Category: All Cars (Page 7 of 14)

PICK OF THE DAY: Unmolested Volkswagen GTI 20th Anniversary

April 18, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

With its introduction at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1975, the Volkswagen GTI, for all intents and purposes, gave birth to a new automotive segment, thereupon known as Hot Hatch. Today, it remains the one that other marques target and imitate. 2003 marked the 20th anniversary of the GTI’s launch in the US. Coinciding with the Golf MK 4—in many enthusiast’s estimation the finest of the series—the “20th,” along with the Eurpopean-market 25th (337 in the US) and the ultimate MK4, the R32, represents the pinnacle of the GTi. The 20th was not just a cosmetic variation of the standard Mk 4. Indeed it had unique body accents, special badges and a Recaro interior. However in addition to these, it featured a 6-speed gearbox. Only a manual was offered (the superb DSG would not be introduced until the R32 a year later). This. mated with its 180-hp turbocharged motor, gave the car a unique sporting character unlike any GTI that came before it and once again upped the game in the Hot Hatch segment. They were quick, nimble and most of all fun. The motors were also designed to allow for extensive aftermarket performance enhancements. By tuning intake, exhaust, boost, software, etc., more than double the horsepower was possible without significant changes to the stock drivetrain. It was at the time a brilliant piece of marketing (though it was never promoted as such): provide a very good canvas and let the customer dial it in to their liking. Herein also lies the problem. Because they were so easy to modify, modify they did. What remains some 11 years later is a circus of MK 4s that reflect one owner’s tastes without much regard for anyone else’s liking. An unmolested MK 4, much less a 20th, much less a 20th with just over 50K on the clock, is a hot commodity. This one looks particularly cool in its Jazz Blue finish. Find it here at Dean Motor Cars in Houston TX for a very reasonable $10,486.

IN THE NEWS: LEGO for a Ride. Johansen and Fiskar Collaboration Produces Viking Concept

April 18, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

April 17, 2014 – Lauge Jensen motorcycles is today unveiling the Viking Concept at the Top Marques luxury brands show in Monaco.

This premium motorcycle is a design study that blends the talents of two of Denmark’s most creative talents: Anders Kirk Johansen, an industrialist whose family invented LEGO™, and renowned vehicle designer Henrik Fisker.

The Viking Concept points to a possible volume-production direction for Johansen’s Lauge Jensen brand, following his acquisition of the company in 2012.

Johansen commissioned world-renowned automotive designer Henrik Fisker, previously a design chief at both BMW and Aston Martin and the designer of the Fisker Karma, to design the Viking Concept.

The result is a bike that retains a classic cruiser look sculptured into a dynamic, flowing design. In particular the tank, seat and rear fender blend together to create a seamless effect. Fisker believes this to be unique in custom motorcycles.

The Viking Concept is powered by a 45-degree V-twin producing 100hp, making the bike capable of more than 130mph. Yet it’s the first motorcycle of its type to comply with new, much more stringent Euro IV emissions regulations that come into effect in 2016.

The engine, built in Wisconsin, USA, has been carefully developed and tuned to achieve this without losing its trademark V-twin sound or soul.

Johansen and Lauge Jensen are proud to have achieved the new emissions targets without compromising the engine’s performance, safeguarding the production and character of future products.

Lauge Jensen currently produces the limited edition Great Dane custom cruiser, which starts from €42,800 euros. The company intends to build a bike based on the Viking Concept at higher volumes and with a lower price tag than the Great Dane.

Commenting on the design collaboration, Anders Kirk Johansen says: ‘We have been developing the Viking Concept for some time, so I am delighted to reveal it today here in Monaco. Potentially, it’s the next step for our company beyond our limited production Great Dane custom bike.

‘It’s great to have Henrik, one of the world’s leading vehicle designers and a fellow Dane working in partnership with us to help create a really special, emotional design. Revealing a concept bike is all about gauging demand but, if it’s there, I look forward to producing the Viking Concept for the mainstream market.’

Henrik Fisker added: ‘It’s been a dream of mine to design and create a motorcycle for many years and this is the first time I have the freedom to go and do it.

‘I hope people like what we have created and that we can make more of them – for sure there’s plenty more to come from this collaboration between myself and Anders.’

PICK OF THE DAY: One-Owner 1962 Morgan Plus 4 Drophead Coupé

April 9, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

This rare and stunning car is an one owner car with 25,000 original miles. Always garaged and covered when not in use, it still looks as noble as it did 52 years ago. The owner was a Morgan enthusiast and active participant in the Morgan scene. The vehicle just underwent a major comprehensive service making it roadworthy once again. All documentation, including the original owner’s manual are present. One of the rarest models ever made by Morgan with less than 450 produced, this model will continue to ascend in both value and collectibility. Original and unrestored examples such as this are almost impossible to come by and will definitely be a sweetheart at any show or gathering. Find it here on Craigslist in El Monte CA for $60,000

PICK OF THE DAY: Cracking 1980 BMW M1

April 1, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Interesting car, the M1. With less than 500 made, it was too exotic to be a daily-driver Sports/GT car, but the perception of its inline six wasn’t quite exotic enough to play with the Italians. In fact, it wasn’t really meant to be a road car in the first place. The M1 has its genesis in the Turbo Concept, a design study commemorating the 1972 Munich Games. At the same time, BMW was building a racing program with cars developed specifically for the track, offering a limited number of cars for public sale in order to homologation rules. This was BMW Motorsport GmbH, with the M1 its first focused effort into sports car racing (the CSL of the early 70s had great success, but was based on the existing E9). The plan was to partner with Lamborghini to build the cars for the newly created World Championship of Makes, using the Turbo Concept as inspiration for the Giugiaro-penned design. That plan soon fell apart, paralleling Lamborghini’s woes that eventually led to their bankruptcy in 1978. With Lamborghini unable to meet their commitment, BMW forged ahead, using a combination of Giugiaro’s Ital Design and coachbuilder Baur (who among other things also built the 2002 and E21 Cabriolets) for assembly. However, by the time the cars were ready to race, the series for which it was created had become obsolete. The focus then shifted to selling the 430 homologated road cars to the public. Faced with parent BMW’s priority toward its highly successful family cars and Motorsport’s attention toward Formula 1, production of the M1 halted at the end of 1980. It’s one of those cars that deserve better than the hand they were dealt. Regardless, its mission had been accomplished. Despite all the problems and hurdles of its racing program, it was the car that solidified BMW’s Motorsport division which would later develop the now legendary line of M Cars, including the first-generation M5 and M6 that used a more refined and more reliable form of the M1’s M88 motor (albeit not in the US). Nearly 30 years after production ended, it may finally be realizing its place in automotive history. As little as five years ago, the M1 was still trying to find some respect beyond the BMW fan base. It wasn’t uncommon to find a pristine example for just inside six figures, despite its low production numbers. If the last six months are any indication, they are now on par with an early 80s Ferrari Boxer or Lamborghini Countach, with some exceptional examples commanding a quarter mil. Today’s M1 appears to be one of those exceptional examples. It is an Italian spec car (as most that found there way to the US were) having covered just over 5,000 kilometers and what looks to be completely original, outstanding condition. Inka Orange is a perfect color for an M1 and gives the car a fresh appearance that is a nod to both its CSL roots and Lamborghini beginnings. Find it here at Canepa Design in Scotts Valley CA for an undisclosed price.

PICK OF THE DAY: Quality Jensen Interceptor Convertible

March 13, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

There are few cars that capture the glam of the 70s the way the Jensen Interceptor does. Particularly in Convertible form. It combined Italian styling with British appointments and powered by a big American lump. Typical of British cars of that era, it had some “quirks,” but it was and still is a gorgeous thing to behold inside and out. Finding one with little or no rust and/or mechanical woes can be difficult and restoration can be laborious and expensive. Their values simply haven’t reached a point to justify it. Therefore coming across a quality example is worthy of pursuit. This car is just that. With fresh service, excellent bodywork, new top, and a refurbished interior, this Interceptor stands out and looks especially nice in its triple Black color combo. With 70,000 mils on the clock, it’s low enough to ensure the Chrysler 440 has plenty of life, but not so low that it dissuades driving it. Priced right on the money at $20,600. Find it here on AutoTrader in Whites Creek TN.

PICK OF THE DAY: Proper Acura NSX-T

March 7, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Nearly 10 years after the Acura NSX ceased production, even the most Euro-centric enthusiasts among us still dart our eye towards one if it should pass by. Its only real flaw was that it wore the badge of a Japanese marque that was better known for sensible, economical transportation for soccer moms and grad students. Then again, the same could be said of Toyota and it took on the world with the 2000 GT. I know of few real car people who wouldn’t give a limb or discretionary million dollars to own a 2000 GT. That is not to say the NSX is destined for that kind of status, but they certainly do warrant respect for what they are. To this day, their shape is not dated and if it wore a badge like Pagani or Bugatti or something else that ended in ‘i,’ they would be media darlings (as demonstrated by the recent buzz surrounding the close-to-production NSX concept car that’s making its way around the show circuit.

If then you’re in the market for an NSX—or even if you haven’t considered one—you can’t do too much better than the one presented here. To begin with it’s a later model with the much-improved 3.2 Litre and 6-speed gearbox that propelled the car to 60 in under five seconds. There are still very few cars under a half million bucks that can claim that and the NSX does so with the aforementioned sensibility that comes from being a Honda. This car looks exceptionally good in its Kaiser Silver paint over a well cared for Onyx leather interior. With just under 52,000 miles, it’s not exactly vestal but it’s also not a weathered 100,000-mile example that so many NSXs are (further testament to their reliability). It’s a car that its next owner can do what it was meant for—to enjoy it—without too much bother of racking up miles. While it’s true that an older, high-mileage, 3.0 L NSX can be had for well under $30,000, this cars obvious care and improved drivability doesn’t make its asking price of $44,800 unreasonable. Find it here on AutoTrader in Incline Village, Nevada.

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PICK OF THE DAY: Original One Owner Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser

March 6, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Few cars evoke ruggedness and durability the way the legendary Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser does. During its 24-year lifespan, it remained one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the planet, but near the end, after 1979, some refinements such as power steering, air conditioning and comfy seats were introduced, setting the table for the luxurious Land Cruisers we think of today. This example is from 1980 and was purchased new by its current owner from Toyota of Orange. It’s traveled 103,000 miles and in all of those, has only been off the road once. A California car for its entire life, it still wears its original Dune Beige paint on a completely rust-free body and looks fantastic. With restored examples fetching around the $60,000 mark, this one in completely original form is a relative bargain at half that. Find it here on Craigslist in Orange County for $29,500.

PICK OF THE DAY: Original Amazon Volvo 122S with 70,000 Miles

March 4, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

When the Volvo Amazon was introduced, it was seen as a car that had big car looks, safety features, and comfort with a small car sensibility. By the mid 60s, the 122S continued to be a pioneer in safety and was propelled by the now legendary B18 motor. Following the styling trends of Detroit and Italy, the rounded ponton styling was giving way to sleeker, more edgy shapes and the so too the 122S was replaced by the 140 Series, but not before laying a a foundation to the 1800 Series. In its final years, the most coveted are the 123 GTs—of which only a limited number were produced—featuring a 115-hp B18B motor and unique 4-speed gearbox. Prior to that, in 1966, a two-door 122S would provide more than adequate performance (90-hp), balanced handling, and of course outstanding braking. The car presented today is an excellent example of the 1966 Volvo 122S Coupé. Having travelled less than 70,000 miles, it is barely past break-in. It retains its original motor, gearbox, and interior, down to the original AM-FM radio. With its Weber carbs (replacing the stock SUs) and working fog lamps and recent service, it comes as close to a GT as one could hope for a 1966 for about $5,000 less for a guideline car that would likely have many more miles, given the durability of the B18. Find it here on Craigslist in Pinetta FL for $10,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: Single-Family 1970 Saab 95 Wagon with Under 27,000 Miles

February 24, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

1970 Saab 95 Wagon. Let’s start with the fact this car has been in the family since new, NOT to speak of the mileage on this car is what you see on the odometer. Yes, that’s right, only 26,692 miles. The car was traded in to Eldon Vories Motors at some point in time in the early to mid 80’s. Does that name ring a bell? It should, that was my family’s business of which I was a partner. This Saab 95 was then taken to be my father’s driver and was towed behind their motor coach as a driver when they arrived at their destination. It was used in this capacity for more years than I can count. When my father passed away in the mid 90’s, my mother kept it as a 2nd driver to take to her cabin in the mountains. Just this evening she informed me it was time to say goodbye to this family icon.In 2008, my mother spent almost $3000 to make sure everything was done to make it safe and road worthy. The auto repair shop’s owner was very familiar with this car because he used to work for EVM’s and worked on this car. The list is very long of all things that were done and is available at the end of the photos of this car. New tires were put on the car and it would really make a good driver for someone OR, it could be restored to be a number 1 quite easily, as everything is there. If I could find some of the old photos of the car behind the motor coach, I would, in fact I will go on a mission to find them.

The original owner’s really loved the car and it was their family car for many years. They kept is serviced by factory specs and a person would always see it running all over the Walla Walla Valley. It will even be sad for me to see the car go away. But I am sure there is a Saab Lover out there that will take good care of this classic.

PLEASE BE REAL: $58,000 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS

February 21, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS has a black interior with a minor tear on the driver seat.The car was Originally Fly Yellow and was painted to Red in the 80’s when everyone wanted a Red Ferrari. The car comes complete with Books, Records, Tool Kit, Extra Steering Wheel and the original drive out tag from FAF. This is a smoke-free automobile.There are no signs of prior damage on this vehicle.There is no damage evident on this vehicle.There are no noticeable dings on the exterior of this vehicle.This is a garage kept vehicle.This vehicle has a smooth shifting transmission. The engine on this vehicle is running properly. All power equipment is functioning properly. This vehicle has no known defects. The exterior of this vehicle is extra clean. Extra clean interior. [65,000 original miles].

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