Tag: one owner (Page 2 of 3)

PICK OF THE DAY: One Owner Low Mile Lancia Beta Coupé

May 30, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

With a history nearly as long as the automobile itself, it is somewhat surprising that Lancia was never able to build a bigger presence in the US. Despite enthusiast and critical favorites like the Aurelia and Fulva, by the late 70s and early 80s, Lancia was competing in a congested GT market with the likes of BMW, Audi, Alfa Romeo, and Japanese marques, as well as parent company Fiat. Faced with perceived reliability problems (mostly derived from the US emissions-burdened carbureted cars) and anemic revenues, Lancia, along with the Fiat, exited the US market in 1982. That’s not to say they weren’t making nice cars. The cars were in fact nicer than their pricepoints allowed. The fuel-injected 2.0 Litre DOHC motor introduced in 1981 was better tuned to the emissions regulations and many of the reliability issues were alleviated in its last two years. Nevertheless, it was too little too late to turn a profit, despite needing export markets to keep volumes high enough to cost-justify their production in the first place. Whilst the US missed out on some of the exquisite Lancias like the Delta Integrale and Ferrari-powered Thema 3.2, we did get some interesting variations on the Beta platform including the mid-engine Scorpion and Targa-roofed Zagato, as well as the handsome 2+2 Coupé like the one presented today. With less than 55,000 miles put on by a single owner, it is as honest an example of a Beta Coupé as there has been on the market in some time. As a 1981, it has the original 120-hp fuel injected motor and five-speed gearbox. It wears its original silver metallic paint with no bodywork and only one small spot of rust disclosed. Black leather upholstery looks to be in stellar condition, as do the dash and carpets. This Beta Coupé is also well documented, including manuals, sales brochure and original window sticker. Though there aren’t many to track, prices for Beta Coupés are on par with their early 80s contemporaries like the BMW 320i and VW Scirocco, ranging from a couple thousand for cars needing some TLC to Concours-quality examples fetching five digits. Whether or not a Lancia Beta Coupé has the fan base to support it being investment-grade like the BMW or Scirocco remains to be seen, but it’s a unique Italian GT that can certainly be enjoyed in the meantime. Find it here on Craigslist in Lakeville MN for $7,500.

PICK OF THE DAY: Restored One Owner Oval Window Volkswagen Beetle

May 27, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

In 1957, a man walked into a Volkswagen showroom in Fort Wayne, Indiana and drove home with a brand new Black on Red Beetle. 57 years later, after enjoying the car over the course of more than 125,000 miles, that same Beetle has been restored and is available for sale for only the second time. Some personal touches were added at the time of delivery; otherwise it is all factory correct after a bare-metal repaint, fresh interior, new rubber and trim, the list goes on. A dealer-prepped undercoating in 1957 assured a solid rust-free undercarriage and the rest has been brought back to what appears to be a very high standard. Appreciation for Oval Windows is climbing, with over a 10% jump in the last year. The stories that this little Bug could tell are beyond any asking price, but it is being offered at no reserve with zero bids at the time of this writing. Find it here on eBay in Elgin NE with an opening bid of $10,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: One-Owner Original 83,000 Mile Mercedes-Benz 190SL

May 26, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

As the smaller sibling of the legendary W198 300SL, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL was from a time when ‘Sports’ was still a genuine attribute to the ‘Sports Leicht’ model designation. Future generations, while sporting, leaned toward touring and became increasingly less leicht. Although its 1.9 litre inline four-cylinder put out less than half the horsepower of the 300SL (which was at the time the fastest production car in the world), it had much of the same character. Their resemblance, while not identical, is unmistakable. The W121 190Sl was somewhat heavier and less nimble than its contemporaries like the Porsche 356, Alfa Romeo Giulia, or Jaguar XK, but it was better planted and its fully independent suspension with double wishbones and stabilizer at the front, as well as power-assisted brakes delivered a more confident racy feel. This was further enhanced by the high-quality Mercedes-Benz construction. With 300SL prices soaring past the million-dollar mark, it’s no surprise that 190SL prices have been skyrocketing accordingly. Only a few years ago, it wasn’t unheard of to find a driver-quality 190SL for under $30,000. Today, that likely wouldn’t buy a rough project car. Most collector-quality 121s are into six figures. Today’s example appears to be an exceptionally well-kept one-owner 190SL with relatively low miles. It is said to have had a quality repaint in its original Ivory color at some point in the 90s and some of that is beginning to show some age. Its original interior however shows beautifully, as does the original motor (Webbers being used currently but original Solexes are included in the sale). Undercarriage is spotless. As a lifelong New Mexico and Colorado car, what minor rust there was in the boards has been addressed and the car sits today completely free of rust. Although not heavily optioned, it does include the hard top (~$300 in 1956 dollars), which judging from the condition of the soft top, must have been its primary cover. It is also well-document with its original service book, “instruction” manual and several service records including a recent $9,000 service, ensuring that the car is ready to go for its second owner. Find it here at Worldwide Vintage Autos in Denver Colorado with a Buy-it-Now on eBay of $97,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: Low-mile One-Owner Five-Letter Mazda RX-7

April 19, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Toward the end of the 70s, faced with increased safety requirements and waning sales, the traditional affordable sports car was facing near extinction. British sports cars were encumbered with grotesque bumpers, Italians were hanging onto whatever marketshare they could, and even the emerging Japanese entries, fueled by the Z Cars, had become bloated and further from the character that defined the segment: light, agile, peppy and fun, whether on a Saturday drive on B roads or a Sunday event at the track. Focus groups seemed to suggest the maturing baby boomer market was no longer interested in these things. Fortunately, Mazda was either too small to hire focus groups or was simply up for flying in the face of convention. In 1978, it introduced a car that not only reversed the trend but captured the Chapman-esque essence of what defined a sports car. This was the RX-7. It was an immediate success with both press and public. Not to ignore market trends however, the third series of the first-gen cars incorporated many of the comfort and luxury elements that appealed to the focus group buyers including leather upholstery, air conditioning and a premium (for the time) sound system. Meanwhile, performance and handling continued to be tweaked with fuel injection and limited slip. These were the GSL-SEs, or five-letter FBs, the ultimate statement of the first generation’s balance of traditional sports car values and modern comfort and convenience. Finding a five-letter RX-7 that hasn’t been abused, whether through mistreatment of its 1.3 litre rotary engine or abomination through bolt-on body kits, roller skate wheels, etc., can be very difficult. Today’s car not has not been abused, but is pristinely original with less than 40,000 miles covered by a single owner. It’s said to have been in climate controlled storage for 20 years, so some careful attention will need to be given to return it to the road, but it is nevertheless a rare opportunity, not only for enthusiasts of the first-gen RX-7, but for anyone who appreciates an ideal when sport was still in sports car. After a global-economy driven slump, they’re now surpassing peak levels around the $10K mark, with investment potential up and to the right. Find it here on Craigslist in Littleton CO with offers being accepted.

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: 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: Exemplary 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbodiesel

February 25, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Today we have a well-preserved one-owner 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbodiesel that’s been dealer maintained for all its mere 53,000 miles (or roughly five percent of this motor’s projected lifespan). Seller states an earlier repaint that appears to have been done to a high standard. Otherwise looks to be a very original example of a nice driving Turbodiesel. Furthermore, given comparable CD (coupé) or TD (wagon) prices would approach or even eclipse the $20,000 mark, the seller’s asking price of under $7,000 seems fair. Find it here on Craigslist in Richmond VA.

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.

PICK OF THE DAY: One-Owner 1963 Jaguar E Type Roadster

February 19, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

MOSS GREEN METALLIC WITH BISCUIT LEATHER INTERIOR, MATCHING CANVAS SOFT TOP AND BLACK EVERFLEX TONNEAU BOOT

LOVELY MATCHING NUMBER ONE OWNER BLACK PLATE CALIFORNIA CAR

NEW CLUTCH, REBUILT ENGINE 20,000 MILES AGO, CHROME WIRE WHEELS, KONI SHOCKS, ORIGINAL BMC AM RADIO,

PAINT FRESHENED APPROX. 20 YEARS AGO, ORIGINAL JACK WITH BAG AND THOR HAMMER,

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BE THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS BEAUTIFUL SERIES I ROADSTER

PICK OF THE DAY: Totally Boss 1984 Ford Mustang SVO with 32,000 Miles

February 18, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

This is a beautiful mint condition 1984 Mustang SVO Turbo with 32K original miles one owner !!!!! Here is your chance to own a car that is getting more and more rare every year……….. For those of you that might not know about the SVO, This car was only in production for 3 years 1984, 1985, 1986, during the three years there was only a total of 9844 SVO’s every made and like is said above they are getting more rare and harder to find every year.

This car was a special order: Silver/ Gray interior, sunroof [one of only two factory options], premium sound system, a/c-delete [1984 option only], which makes it even more rare !!! I believe there are only 175 1984 SVO’s made with no a/c…of course it made the car a little lighter and a little faster. OK about the car:

This car runs and drives perfect !!! The interior is in mint cond, and even has the new car smell inside…never smoked in,” not even once”…no rips, no tears, no stains, NOTHING. All the gauges , lights, horn, stereo, map light, fog lights everything works perfect !!! The instrument cluster lights are still super bright red, It really feels like your driving a brand new 1984 SVO down the road !! Its a trip)

MOTOR: Just in the last 2 months we did new plugs, new wires, new cap, new rotor, new alt, new battery, flushed and fill radiator, new tranny fluid, new rear end gear oil, etc… All maintenance is done and the car is ready to go… the only thing done to this car is a little tweaking and tuning… the car now puts out around 224HP and 293tq she moves out !!! and is a blast to drive. The car is now pushing around 19psi instead stock 13psi.

The outside and under car: First off ,,,,,there is not one bit of rust anywhere on or under this car NONE !! The paint still shine’s like new (ORIG PAINT) the headlights and fog lights are crystal clear, tail lights still look brand new, the double svo wing is still nice and deep black (not faded) the rims still look new (no curb rash) tires are brand new, still has orig exhaust. Im telling to you right now I would trust this car to hop in it and drive across country with no problems at all !!!