Showing posts with label 1970. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1970. Show all posts
1970 Camaro Z28
The second generation Camaro lives in the shadow of the iconic first generation, which is what GM modeled the new retro-styled Camaro after.
That's a shame, because the second generation is arguably the coolest of them all.
It debuted in 1970, benefitting from a development process that wasn't rushed and all the lessons learned from the first-generation. The body and chassis were all-new. A range of 6 and 8 cylinder engines were available.
The best second-generation Camaro are the earliest ones like this, which have classic styling and more powerful engines and.
The seller says this is a real LT1 Z28, although they don't know if it's a matching numbers car due to inability to read the serial numbers, but they say that's besides the point because it's not a perfect anyways and is still fun, fast and reliable.
They also say the engine has been rebuilt, and everything looks decent and correct in the photos.
They also mention that a numbers-matching car might command double what they are asking. That also might be true, so this could be considered a nice way to save some money on a very similar car.
Available here on craigslist for $24,999.
1970 Volvo 164
The 164 was a slightly upscale version of the 140. The 1966-74 140 was Volvo's breakthrough model, selling over 1.2 million units. Then the 164 came along in 1968. It was Volvo's attempt to compete with Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar. As the numeric designation suggests, it had '6' cylinders instead of the 140's '4'.
Although sharing many parts with the 140, the front end was unique, drawing more inspiration from it's predecessor, the Amazon. It's tasteful looking without being too stodgy. The rest of the body is classic 1960s/70s European sedan, with a high waistline and overall bathtub shape inspired no doubt by the NSU 110, itself inspired by the first generation Corvair. White is a very flattering color, too, giving it a clean, bright, appliance-like vibe that suits the functionalism on display.
The interior is this incredible breath of fresh air from today's claustrophobic, over-designed interiors. The dashboard is essentially a single rectangular strip of faux-wood and simple gauges. The pre-airbag steering wheel is especially charming. It looks good. Part of the beauty of simplicity is that there is simply less to go wrong.
For those who complain the 140 is underpowered, the 240's inline 6-cylinder is the perfect antidote. It's a moderately heavy car, but the engine was able to kick out 160 horsepower to the rear wheels, and it managed to be more efficient than some competitors. This one has the column-mounted 3-speed Borg Warner automatic, but it'll be good for cruising easily with friends.
The seller says this survivor is an original daily driver, has no rust and runs strong. If you're looking for a sweet retro people carrier for short to medium trips, this is a pretty nice piece.
Available here on craigslist for $2,800.
1970 Toyota Corolla Sprinter
There is something so innocent and undiluted about post-war Japanese cars like this rare first generation E10 Corolla Sprinter.
Way before their superstardom days of the 80s and 90s, Toyota were barely making a dent in the North American market of the early 70s, where the only cars Americans bought were their own: huge, unsightly, gas-guzzling barges. Then, BAM the fuel crises started happening. Suddenly, small, fuel efficient cars were in demand. Toyota, who had already been building those cars, were suddenly popular. Americans woke up and the rest is history.
But with this young classic, Toyota were still getting out of the gates. The styling is something to behold, with absolutely no traces of any of their annoying and un-artful design cues of today. Instead, the E10 Spinter is sparse, simple, lean and frugal looking, almost resembling a poor man's BMW 2002 Touring hatchback. The pre-regultion bumpers help, too, and the originality of this example is really wonderful, down to the emblems and nameplate.
Underneath the hood is a 1.2-liter inline 4-cylinder engine good for about just 65 horsepower to the rear wheels. That seems pitifully low, but remember the car is significantly smaller, simpler and lighter than today's cars. It will also mean the engine is relatively easy to fix, and extremely good on gas. A peek inside the hood shows just how little space even the engine itself takes up.
The seller says it is all-origial with no rust, both claims seem credible given the pictures and sunny, dry California location and plates.
The E10 was replaced shortly after this model, but this is a remarkable survivor and reminder of the global super company's humble roots and rise from the ashes of WWII.
Available here on ebay.
Blue Plate 1970 Renault R10
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.
56k-Mile 1970 Fiat 128 Euro
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.
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