1976 Jaguar XJ6C

The XJ6C was a coupe version of Jaguar's longstanding XJ platform. I was thinking about Jaguar the other day. They're obviously a legendary automaker and revered in their home country but haven't really had a hit on this side of the Atlantic in a long time. I'd factor in a lot of reasons: quality, marketing, pricing, economics, competition and the general mood of the times.

That said, it's vital to recognize they practically created the mold of the luxurious but quick footed 6-cylinder sedan with the XJ6, just around the time Mercedes got in on it and before BMW did.

This is from the Series II XJ from 1973-1979. With over 91,000 examples built, it was a mild success. Between 1975 and 1978, there was a limited run of 9,378 two-door pillar-less coupes, based on the short wheelbase XJ. It came with either 6 or eight cylinders.

On the surface, it seemed great, and it certainly looked great. The XJ is obviously an already handsome car and the coupe is arguably even more graceful, US bumpers aside.

Unfortunately, its very Britishness got the best of it. The doors were literally just extended pieces from the sedans, with weld lines visible on the inner side. The roof was covered in a homely vinyl, which trapped water and eventually rusted. The paint flexed and cracked because of the pillar less body. The price was also higher than the sedan.

Today, the XJ6C still around usually have these problems rectified or are complete basket cases. This one falls in the middle somewhere. The seller says it has a 350 engine conversion that is in good condition but needs some work. At least it looks elegant in white with white wall tires.

Available here on craigslist for $5,500 or best offer.

One Year Only: 1976 Porsche 912E

We at COTC love the 912E. This is also one of the lowest production 911 cars out there. Porsche needed an entry-level car to fill the gap as the 914 had just ended and the 924 had yet to debut. The solution was to fit the '76 911S with an air-cooled 4-cylinder Type IV Porsche/Volkswagen engine. The 912E ('E' for Einspritzung or "fuel injection") was born.

Porsche made just 2,099 of these before the sacrilegious front-engined 924 came along (and all its controversy).

This example (VIN 9126000709) has a build date of 10/75. The seller says it's a 2-owner car, but mention two previous owners apart from themselves, so assuming the seller is the current legal owner, this would actually be a three-owner car. They do mention they have maintenence records from the second owner, however.

It also comes in a striking coat of flat Minerva Blue (paint code 305-9-2) that the seller seems to suggest is original. It looks great, and makes the car really pop out. They also say the vehicle has never been in an accident and has no rust, huge pluses.

Porsche are best when barest, so the simplicity of the 912E is really appealing. The engine is similar to the 2.0-liter 4 offered on the 914, but the engine mountings are unique. It's smaller, less complex and therefore theoretically easier to maintain than the 6-cylinder. The decrease in engine size also meant less weight. Performance was typical, going from 0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds.

The seller's ad is poorly written and sometimes confusing. This car, like most second hand Porsche, warrants an investigation close up and a thorough inspection. But it sure looks tidy. Looks, however, can be deceiving. Either way, it's clearly been cared fore and should be able to see road action in the future. Post-1975 cars have to be smogged in California, however, so be aware. The seller says they have a clear title, but the car is unregistered (and therefore probably hasn't passed the smog test yet).

Available here on ebay in Santa Monica, California with bidding at $9,200 and reserve not met.

1976 Lancia Scorpion

Ah, the Scorpion. This car had everything going for it on paper - mid engine, Pininfartina styling - but it was an utter disaster on the U.S. market.

The Scorpion was actually known as the Montecarlo elsewhere and was produced from 1975-1981. It was a reasonable little sports car, with a straight 4-cylinder engine powering the rear wheels and producing 120 horsepower.

Unfortunately, when Lancia decided to import it to North America in 1976, it was a very different automobile. The headlights were changed to inane government regulated pop-up units. The bumpers were larger and heavier to comply with 5 mph impact rules. The engine was de-tuned and strangled by emissions equipment that lowered output to just a pitiful 80 horsepower. All U.S. versions has canopy roofs that made the unrefined engine seem even louder. The bodies rusted badly. These were not pleasant cars, and they don't even sound safe to use on the highway.

This example is claimed to have just 57,021 miles on the odometer and is all-original. The seller says its always been maintained by a specialist, and has no rust. The do mention the paint is a new coat of "Verde Metelizzato", but don't mention whether that was an original 1976 color. They do say it has no rust, however.

There are just two types of Scorpion survivors I recommend buying if you really want one: either one that has been stripped of the emissions equipment and heavy bumpers, or one in extremely good and clean condition. This one seems to be the latter. They just don't seem to be worth it as projects.

Just 1,801 were manufactured and sold for the U.S. market between 1976-77.

Available here on ebay in Studio City, California with no takers at $5,000 starting bid and a $7,600 Buy-It-Now.

Threatened Species: 1976 Volkswagen Scirocco

Hagerty Classic Car Insurance released this fascinating but alarming list of cars once built in great numbers that they now insure very few of.

One of them is the first generation or Mark I Scirocco produced from 1974-1982. Hagerty says they insure fewer than 25 of them.

Well, I found one. This gives new meaning to the term 'survivor'.

The Scirocco was a front-engine, front-wheel drive two-door hatchback with four-cylinder engines.

Perhaps the most notable feature was the lovely styling by Giugiaro from his heyday. It's typically well done, perfect proportions and still cool and fresh looking now. I especially love the quad round headlights which contrast nicely with the angular shape.

The seller says this surviving example has a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine, 82k miles, and a 4-speed manual transmission. The later teardrop wheels look good and although the seller says they are keeping them, they say they have the original alloys. Mechanically,  the seller says the radiator is missing and the car does not currently run.

Cosmetically, the seller says there is no serious structural rust but there is rot in a few places. Inside, they say the interior is complete and original, but the seats are torn. Still, it's great to see those rare Euro-style plaid seats still with the car.

Unfortunately, the seller says they don't have a title. They say the Pennsylvania DOT lost the title during the last transfer of ownership, but the seller says they have the last registered owner's info. Honestly, if the seller doesn't have a title in their name and never registered the vehicle, they have no authority to sell it unless I'm mistaken. They say they are unsure of what to do, but I can say you'll definitely need a title if you want to ever have this legally on the road again.

This car doesn't run, has rot and no paperwork, which are usually things to avoid, but for the right price (as in under $1k) it could be a good start for a restoration. They aren't many left, after all.

Available here on ebay in Emmaus, Pennsylvania with 7 bids at $256.

1976 Lancia Scorpion

The Scorpion was known as the Montecarlo elsewhere. On paper, these seemed appealing: Pininfarina styling, mid-engine layout, decent 4-cylinder power.

The European Montecarlo probably performed just fine. But we wouldn't know, because the car that was imported here under the name Scorpion was a very different automobile.

The Scorpion suffered in the same way most imports suffered when they came over from Europe in the mid-70s: styling changed for the worse and performance was curbed. The U.S. 5 mph mandate put on hundreds of extra pounds in larger unsightly bumpers. Emissions regulations forced the engine size to decrease from 1995cc to 1756cc, which produced just a pitiful 86 horsepower. All U.S. versions came with large convertible top that decreased structural rigidity and increased noise. Brakes were said to lockup. And even if frustrated and disappointed owners decided to keep their Scorpion, it often succumbed to rust very quickly and easily. Pleasant these were not.

Fortunately, this seller has made numerous modifications to improve it.

For starters, they've replaced the engine with a larger 2.0-liter from a 1979 Fiat Spyder. This provides more low-end torque. Second, they've replaced the heavy U.S.-spec bumpers with the smaller, lighter fiberglass Euro pieces. Lastly, they've done a bunch of modern upgrades, like an aftermarket stereo with Bluetooth, touch-sensitive HVAC controls, and remote locking.

Miraculously, the seller says the body is free of rust.

The Scorpion was a very noisy, crude and unreliable car. The seller admits that even after all his work, it is still not a good highway cruiser. However, if you have a soft spot for the Scorpion and must acquire one, I advise looking into this one or something like it. Stock examples just aren't going to cut it, unless you're a real stickler for originality. But the Scorpion is one of those rare cars that really aren't worth having original.

Available here on ebay in Cameron, South Carolina with bidding and a Buy-It-Now of $11,500. Hemmings CPI Value Guide puts a Scorpion in good shape at $3,950.

1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Castilian

This is about as Seventies as it gets: American. Cadillac. Enormous. And station wagon.

The Cadillac Sixty Special was produced from 1971-1976. The car weighed a lot: 5,400 lbs, and it was over 19ft long.

As if it weren't over the top enough (and they say the 1980s were decadent), at some point someone decided to extend the roof, add d-pillars and call it a 'Castilian'.

The work was performed by Traditional Coachworks of Chatsworth, California between 1975 and 1976. It is not known how many were made, but it was very limited. The silvery c-pillar is slanted and wraps around the roof. The rear hatch has a nicely integrated roof spoiler and opens the whole width of the car, stopping just above the reverse lights.

They were equipped with the Brougham d'Elegance package, which included pillowed seats, carpeted footrests, radio, outside temperature gauge and a variety of power features.

The interior is in a matching green. Cozy!

Underneath the hood lay a 500 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 engine producing a mere 190 horsepower. A drag racer this was not. But it was probably one floaty cruiser when up to speed.

The seller states the vehicle is all-original and has only 73,020 miles. A source here says it sold in Arizona in 2011 for $25,300.

Available here on ebay in Knoxville, Tennessee with bidding at $14,000 and reserve not met.

Rumble in Coventry: 1976 Jaguar XJC V8

This cool custom Jaguar build features a 1996 Chevy 350 V8 engine on top of numerous cosmetic upgrades.

The XJC was a two-door coupe version of their XJ Series II sedan. Only 9,378 were made between 1975 and 1978. Like a lot of British cars, it looked good but was made poorly. Aesthetically speaking, the Series II translated surprisingly well into a pillar-less coupe. However, when it came to construction, fit, and finish, Jaguar cut corners and made mistakes. They welded on door extensions. The loss of b-pillars flexed the roof, which in turn cracked the paint. Jaguar covered the roof in vinyl, but it looked ugly and trapped rust.

Fortunately, the seller of example has rectified nearly all of the car's original problems and enhanced its strong points tenfold.

Cosmetically, they stripped the paint to the bare metal, vinyl roof and all, and repainted the whole body in glossy black. Inside, they have new grey leather seats from BAS interiors of England. The dash is new and the wood was refinished.

The wheels are from a 1996 XJR and are pitch-perfect. The only change I would have made is swapping clunky U.S.-spec bumpers for slimmer units or ditching them altogether.

Mechanically, the American V8 swap provides a ton more muscle and power. The seller says the engine itself was blueprinted, balanced, rebuilt and upgraded with a small cam and roller rockers.

The seller notes this was not a restoration, but a rebuild, and they say the car originally had no rust. They say it currently runs well and produces a "beautiful sound". It's certainly not a cat anymore...probably more like a lion.

This could really satisfy someone's itch for a sleek and unique classic Jaguar, but without the quality headaches that usually come with them.

Find it here on ebay in California with bidding at $5,600 but reserve not met.

Fastback Flashback: 1976 Lotus Eclat Sprint

The Lotus Eclat was a fastback version of the Elite. It also looked much, much better.

Very few of these were made, and even less are around today. Lotus only built 1,519 between 1974 and 1982, according to the seller.

Styling is classic 70s wedge shape. When Lotus debuted the similar-looking Esprit a year later, their range was suddenly thoroughly uniform and updated, with all their cars having fiberglass bodies, tapered snouts, hidden headlights and funky interiors.

While these were powered by only 2-litre inline four cylinder engines, they were mated to manual transmissions and directed power to the rear wheels. Thanks to the fiberglass body, weight came in at under 2,000 lbs, helping to make this a relatively sprightly performer, once it got going, that is.

The seller is this example says the odometer reads only 78,587 miles. Lotus cars were rarely driven regularly by owners for various reasons, so low mileage is actually the norm.

Mechanically, the seller proclaims it starts and runs fine, and list a host of repairs done.

Cosmetically, they say the cloth seats do have a seam parting and have some sun damage. However, they say the paint is all-original and the vehicle was garaged.

I like these. They are extremely rare, but still look cool. This one seems to be without any major problems, but it's still an old British car, so reliability and build quality will not be top-shelf. But if you're a die hard Lotus fan, this could be a great snatch. Hemmings CPI Value Guide estimates a 1975-80 Eclat Sprint Coupe in fair condition to be worth $1,700, good condition $3,550 and excellent condition $8,150.

Find it here on ebay in Santa Rosa, California with bidding at $3,250 and a buy it now of $7,900.

Sole Survivor: 1976 Fiat Polski 125 Pickup

How adorable is this little pickup?

Unfortunately, it's also quite the endangered species.

According to the seller it is most likely the only surviving officially imported example.

FSO produced Fiat-based cars made in Poland. When they decided to branch out into U.S. sales, they brought over three examples, one of which was this pickup body based on the Fiat 125 sedan. While the other two met their fate, this one managed to live on.

Power comes from a small pushrod 4-cylinder engine directed to the rear wheels.

The seller says this example has an odometer that stopped working at 20,029, but they estimate the mileage can't be much more.

Cosmetically, they say the vehicle was repainted once. They say the body is free of major damage and rust, although the floors have holes and need new welding.

Mechanically, they say it starts and runs fine but will probably need a new clutch and oil filter.

How do you put a price on something so quirky, and apparently so rare? You really have to be a diehard fan, as vintage Toyota micro pickup trucks from the same era are just as charming but probably much more reliable.

Still, there's a lot to love and smile at here.

Find it here on ebay in Minneapolis, Minnesota with no reserve bidding at $4,000.

It Ain't Easy Being Green: 1976 Lancia Scorpion B

This Lancia Scorpion is looking sharp in bright apple green.

The Scorpion was named so only for the North American market, and only for two years, '76 and '77. Elsewhere it was known as the Montecarlo from '75-'82.

I like the idea of the Scorpion. Mid-rear-engine, compact Pininfarina design. And it was probably a decent car, in Europe that is. Unfortunately the American version almost completely ruined the essence of the vehicle. Larger bumpers were tacked on. The headlights were changed to inane sealed-beam units that semi-popped up (what was the point?). The engine was downgraded to a tiny 1756cc 4-cylinder that combined with emissions equipment resulted in a pathetic 81 horsepower. While I'm sure the car handled beautifully, highway driving was probably not joyous.

The seller says this car has low miles (but does not provide a figure), stick shift, targa top and leather seats. They thankfully took the time to wash the car and take good clear photos which greatly benefit the listing. The car looks beautiful. The interior looks very clean, and there seem to be no cracks in the dash.

The seller wants $8,900. Hemmings values a 1976 Lancia in good condition at $3,950. The seller has way overpriced their item. Sure, there were only 1,801 U.S. Scorpion cars, but they were significantly de-tuned and repressed. It's probably still interesting to drive, but you're not getting a performance car. You're not getting much car, period.

Still, it's nice to see one preserved like this.

Find it here on craigslist in Santa Monica, California.

One Year Only: 1976 Porsche 912E

This 912E is being offered by a seller who knows the car is rare: they immediately state it is #1,958 of only 2,092 produced during one year only, 1976.

The 912 "E" (for Einspritzung or fuel injection) was meant to fill in as the entry-level Porsche in between the exit of the mid-engine 914 and the delayed introduction of the front-engine 924. The 912E did NOT have a purely Porsche engine. Instead, it had a 2-litre 4-cylinder Type IV Volkswagen-Porsche engine that produced a mere 86 horsepower. You'd think that would be a massive turnoff to enthusiasts and a value-killer, but in typical bunk-the-trend Porsche fashion, it seems the 912E has gone on to admired cult status as another rare collector's item.

The seller doesn't say much, but they mention this example runs great and was driven frequently. It sure was, with the seller stating it has 171,000 miles on the clock, impressive for an old Porsche. Some buyers prefer higher-mileage Porsches because they are proof the cars were maintained and can be driven for many more miles. I agree. I like Porsches as driven hard and maintained religiously. Sure, it's expensive, but there's often a bigger price to pay after keeping it sitting too long.

Cost is key with the 912E as well, both now and then. They originally sold for just under $11,000, which was a lot of money in 1976, but still less than a 911. The 912E was considered to be successful in execution because it retained core Porsche elements of sport and superior handling balanced nicely with frugality and practicality. The 4-cylinder engine was said to be relatively simple and inexpensive to maintain, and also delivered good gas mileage. The excellent Porsche 912E Registry says they know of no inherent problems.

Given all that, the seller is asking $10,900, which seems reasonable. Porsche prices are all over the place. In general, almost every 911 variety older than '74 or so is increasing fast and furious. As you've seen this week, even values of the 914 can gravitate wildly, from $850 to over $12k. At $10,900, the seller is asking approximately what the car originally sold for. This is perfectly in step with the market. The car does not have a 6-cylidner, let alone a Porsche engine, but does retain the classic shape, interior and most parts. In addition, this example looks well-cared for and seems to be ready to hit the road again, in the best spirit of the car. On top of that, not many were produced. So it shouldn't loose value, but it isn't on fire either, and the seller seems to have arrived at that some conclusion as well.

I'd be surprised if this listing lasts another week.

Find it here on craigslist in Hebron, Connecticut.

What Is It: 1976 Lotus Elite 504 Automatic

My favorite seller of the month, Euro Car Garage, is offering yet another rare car at a very reasonable price.

I've never seen this car before and was surprised to learn it's a Lotus from the '70s. Apparently, there were a whole bunch of funky cars from Lotus I've never heard of until now. This is one of them.

The Elite nameplate was originally used for a classic two-seater coupe made from 1958 to 1963. Then Lotus used the name for a totally different and unrelated much larger two-door hatchback from 1974 to 1982. This is the latter, of which only 2,535 were made.

This Elite had a front-engine and rear-wheel drive setup underneath a fiberglass body and quirky massive glass hatchback window. From the rear it looks dangerously close to AMC Gremlin territory, but the long front hood and pop-up headlights resemble the Esprit so it fortunately salvages some commonality and swag with the rest of the brand.

It only had a 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder engine, but was supposedly an ok performer, thanks to a weight of only around 2,000 lbs. Typically, 5-speed manual gearboxes were standard, but from January 1976 onward automatic transmissions were optional, such as on this example.

The seller is mum on any details but this one appears to be an original survivor with only 79, 471 miles. Condition doesn't look too bad. The body looks mostly straight and clean, without any visible rust.

The interior is pure '70s, with suede literally everywhere and white sheepskin seat covers that make it look like a playboy lounge. Note the sagging blocking half the instrument cluster.

The rear seats feature a surprising amount of room and look clean and cozy with the headrests.

This could be an incredible chance for either a Lotus fanatic or obscure car buff to acquire a rare car for relatively cheap. It definitely looks like it's going to be a project, but it could be a fun one, not taken too seriously, as this is a goofy car, right down to the swirly western pinstripes.

Find the craigslist ad here and the dealer ad here with an asking price of only $3, 895.

Mid-Engine in Maine: 1976 Lancia Scorpion

The Lancia Scorpion was called the Montecarlo for the rest of the world. It was a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car that was made from 1975 to 1982, during what I like to call the Disco/New Wave Era.

Movie buffs may remember the Scorpion as Giselle, a "luscious little Lancia" which was the object of Herbie the Love Bug's affection in Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977).

Apparently, only 1,801 were called "Scorpion" and made for the U.S. market. I had no idea it was so few.

That makes this a very rare car. Who knows how few could be left. Probably only a couple hundred by now, and even less in use.

Unfortunately, the U.S.-spec car wasn't all that it could be.

The Scorpion was only sold in the U.S. for two years, from 1976 to 1977, at the height of the Carter Malaise Era regulation strangulation. As such, a number of changes had to be made to sell the car here. The engine was decreased in size from 1995cc to 1756cc, and when combined with added smog equipment, resulted in just a pathetic 81 horsepower, down from 120hp the Euro-spec Montecarlo produced.

Cosmetically the vehicle also had to be altered. Handsome rhomboid single-unit Euro lamps were replaced with foolish small semi-pop-up lights that were doubtless inferior for night vision. The front and rear bumpers were made larger to pass crash tests. The rear buttresses were made solid, instead of glass.

The results were not appreciated. Road & Track said there was "little joy listening to the wheeze of an emission equipment-stifled 4-banger".

All that said, they sure do look pretty, thanks to Pininfarina's talented design house, who were almost at the peak of their powers during that time. It has an aggressive forward leaning stance, long flat hood, squared off corners, sloped back and handsome rear taillight arrangement. It's a tiny car but the proportions and shape are respectable and cool looking.

The Scorpion was a classic case of all-show, no-go.

This '76 model is up for sale in Maine, of all places. The seller states it runs and drives fine but needs a restoration, and they don't have the time to give it the attention it probably needs. They give little other info. One of the most important questions will be about rust. As in, does it have any. Lancia Scorpions have a horrible predilection for rust, like a lot of other Italian cars of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. This one currently being located in cold, wet coastal Maine, it could be a bona fide rust bucket. Maybe that's the "restoration" the seller refers to it needing. If so, it could be a deal-breaker. The car is not terribly impressive to start with, so a complete restoration with rust repair isn't going to feel good and worthwhile after it's finished not to mention being very expensive. I would insist on inspecting it in person and have it hoisted above to see the underside completely. If you find any rust, you'll have the ball in your court in terms of pricing.

The seller's photos are small and they have no pictures of the interior, which is irritating but not unusual for craigslist. I did however note two possible damage areas:

If there is no rust or irreversible damage, this thing would be fun as an inexpensive acquisition to bomb around locally on twisty roads. I'm sure it handles well, but with only 80hp highway traveling isn't going to be fun. It also would be extremely costly and time consuming to convert to Euro-standards, but that could still be an option for those with deep pockets and a special passion for this car.

Find it here on craigslist in Norway, Maine for $2,500. The seller wishes interested parties leave their names and phone numbers so the seller can call potential buyers. I say, try bagging it for $1,000 or less.