angled towards the driver for ease of reach. And everything tactile is black to deflect from stains and wear.

This particular survivor is looking unusually clean and crisp in rare light metallic pale blue over tan leather. The seller says this is a one-owner car that was given up due to health issues, and has a 144,200 miles on the clock. They also say it has the premium and cold weather packages, but make no mention of the mechanical status of the vehicle. I'd give it a rigorous test drive and ask for any and all maintenance records. Since it's located in Colorado and wearing Colorado plates, I'd also check for rust. The mileage is high, but this could easily hit 200k without any major problems if it's well cared for. You're getting a solid, stylish, and comfortable cruiser for under $5k. Not bad.

Available on the dealer's site here in Greenwood Village, Colorado for just $2,500.

JDM Snow Days: 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser LX

2013-01-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

Although my E46 325xi is performing sufficiently in inclement weather (as it did this fine slushy winter morning), there are occasional moments when I wish I had something with even more traction like this Land Cruiser that was never officially offered in North America, but is here now.

The Land Cruiser is up there with the Land Rover Defender 90 and Mercedes-Benz Galendenwagen as classic off-road vehicles of the 20th century. They are not only extremely capable, but as aesthetic masterpieces of form over function, they are stylish, too. I have no doubt the Land Cruiser is considered by some to be the best.

The J70 Land Cruiser replaced the legendary J40 series in 1984 and is still in production to this day. This is the short wheelbase model with a removable fiberglass top. These are extremely rugged and heavy cars, weighing about 2 tons to keep them planted to the ground. Body plates were made 1mm thicker than the J40 for extra strength.

Underneath the hood is a 4-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The seller says the engine should be good for 500k miles before a rebuild, which could very well be true given Toyota's build quality from this era. They also say it gets about 21-25 miles per gallon and is fun to drive even at high speeds.

Cosmetically, the seller says the underside of the vehicle was rust-proofed. They say the rocker panels were also replaced. There are some lingering spots of surface rust around the doors and windshield, however. They also say a carfax report regarding rear accident damage may be from having the rockers replaced and rear bumper being powder coated, and they have checked for dents and bondo and found none. Inside, occupants meet a no-nonsense, hyper-utilitarian interior of square angles and hard grey plastics. The seller says it has been treated with a wax/clay bar, and the carpets and seats have been shampooed and cleaned.

This is an extremely rare vehicle that seems to have had attentive ownership to date. The seller says it was brought here from Japan 100% legally by Outback Imports and they have a title and registration in hand. They say it now has about 86k miles, and could be ready for many more, despite the minor cosmetic flaws.

Available here on ebay in Kent, Washington with bidding starting at $14,600 but no takers so far and a Buy-It-Now of $15,950.

58k-Mile 1998 Lexus SC400

2013-01-15T13:43:00.003-05:00

Lexus's original lineup - the LS, GS and SC - were instant classics when they debuted and 24 years later they keep gaining critical appreciation, even as their prices bottom out. Lexus touched upon every facet of automaking - engineering, efficiency, design, build quality, and marketing - and revolutionized each as well. All of their cars were stylish, extremely well built, and (initially) competitively priced. The brand was a high water mark for the entire industry.

The SC was the crown jewel in the arsenal. As if taking on the legendary Mercedes-Benz W126 with the LS400 wasn't enough, Lexus decided to cut into the premium coupe segment by launching the SC400 in June of 1991 as a 1992 model.

As fundamentally Japanese as Toyota and Lexus are, they are quite American, too. Lexus specifically designed their cars with the American market in mind. Styling of the SC was even transferred over to an American team at Calty Design Research Center in California. The original lineup were lean on the outside, spacious on the inside, had powerful V8 engines and automatic transmissions. They weren't exactly sporty but they were great long distance highway cruisers. In essence, they were super sleek and hi-tech reinterpretations of American cars of the 60s and 70s for the New Age 90s. The Japanese, having risen like a phoenix from the ashes of Hiroshima in 1945, had come to better understand what Americans wanted than Americans themselves.

Chief designers Denis Campbell and Erwin Lui said the SC body was based on "emotion and feeling" and possesses almost no straight edges. It is a complete rejection of the angular Blade Runner look of the early 80s, and even the slab-sided techno-industrial look of Bruno Sacco's Mercedes-Benz designs. Instead, it almost starts to recall the soft curves and slopes of cars from the 30s and 40s, but without the excess. The jellybean look became a trend for the rest of the decade and was almost parodied by Ford's ridiculous looking third generation Taurus, but on the SC it works beautifully.

Underneath the hood is the same 1UZ-FE V8 engine from the LS400 that pumped out a very healthy 250 horsepower to the rear wheels. Only an automatic transmission was available. A 6-cylinder version was also offered and with the option of a manual, but the added power of the V8 is preferable, even if you sacrifice the ability to shift manually, which isn't in the spirit of the car anyways.

Inside is classic early 90s Japanese design. In the same way that Mercedes-Benz and BMW mastered interior design of the 80s, the Japanese keep the same overall simplicity and functionalism but soften the edges, lighten the colors and smooth out the tone and feel of everything for the ultimate tactile and visual experience. It's like a spa or a vacation, but without the frivolity. It practically beckons for a Kenny G disc to be blasting in it.

The SC400 was produced until 2000 with minimal changes over the years - a testament to the success of the original design. Plenty were produced but they are often scooped up quickly and modified in the second hand market, making immaculate and low mileage examples like this rare. The seller says it has just 58,547 miles on the clock and that everything works. A carfax report and any maintenance records will fill out the rest of the story. Otherwise this thing could be ready for another 50k-100k miles.

Available here on ebay in Pennsylvania with a Buy-It-Now of $14,950 and the Make Offer option.

In the US: 1996 Alfa Romeo 155

2013-01-08T00:30:00.000-05:00

North America missed out on Alfa Romeo in the 1990s. They stopped selling cars here in 1995. The last memory most US consumers have of Alfa Romeo is the big, expensive and front-wheel drove 164. While quite a looker, the platform threw a lot of people off. How could it possibly compete against rear-wheel BMW and Mercedes? It couldn't, and not surprisingly not many were sold.

A car that made a lot more sense was the smaller 155, which replaced the 75/Milano in 1992, but of course it was never offered here. Sure, it was front-wheel, but it was smaller, lighter and cheaper. I'd take this any day over a comparable Camry, Accord, Saab or Volvo from the same era.

It also looked amazing thanks to styling genius Ercole Spada (he of the BMW E32 and E34 masterstrokes). Spada's vision of a sedan is essentially a four-door version of the classic wedge shape of the 70s and 80s: squinty, narrow, tapered front-end, grooved sides, and a high chunky rear. It's a temple of form over function philosophy: the small front helps air over the car and the high rear forces it down again, not to mention providing ample trunk space. It all just makes sense. Refrigerator white only shows off the hard, crisp and clean lines and angles.

The seller of this example says they bought it in the US from a dealer, and assume it came in over a special rule that allows servicemen to import one car from overseas (new to me). Otherwise, it's illegal to import any vehicle 25 years and newer. They do say it has a valid Maine title however.

Cosmetically, the seller says it was repainted after an accident, and the steering wheel and shif tknob were stolen as well. Inside, they say there is some wear and stains on the seats.

Mechanically, they say they recently spent $1,500 nursing it out of a slumber, which includes a new fuel pump, rebuilt calipers, new master cylinder and one new brake line. They also say the fuel gauge is malfunctioning and the a/c needs a recharge.

The seller says they now need to get rid of it after tensions with their spouse (too much information). This car has clearly been through quite an ordeal and is far from perfect. But it's extremely rare and seems overall well kept, if a little unlucky. This is a fun collector car that will be a hit at the local Italian car show - but only for the right price, given the unsavory history and current incomplete interior.

Available here on ebay in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina with bidding at $2,137, reserve not met, and a buy-it-now of $5,200.

1989 Isuzu Impulse Turbo

2013-01-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is a collector car in the making that nobody is watching, so there are ample chances to snatch one up for relatively cheap now.

Few were made, fewer were sold, and even fewer survive today. But the car's credentials, history and design are impressive and intriguing. It was conceived and engineered by Isuzu, designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro and tuned by Lotus. How many cars boast all that? None that I know of.

The Impulse was known as the Piazza outside North America and was produced from 1981-1990, but only sold here from 1983 onward.

Underneath the sleek two-box styling is a 4ZC1 turbocharged, inter-cooled 4-cylinder engine that powered the rear wheels. The seller of this example says it has a 5-speed manual transmission, cloth interior, sunroof and a "technics" radio. Cosmetically it seems to be missing a front grille and the clear coat is fading. Mechanically, they say the driver's side window and power steering pump have issues, but those could be easy do-it-yourself fixes for the knowledgeable.

In a few years there will be a real appetite for the Impulse. Their pedigree speaks volumes, and numbers of survivors have dwindled. On top of that, the rear-wheel setup and turbo boost also make them fun drivers, so they are usable and practical too.

Available here on craigslist in Des Moines, Iowa for $3,500 or best offer.

1990 Dodge Monaco

2013-01-07T21:41:00.001-05:00

The Monaco was a clone of the Eagle Premier.

The Premier holds a special place in automotive history. It was the last car produced by American Motors Corporation before being acquired by Chrysler. The body was designed by Giugiaro (yes, Giugiaro).

When AMC realized people who bought their Wagoneer truck chose European cars for sedans, they set out to create a American car that could bring those buyers back. But with Renault parts, front-wheel drive and poor reliability, that effort failed. It was more on the level of a Camry or Accord (although it looked way cooler than both), but didn't sell nearly as many units.

The Premier was produced from 1987 to 1992. In 1990, Dodge decided to re-badge the car and sell it as the Monaco alongside the Premier. The car was identical inside and out except for some small cosmetic changes. If any examples of the Premier are hard to find today, the Monaco is even rarer. I don't have sales figures but given the brief production time and fact they get trashed then scrapped has to make them on the verge of extinction, if not so already.

The body by Giugiaro is one of his lesser known classics. Just as he set the standard with the wedge shape of the 70s, he createed the prototypical four-door family sedan shape of the 90s with the Premier/Monaco. It's a masterpiece of form over function, all clean straight lines and hard angles. No nonsense, but some people like their cars that way. I do.

The seller of this example says it has less than 94k miles on the clock, and is mercifully the V6 version. They say it was always stored in a garage, but, like a lot of craigslist ads, are scant on details. How many owners? Is there any rust? Is it even running?

Auto snobs will never accept the notion of a front-wheel drive four-door sedan as a classic, but the Monaco screams to be saved and recognized. How few examples have to be left for bells to start ringing? There's just too much history and style to be ignored.

Available here on craigslist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for "best offer takes it". First time I've seen that.

Blue Plate 1970 Renault R10

2013-01-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Renault R10 was a more upscale version of the R8. Both featured a rear-mounted engine powering the rear wheels. Production of the R10 last from 1965-1971.

The overall length of the R10 was increased from the R8, as well as luggage space but the interior size remained the same. Power came from several four-cylinder engines.

French cars are quirky and this Renault is no exception, especially with the engine in the rear. Still, it's easy to forget that rear engines were once the norm, even on economy cars. Will the auto industry forever collude to keep us starved with front-engine, front-wheel drive, or will rear engine ever make a widespread comeback?

The seller of this example says it is a two-owner vehicle that wears its blue plates proudly. Cosmetically, they say it is "99%" rust free but does have some dings, dimples and dents that would be expected from a decades old vehicle. They say the interior is in good shape.

In the rear is the larger 1300cc 4-cylinder engine that the seller says doesn't leak oil or smoke and and runs well.

The seller says there are a stack of receipts that come from day one of purchase.

This is a charming little car that you don't see often in the U.S. It could be further refined to become a show car, continue as a daily driver or errand car, or both.

Available here on ebay in Ventura, California with bidding at $200.

33k-Mile 1987 Honda Civic DX

2013-01-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

Seriously? Do I need to start a whole new blog dedicated to low mileage econoboxes?

This is like the third in the past couple months. It's a running joke here - why are the immaculate low mileage survivors the cheapest of cheap cars? There's usually no explanation other than lack of use.

But the beauty is that since they were cheap cars, owners trashed, thrashed and abused them, so clean examples are had to find, which in turn makes the low mileage survivors very notable. Suddenly, bells start ringing. How many are left? Is this the lowest mileage '87 Civic in the US? The world?

This particular survivor is a third generation Civic, which were made briefly from 1983-1987. The best of all the bodies was the nifty two-door hatchback. Space, style and versatility. You can get 30-40 miles per gallon, handle curves well, and fit a lot of stuff in the back. Nice.

A four-cylinder engine powered the front wheels.

The seller says the 33,080 miles are original and the car is beautiful inside and out. This being the DX, it is refreshingly free of modern comfort and conveniences, and has no air conditioning, power steering, radio, speakers, passenger side mirror, power windows or door locks. That's pretty amazing. All you do is get in, drive, and then arrive at your destination. Form over function in its purest expression. But it transcends that somehow to create some soul the Japanese cars just don't have anymore.

The seller also says it has no rust, new tires and was never smoked in. They say it's ready for the daily commute, and I couldn't agree more. You can easily get this up to 200k-300k miles with minimal maintenance. Grab it before it's too late.

Available here on ebay in Providence, Rhode Island with bidding at $3,950 and a Buy-It-Now of just $6,500

17k-mile 1977 BMW 633 CSi

2013-01-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

The BMW E24 was the first 6-series. 86,216 examples were built between 1976-1989, before it was replaced by the better looking but more complicated and expensive E31.

Along with the E23, it earned the nickname "sharknose" for the forward leaning front end and narrow twin grille that mimicked animal nostrils. Sadly, BMW has since completely erased this memorable look from their entire lineup. It's a mistake, as it instantly identified their vehicles and set them apart from the crowd.

Legendary designer Paul Bracq penned the sleek shape and compact sheetmetal, moving the company forward while paying great respect to their past designs, as great designs should do. Note the thin pillars for plentiful greenhouse glass and superior visibility in and out.

This example is blessed with the slim European bumpers that transform the look and feel of the vehicle as it was meant to be. It does wear U.S. import side markers and jutting turn indicators, but those are minor gripes. The grey metallic flatters the shape even more.

Inside is one of BMW's best interiors, techno-business no-nonsense, with controls angled to the driver, pre-airbag three-spoke wheel, white-on-black gauges, and horizontal lines everywhere.

Underneath the hood is a 3.3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that pumps out a healthy 194 horsepower to the rear wheels. The automatic transmission will turn off most buyers, but it's not a deal breaker.

The seller of this example says it has acquired just 17,400 miles and is in "impeccable" condition with an extensive history file. With mileage under 20k, this should really remain a sparingly used musuem peice, but it's tempting not to hit the road with it as a daily driver. Parts could be expensive, but it might be worth it. This is a classic motoring coupe from the 70s, and is an example of BMW near the height of their design and engineering powers.

Available here on ebay in Needham, Massachusetts for $22,800. For about the price of the average new American or Japanese econobox, you can have a classic German car that looks, handles and feels worlds better.

56k-Mile 1970 Fiat 128 Euro

2012-12-24T10:25:00.002-05:00

The seller of this rare Fiat says they personally imported it from the original owner in Europe and still have the registration papers from there.

Fiat launched the 128 in 1969 as their standard issue compact car. Production continued until 1985 after over 3 million units were made. Foreign markets continued making the car until 2001.

This car marked a new era of front-wheel drive from Fiat, good for the company's bottom line, bad for driving enthusiasts. Fortunately what the 128 does do, it does well. The engine is transversely mounted and unequal drive shaft lengths allowed Fiat to place the engine and gearbox side by side, now an industry standard in compact cars.

The sheet metal is also innovative, squeezing in a hood, four doors and a trunk in a tiny shape that's also quite charming. The flat mustard yellow is period but works.

This example is not entirely original but is most likely in better condition than it was before. The seller says the car had rust and was stripped down, treated and re-painted in the original color. Inside, they replaced the door panels, headliner and carpets. Underneath the hood the seller replaced the timing belt and gave it a tuneup. They say it has less thank 96,000 kilometers which is about 56k miles.

The 128 is one of those cars where a ton were made, then simultaneously wiped out through use and rust. Finding a relatively low mileage and refreshed version like this is difficult, especially in the US.

Available here on ebay in Sanford, Florida with bidding at $6,200 and reserve not met.

COTC 2012 Christmas Wish List

2012-12-23T23:38:00.001-05:00

10. Toyota MR2

9. Citroen XM Turbo Diesel

8. Mazda 626 Sedan 4WS Turbo

7. Mercedes-Benz Galendenwagen

6. Subaru XT 4WD Turbo

5. Mercedes-Benz 190D 2.5 Turbo Diesel

4. Acura NSX

3. BMW E46 330xd

2. Porsche 964 Carrera 4

1. Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CDI 4Matic BlueEFFICIENCY

Clean Bargain 1986 Saab 9000 Turbo

2012-12-23T01:46:00.005-05:00

With Saab gone, there's never been a better time to reflect on their contributions to the auto industry over the second half of the 20th century. One of the best was their full-size top of the line 9000 hatchback and sedan.

The bigger sibling to the 900, the 9000 actually came later in 1984 as a way to bring in more buyers to the small Swedish brand. It worked. The 9000 took all the things that made the 900 great - space, styling, versatility and turbo power - and did it better. Over 500,000 units were produced until 1998.

The body by Bjorn Envall and Giorgio Giugiaro is an unrecognized classic. Using the Type Four platform that several automakers agreed to share at the time to reduce costs, the designers created a simple but handsome shape that is ever so slightly more conventional than the 900 but makes up for it in bounds more maturity and class, while still being uniquely Saab. We like the early pre-facelift versions for their rarity, cleaner lines, blackened rear pillars and larger hatch glass.

Although the front-wheel drive platform was disappointing when it was selected for the Alfa Romeo 164, it makes complete sense with the 9000. Saab was never a performance-oriented brand and had always employed front-wheel drive. They were not at the level of the German cars, and yet they had much more character than American or Japanese cars. Underneath the hood of this example is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produced about 130 horsepower. This one also has a 5-speed stick.

Saab has always done interiors well and the 9000 is no exception; in fact, it's one of their best. The wrap-around dashboard cloaked in black is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional, with all gauges and readouts crystal clear, simple and easy to use. I remember reading that the dials and buttons were also designed to be usable with gloves on when those frigid Scandinavian winters hit. We also love the pre-airbag three-spoke steering wheel.

This example is the cleanest we've seen in a long time. The seller says it's in excellent condition, runs great and everything works. They say the miles are low but don't provide the actual number. From the photos the body looks remarkably clean and straight. The subtle burgundy paint with a hint of pink-purple is also very flattering to the shape, and is a color nobody has done right since. The alloy centers seem dull but can easily be refinished or just re-painted in spray can silver.

With four doors, big cozy seats, plenty of room in front and back, a huge rear hatchback and turbo power, this is one of those seemingly rare cars that is both fun to drive and extremely useful. The build quality on these old Saabs was also rare in that the doors shut with a satisfying heavy clunk. It's too bad the door was shut on the whole company, but cars like this 9000 are positive reminders of their better days.

Available here on craigslist in Inland Empire, California for a mere $1,700.

18k-Mile 1987 Toyota Corolla

2012-12-21T16:10:00.002-05:00

There's a running joke on COTC about low mileage econoboxes: exactly that. They're low mileage econoboxes, as opposed to low mileage rare and exotic sports cars. Just what prompts someone to barely drive and then store an immaculate '87 Corolla? Sometimes it's not even intentional. The seller says this vehicle has had just one elderly owner who recently passed but always kept the car garaged.

The E80 was the fifth generation of Corolla and the first to implement front-wheel drive, although the AE86 hatchback versions still retained rear wheel power for a few more years. Purists will scoff at the switch, but it was inevitable and the car still retains a its core values of hardcore thrift, reliability and simplicity. Fwd just means it's even cheaper.

This body lasted until 1987 and was a huge success, with 3.3 million units sold. Despite that, you never see them on the roads anymore, at least not here in wet and salty New England. Styling is classic rising sun economy car of the 80s, all straight lines, hard angles, clean planes and minimal detail. Underneath the hood is a 1.6-liter SOHC 4-cylinder that produces a mere 90 horsepower.

Having accrued just 18,921 miles over the past 26 years, the seller says this Corolla is "exactly what it appears to be"...which is an unusually low mileage survivor Corolla in pretty good shape. Cosmetically, they say it has no rust and still smells new. They do say there is a small crease on the hood and some typical scratches. Otherwise, they say it's ready to hit the road.

What do you do with this? Try to get it into the Toyota USA museum? Keep it stored for another 26 years? Drive it as the daily commuter it was meant to be? Somehow, all seem acceptable.

Available here on ebay in Norristown, Pennsylvania with bidding at $3,325 and a Buy-It-Now of $4,499.

Restored 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

2012-12-21T00:30:00.000-05:00

The Beetle is usually overlooked but we can always appreciate a good example. It's legacy is so conflicting: they're collectible, yet over 21 million were made, they're triumphs of engineering, yet intended for everyday use, they were promoted by fascist Germany of the 1930s, yet later embraced by North American counter culture of the 1960s. Is there any corner of 20th century life the Beetle hadn't touched?

The best and most sought after examples of course are the purest, earliest, and cleanest. This fits all three bills.

Only 331,847 cabriolet versions were officially built from 1949-1980 by huge manufacturer Karmann. Styling is pitch perfect and the loss of a roof seemingly created a second new classic in its own right. The design is also handled well with the top up. Chrome window frames roll up to support the roof when closed. The black paint is a little eerie but still really cool, and the mirrorball wheels add some playfulness although we would do without the white mudflaps. Inside, the grey and white interior brightens things up.

Underneath the rear latch is 1200 cc flat four-cylinder air-cooled engine that produced a mere 36 horsepower. It won't be winning any drag races, but, as the seller says, "its appeal is in its reliability and thrift, making this a hobby car without compromises". Couldn't have said it better myself.

COTC has showcased two other impeccable vehicles from this seller before and their Beetle is no different, with dozens of clear photos of every angle inside and out, and a better than average writeup. They say this Beetle is restored, but has been done so in a careful, quality, and period-correct manner. They don't mention whether it is matching numbers but do say the engine is a correct '56 unit and everything was rebuilt to original specifications except for a new 12-volt electrical system cleverly hidden inside a vintage generator.

The asking price is really high, but the restoration must have cost a lot too. If you're looking for a refreshed Beetle in better than new condition that is ready for a new life, take notes. Even if you don't plan on considering this, it's great inspiration.

Available here on ebay for a $39,995 and the Make Offer option.

Four Wheel Steering: 1989 Mazda MX-6 GT

2012-12-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

The MX-6 was essentially a coupe version of the 626 sedan. Mazda sold only two generations between 1987 and 1997. The first generation was based on the Mark 3 "GD" platform 626, and only lasted until 1992.

Mazda is one of those on again, off again brands that have not been able to steadily build momentum like Toyota and Honda have (although both are currently teetering on the edge of slipping indefinitely). Mazda has had some moments of widespread appreciation in the industry (their refinement of the rotary engine) and in pop culture (the goofy but catchy Zoom Zoom ads), but nothing that has permanently stuck in the minds of consumers enough to make them a huge sales success, and, more importantly, iconic.

That doesn't mean they haven't made some great products however. To the contrary, they have a lot of modern classics under the belts. One of their lesser known gems is this '89 MX-6. In the 80s, Mazda was still competing on a relatively even playing field with Toyota and Honda for the no.1 Japanese car spot. Their 626 was arguably way cooler and better equipped than the comparable Camry and Accords of the time. To stick out from the competition, this MX-6 has a 2.2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine under the hood. The thought of turbo power on an otherwise sedate front-wheel drive car makes it infinitely more appealing, and Mazda understood this.

The seller says a couple of times it's "very fast". They also mention it has a Zombie SS chip and boost controller, but I have no idea what that is or how good it is. What they don't say is whether it has the legendary four wheel steering, which was only offered in the U.S. on 1989 GT models exactly like this one, making it an extreme rarity. Essentially, turning the steering wheel turned all four wheels. The rear wheels were electronically controlled to pivot no greater than 5 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels under 35 miles per hour and in the same direction for any speed faster. This allowed for both agile parking and greater maneuverability changing lanes and taking corners. Honda experimented with this too, before all automakers abruptly pulled it from the market and never offered it again except on a couple other rare and expensive high performance cars. Why this lost but significant technology is being repressed is still a mystery. It could easily have become a standard feature on all cars in the same way that disc brakes and airbags have become.

The body clearly has some flaws and the seller says there is some rust. They also say it needs a wheel bearing and engine mount. Gross over-sized aftermarket exhaust aside, it's good to see the original wheels still intact. This thing is begging for an impeccable restoration. Be the first to do it, then tell me all about it!

Available here on craigslist in Minneapolis, Minnesota for $2,000.

Price Buster: $18.5k 1991 Bentley Turbo R

2012-12-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

Bentley cars weren't always the super cool and sexy hi-tech mobiles they are today. In the 80s, the company was stuck with just two bodies, one of which was the dull and angular Mulsanne, and the other was the ancient Corniche, which had been in use since the 60s. Both were also shared with Rolls Royce, lessening the exclusivity even more.

With the Mulsanne-based Turbo R, however, the company sought to spice things up a bit.

'R' stood for road holding and referred to various tuning and suspension changes Bentley made to the Mulsanne to make it sportier. Wider tires and alloy wheels were also added. Underneath the hood was a huge 6.75 liter turbocharged V8 engine that pumped out nearly 300 horsepower to the rear wheels, very respectable for the time and still healthy today. If the goal was to blow the Mercedes 500SEL and BMW 750iL out of the water, Bentley succeeded, and it caught the attention of the press and upper crusters, too.

The only drawback is that reliability will be questionable. For a long time, expensive British cars were made with a lot of pride but not much practicality. I have absolutely no idea where you'd have this serviced and how much it could cost, but the huge engine and turbo boost is going to put a lot of stress on things, and it isn't going to be cheap when something does break.

This example is the cheapest I've ever seen, and could be the lowest priced example ever on the market, save for salvage and wrecked ones. The seller says they acquired it from a family friend and the car wears its original paint, has never been wrecked, and is in good running condition. They list the odometer as reading just 60,953 miles. It also looks good in lesser-seen grey, as so many were red.

I'd love to just have it for a Sunday to drive fast on the highway then show off driving slow around town.

Available here on ebay in Long Beach, California with no bids starting at $14k and a Buy It Now of $18,500.