Tag: original (Page 3 of 5)

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.

ON THE BLOCK: Original Gems Shine at Lucky Spring Classic 2014

May 26, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

A black-plate 1967 Maserati Mistral 4000 stored in Washington since 1978, a 1964 Facel Vega Facel III stored in Northern California since 1974, and an original Fiat Tippolino Garden Car will be sold to settle estates at no reserve at the Lucky Collector Car Auction this weekend. The sale will be held on the grounds of the LeMay Family Foundation’s Marymount Campus in Tacoma, Washington on Saturday, May 31 2014.

In addition to the anticipated Euro and American sports cars, there are dozens more collector and low-mileage driver-quality vehicles, as well as barn finds and classics offered at no reserve. Other highlights include early Corvettes, Porsches, Mercedes-Benz, muscle cars, and vintage trucks. The event is expected to include 120 cars, 30 motorcycles, mahogany boats, and memorabilia.

PICK OF THE DAY: Nicely Restored Toyota FJ55 Land Cruiser

May 24, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

With one of the longest continuous running nameplates on the planet, the legend of the Toyota Land Cruiser transcends rubber, glass and steel. From its roots as a military service vehicle to the country-club chariots we know today, it has always been a vehicle capable of taking on just about anything it was presented with. Somewhere in the middle of its lifecycle was the FJ55, the first Land Cruiser specifically designed as a wagon which, along with the Land Rover 107 and Jeep Cherokee, could be called the first SUVs. The FJ55, while considerably better appointed than the military BJs which preceded it, did not lose sight of its purpose as a durable and dependable go-anywhere vehicle. With seating up to six and a cavernous cargo area, the FJ55 was no stranger to African Safaris and humanitarian organizations that sent teams to remote areas. By today’s standards, it is rather spartan, but no less capable and plenty comfortable cruising at 60 MPH, whether in pursuit of adventure or schlepping IKEA cartons. Their drivetrains are bombproof and simple to repair and maintain. Bodies, unfortunately, are less so. Although the construction is a heavy-weight steel (total weight of the FJ55 is around two tons), corrosion is a common issue, particularly around wheels wells and the bottoms of doors. Bondo and other fillers are seldom an option as the rust is usually more pervasive than one or two corroded spots. Typically the affected panel needs to be cut away and replaced altogether. With few dry donor cars, there’s a price to be paid both in dollars and effort. Unless these kinds of projects interest you, it’s always best to buy one that’s either been in a dry climate and completely rust-free or one that’s been restored properly. Neither is cheap. They are sought after and can fetch $50,000 or more. Today’s example appears to be a quality restoration with everything but the original radio preserved per factory spec. As a 1974, it has the 125-hp 3.9 litre F motor with tree-climbing 209 torques. 1974 was also the first year for the 4-speed transmission; the additional gear providing better on-road drivability. Its Capri Blue/White scheme is both timeless and vintage. Furthermore, the sale includes several add-on parts, should the next owner choose to divert from originality. Some of these are quite pricey if bought individually, including an Old Man Emu lift kit, power steering conversion, disc brake conversion, mud tires with extra wheels, and a VintageAir AC system. Its a truck someone can play around with for a long time. And given the FJ55’s durability, “long” may not have limits. Find it here on Craigslist in Matthews NC for a relative bargain $20,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: US-Legal Low Mileage Trabant 601

May 22, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Anyone who has spent any time in Eastern Europe will recognize the Trabant, which at one time was by far the most popular car there. These were the East German equivalent to the Volkswagen Beetle, philosophically anyway. They were basic transportation whose only criteria was to get from point A to point B and be relatively affordable for the average working family. As such they spread throughout the Eastern Bloc with demand far outnumbering supply, despite nearly three million built altogether. At the height of the Soviet era, the waiting list for a Trabant was as long as that of a Ferrari 458 today. Their bodies were made of a lightweight plastic similar to Formica, powered by a two-cylinder, two-stroke 600 cc motor. It was reliable and economical. It was an appliance. That said, weighing only a few hundred pounds more than a Triumph Bonneville with a similar engine, as well as a low center-of-gravity, four-wheel independent suspension and front wheel drive, some weren’t content with an appliance and made these quite capable weekend rally cars. The activity was popular enough to inspire Trabant to make a factory rally car near the end of production, with a bored-out 800cc motor and 5-speed transmission. Production of the Trabant ended shortly after the Wall came down. The West was adopting strict emission and safety standards while the East now had access to more modern cars. There are still some on the road today and those that remain have a rather passionate following. Several “Trabi” clubs exist worldwide, including in the US, where some have been imported and titled in states with less stringent emission standards. This 1980 Trabant P601 is US-legal with a Maryland title. It appears to be in good unrestored condition and has travelled only 55,000 km (~35K mi.). Paint is described as presentable with all original trim. Reliability was always one of the Trabi’s endearing qualities and what the two-stroke motor lacks in sheer horsepower, it makes up for in being very simple for even the least mechanically-inclined to work on, with parts available and help available through online community groups. It’s hard to say if we’ll ever see a Trabant 601 at a Bonham’s, Gooding or RM Auction, but there is enough nostalgia and fervor to keep interest, if not values, growing. Find it here on Craigslist in White Hall, MD for a very proletarian $3,500.

PICK OF THE DAY: All Original 12,000 Mile Triumph TR6

May 22, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Despite being the most popular in Triumph’s TR series, with nearly 100,000 made, the TR6 is also the one with perhaps the best investment potential. The early TRs—the TR2 and TR3—are already seeing some nice returns, which they’ve earned as being among the first to gain worldwide popularity and thus helped to create the British Roadster as a motoring genre. That said, they, like many of their contemporaries, were based on pre-war mechanics—chiefly tractors and other farm implements. Although the TR4 saw a significant styling change with a handsome design by Michelotti (who penned several early Ferraris), the engine was more or less unchanged until 1967. With the introduction of the low-production TR250 (TR5 rest of world), the 4-cylinder was replaced with a more modern inline 6. The US retained twin Zenith-Solex carbs while everyone else got petrol injection (115 bhp vs. 150). This motor carried over into the Karmann-styled TR6, which became further hampered in the US by emissions regulations to a mere 104 hp. British Roadster motoring wasn’t really about horsepower and the TR6, even in US form, managed to live up to what it was about: fun, easy, breezy, and affordable. Having said that, the rules that apply any British Roadster are no different with a TR6: 1.) buy the best you can afford; and 2.) you can’t afford a cheap one. Rust is a common problem, notably the pans and along the links of the rear suspension. What may appear to be an easy fix can easily run into the thousands as they are more complex than one might think and not easy to put back together. Generally, the motors are quite solid, but if there is a need to get inside, it does require an engine-out service. Electrical systems are typical British finicky, but again, a TR6 that has been properly cared for will be less likely to create problems down the road. Another option is to buy one that’s practically new and care for it yourself. That, in essence, is what we have here. This is a final-year 1976 TR6 that is completely original with an astonishing 12,000 miles. It has original paint, original decals, original top, original manuals, original tools, original tonneau, you get the idea. While there are conditions under which miles can be too low, the seller states hoses and rubber have been replaced as needed to prevent leaks and decay. This was also the era when the TR6 stood out with bright colors like Topaz Yellow, Tahiti Blue and this Java Green. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a nice change from the red, maroon and dark blue we so often see. Prices on all TR6s have been steady over the last decade with a recent upturn. No. 1 cars have risen the sharpest and this surely isn’t far from that if it’s not already there. Preserve for posterity or enjoy as nearly new. Not a bad investment either way. Find it here on Craigslist in Forest, VA for $25,000, with a link to the seller’s site here.

PICK OF THE DAY: Blue-Chip Volkswagen Westfalia Camper

May 16, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

It’s hard to imagine that at some point in life, we haven’t all wanted a VW Camper. When you think about it, the mere idea of it—a mass-produced recreational vehicle that’s suitable for everyday use—holds enormous appeal and yet has no “market segmentation.” Volkswagen and Westfalia-Werke, an outfitter of camper trailers at the time, did it just because. It is inconceivable to think that it would ever get past a concept stage today. Yet, through generations of the Type 2 it’s based on—and more than five decades—Westfalia converted nearly half a million VW vans that were sold through Volkswagen dealers until the end of the official collaboration in 2003. This was clearly more than a cult following, though it was certainly every bit that and continues to be. Early split-window Westfalias in No. 1 condition can easily approach or eclipse six figures and the very capable Syncro versions of the T3 are close on their heels. That said, not many can be found in No. 1 condition and that is perhaps àpropos, as these were vehicles meant to get out there and get used. After the split-windows, kitting became quite ubiquitous through the generations. Aesthetically, there’s a styling choice between the more classic T2 (1968-1979), the boxier ‘80s T3 version (1980-1991) and the sleeker T4s (1991-2003). Although neither is what anyone would consider high-performance, engine choices evolved through the years from a traditional 1.6-litre flat 4 of the early cars (which steadily increased to 2.0 L) to the 200-hp VR6, with diesel and TDI versions as well. For those seeking a little less embarrassment on hills or in passing situations, they can be modified with turbocharged Subaru or six-cylinder Porsche powerplants without too much trouble. With that, we’ll turn our attention to today’s pick. It falls just about in the middle of the affordable Westy range, both in terms of year and price. It is in many ways the quintessential Westfalia. As a 1987, it has the slightly more powerful (and far less combustible) water-cooled 2.1-litre flat 4 producing a mediocre-but-ample 95 hp. It looks to be exceptionally clean with very little wear on both paint and upholstery. It has had a fair amount of recent service and with 91,000 miles, is considerably fresher than most. All the camp equipment (stove, refrigerator, sink, hookups, tables, swivel seats, etc.) is said to be in good working order and the canvas pop-top appears to be in excellent, waterproof, bugproof shape. The only flaws reported are two small rock chips in the windshield, passenger window converted to manual (driver is power), rear wiper motor, and once in a while an oil drip from the drain plug (not uncommon in horizontally-opposed motors). There are some lower-mile examples in showroom condition available through specialists like GoWesty or private party for $40K or more; there are many more well-used, high-mileage, devil-may-care ones that can be had for $10K or less. This appears to be a very complete (has the original window sticker), ready to enjoy Westy for reasonable money. Find it here on The Samba for $19,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: Straight 1969 Citroën DS21 Safari

May 15, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

When it was introduced in 1955, what the Citroën DS lacked in performance, with its motor dating back to the 30s, it certainly made up for in innovation. To begin with, the teardrop shape designed for optimal aerodynamics and comfort was like nothing else on the road and it remains one of the most distinctive cars ever made. It was also the first car to use a hydropneumatic suspension, making the car literally float over road imperfections whilst allowing the car to lower and raise to as high as 10 inches. The hydraulic system was also used to operate the power front disc brakes, also an industry first as well as power steering. Furthermore, its unique mid-engine front-wheel-drive layout provided excellent traction without much compromise to balance. This was further aided by a wider track at the rear that all but eliminated typical front-drive understeer. With the launch of the DS21, its 2175 cc fuel-injected motor (one of the first European marques to feature fuel injection) provided ample power to make it a fine boulevard cruiser, if not a competent touring car. Combined with its suspension, the improved motor was the basis for some successful rallying including the Rallye Monte Carlo. Perhaps its greatest notoriety came when Charle De Gaulle’s DS21 Limousine outran Algerian gunmen… on two flat tires. In wagon (Safari) form, its cavernous cargo area was equally presidential. In fact, in its native France and other parts of the world, it was recruited for ambulance, paddy wagon and other commercial duty. Today, whether in 4-door saloon or 5-door Safari form, they turn heads not only for their uniqueness, but that to even those unfamiliar with the specifics, they just look like they were ahead of their time in so many ways. While we in the US were regulated to sealed beams and were slighted of the way-ahead-of-its-time directional headlamps, driving a DS21 in good nick feels in some ways like we still haven’t caught up. Unfortunately, like so many cars with hyropneumatic systems, it was also the DS’s achilles heel. Replacing the system, at least until recently, has been more work and expense than the cars were worth. Unlike other suspension only systems, the DS’s controlled brakes and steering as well, making it a very pricey undertaking. However, a spike in the rare Chapron-built convertibles to near six-figure prices has lifted all DS and even the downscale ID prices. In recent years, DSs have begun to get rescued, straightened out, or restored. Today’s example is a 1969 DS21 Safari that is a long-time California car and appears to be original, straight and rust-free. In addition, the spheres and accumulator, which are at the heart of the hydro-pneumatic system, are said to be in excellent shape. With only 82,000 original miles, this could be kept in a high driver condition or with some relatively minor sorting could be something more investment grade and the seller has it priced accordingly, with a No. 3 fetching low teens whereas a No. 1 car can bring just shy of $30K. This one’s in the middle here on Hemmings in Stillwater MN for $19,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: Above Average BMW 2002Tii

May 9, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

There’s not much more that needs to be said about the BMW 2002 than what’s been hailed since its introduction. It remains a measuring stick. Over the years, many cars have tried to be known as “the next 2002,” but none ever have. Not really. About the only thing left to say is that if you’ve ever wanted one, or had one way back when and would love to have another, time is running out. Indeed one of the things that made the 2002 such a phenom was that it was a precision-made, economical, spirited, youthful, and dependable car that was relatively affordable. Likewise for several years, they continued to be comparatively affordable, but that is changing. Where once—even prior to the economic downturn—a $10,000 2002 was considered exceptional, it is now a No. 3 driver needing some work. Prices have increased sharply since the beginning of the year and, with a recovering economy, there’s no reason to expect that trend to stall. Although any 2002 is highly collectible, the most coveted is the fuel-injected 2002Tii “Roundie” (round taillights as opposed to the later big-bumper cars with the square lights) from 1972 and 1973 (Turbos notwithstanding). Prices for these in show condition can go as high as $45,000, or roughly what a decent second-hand E92 M3 would cost. Nevertheless, there are some very nice drivers still in mostly original condition that can be had for under $20K. This is such an example. With no rust in the common areas, it appears to be rust-free with a straight body wearing a nice, if not entirely original, coat of (Baikal?) Blue paint over some proper factory alloy wheels. Interior looks to be very original and well-kept with new upholstery and headliner. It has also been tightened up with new door, window and engine seals, as well as shifter bushings and flex disc (Giubo). This one also has a couple of attractive and sought-after options: sunroof and air conditioning. In all, it doesn’t appear to be far from a showstopper and a solid, very presentable, immensely enjoyable driver in the meantime. Find it here in on Craigslist Anderson SC for a very reasonable $19,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: Exemplary Mercedes-Benz 560 SL

May 8, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

For most of the 70s and 80s, the Mercedes-Benz SL (R107) was the embodiment of a lifestyle that evoked achieving a certain status in life while still being able to enjoy it. They were the cars of the stars and the country club set. They were sporty without being sports cars, with refined elegance and graceful performance. Over its remarkable 18-year run, the 107 SL never lost any of its appeal and many would agree that it hasn’t to this day. Its final iteration, between 1986 and 1989, was the 560 SL. The 560 SL was in response to US customers who sought performance that was comparable to the European market 500 SL (in the early 80s, only the 155-hp 380 SL was available though US dealers). Not since the pre-emissions 350 and 450 SL of 1972 and 1973 had a US-market SL eclipsed 200 horsepower. Furthermore, a significant increase in torque made it the most drivable SL ever. Today, the 560 SL’s enduring caché combined with modest prices make it a perfect example of “look rich cheap.” As such, they’ve held up well in a soft economy and are beginning to climb as market conditions improve. There is no shortage of 560 SLs for sale at any given time, but the market narrows significantly when looking for those with less than 100K miles. It gets tighter still when adding originality to the criteria. Then if we add a classic color combination without unnecessary chrome or gold accents, there are actually only a handful that stand out. Today’s pick is exactly what a proper 560 SL should be. The original Arctic White paint presents beautifully and, combined with the original Burgundy leather, is striking and uncommon (most interiors are blue, black or Palomino (tan)). It’s being offered by its second owner who has had it for 22 years, using it sparingly to cover a mere 58,000 miles. Original interior is said to be and appears to be like new, as does the exterior. Wheels appear to be in excellent condition, without the peeling clearcoat that commonly occurs (and often necessitates polishing to a chrome finish that was never suited to car’s understated elegance). Both tops, Becker Grand Prix radio and First Aid Kit complete some of the 560 SL prerequisites. Ready for summer cruising, top up or down, it’s a perfect example of what the R107 was meant to be. Find it here on Craigslist in Sanford NC for a very reasonable $13,750.

PICK OF THE DAY: Exceptional BMW 850 CSi

May 7, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The BMW 8 Series was supposed to be the spiritual successor to the much loved E9 Coupés (such as the 3.0 CS/CSi/CSL) and the E24 6 Series (635 CSi, M6), although in reality it was targeted at a more exclusive market. With the intent of being a luxurious super car, it featured rakish lines resulting in a .29 drag coefficient (lower than an Acura NSX, Lamborghini Murcielago or Koenigsegg CCX) as well as a 300-hp V12 mated to a 6-speed transmission, the first time that had been done in a production car. It was also the first production car to have a “drive-by-wire” throttle (no cable). As a flagship model, BMW packed it with technology including stability and traction control as well as an on-board computer. It was also well appointed with 10-way heated seats and power everything. It was aimed passed its V12 contemporaries like the Jaguar XJ-S and Mercedes-Benz SL toward the exotic buyer looking for something more practical and more comfortable. In spite of this, both press and public instantly compared it to the 6-cylinder E24 and lamented that in all the puffery, the Ultimate Driving Machine had been somehow lost. This was particularly true in the US where dealers felt that it was more on par with the Jag- and Merc-buying country club set and most were delivered with automatic transmissions. Meanwhile, it had always been the intention that the 8 Series would be be part of the M program and development on the M8 had commenced and legend has it that the sole prototype still exists. With falling demand for the 8 Series, the M8 project was scrapped but lives on in spirit with the 850 CSi. The 850 CSi used an M-tuned version of the 850i’s V12, bored out to 5.6 liters and now producing 375 hp mated to a manual-only 6-speed gearbox. While this is well short of the M8’s 550 horses, it distanced itself from its country club fate. It also had a lower ride height ,stiffer springs, tighter steering, wider wheels, stainless exhaust, and improved aerodynamics. In the end, it not only reclaimed Ultimate Driving Machine status, but amplified it to a level that set the stage for the M Cars that were on the horizon. This one is the real deal (a unique VIN to indicate it was built by the M Division, the only production 8 Series to have done so). It is particularly nice with just over 50,000 actual miles and looks every bit the proper BMW in Dunkelblau (dark blue). The two-tone interior is prerequisite 90s German and while it might not be everyone’s cup of tee, no doubt we’ve all seen worse. On top of that, it is entirely original and everything seems to be working. At nearly four times the cost of a later (5.4 L) 850 Ci or a Ferrari 456 GT with $15K left over for service, exclusivity has its price. That said, prices for a CSi have slowly been inching up and it could be a sleeper in the works (Hemmings features an 850 CSi on the cover of their May 2014 issue in their 150-MPH story). With only around 1,500 built between 1993 and 1996, it may finally have found its place. Find it here on Craigslist in Tuscon AZ for an on-the-money $59,500.