17k-mile 1977 BMW 633 CSi

The BMW E24 was the first 6-series. 86,216 examples were built between 1976-1989, before it was replaced by the better looking but more complicated and expensive E31.

Along with the E23, it earned the nickname "sharknose" for the forward leaning front end and narrow twin grille that mimicked animal nostrils. Sadly, BMW has since completely erased this memorable look from their entire lineup. It's a mistake, as it instantly identified their vehicles and set them apart from the crowd.

Legendary designer Paul Bracq penned the sleek shape and compact sheetmetal, moving the company forward while paying great respect to their past designs, as great designs should do. Note the thin pillars for plentiful greenhouse glass and superior visibility in and out.

This example is blessed with the slim European bumpers that transform the look and feel of the vehicle as it was meant to be. It does wear U.S. import side markers and jutting turn indicators, but those are minor gripes. The grey metallic flatters the shape even more.

Inside is one of BMW's best interiors, techno-business no-nonsense, with controls angled to the driver, pre-airbag three-spoke wheel, white-on-black gauges, and horizontal lines everywhere.

Underneath the hood is a 3.3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that pumps out a healthy 194 horsepower to the rear wheels. The automatic transmission will turn off most buyers, but it's not a deal breaker.

The seller of this example says it has acquired just 17,400 miles and is in "impeccable" condition with an extensive history file. With mileage under 20k, this should really remain a sparingly used musuem peice, but it's tempting not to hit the road with it as a daily driver. Parts could be expensive, but it might be worth it. This is a classic motoring coupe from the 70s, and is an example of BMW near the height of their design and engineering powers.

Available here on ebay in Needham, Massachusetts for $22,800. For about the price of the average new American or Japanese econobox, you can have a classic German car that looks, handles and feels worlds better.

1977 Pinzgauer 712K 6x6

This Pinzgauer was a former Radio Communications Vehicle for the Austrian military and is now available in California after a rare factory rebuild to make it even more formidable.

Pinzgauer is one of the few off-road trucks that can rival the Unimog by Mercedes. These are every bit as imposing, capable and stylish in a very rugged way.

Steyr Puch laucnhed the Pinzgauer in 1971 as the standard issue military mobile for armies all over Europe, and production by them lasted remarkably until 2000. These were extremely capable on and off-road, towing up to 11,000 lbs and drivable for 249 miles on one fuel tank. The central tube chassis has a transaxle to keep the weight distribution even and center of gravity low. Portal axles provide extra clearance over ground obstacles.

We usually see these in 4x4 only, so the six wheel version is incredible, and this one looks especially awe-inspiring. The flat military green is perfect, as are the the black centered wheels. The lack of any military text or decals hint at civilian ownership. Nothing is out of place or overdone.

The closed top full back gives endless possibilities, but this one is so cool and clean it could just be kept as-is. The exterior color nicely flows inside with stacks of storage drawers and compartments.

Underneath the hood is a 2.5-liter air-cooled 4-cylinder engine. While not fast, it was simple, easy to fix and extremely durable.

As part of the 1998 restoration in Graz, the seller gives a huge list of important upgrades and imporvements and says that only about 9k mi have been driven since.

Honestly, if you're in the market for a Pinzgauer, I doubt anything else out there is quite like this one. The seller does mention it is not driveable by law in California, but should be transferable elsewhere.

Available here on ebay in Vallejo, California with bidding starting at $44k.

"Cheap" 1977 Porsche 911 Carrera

This Porsche 911 is being offered as needing some "work" but has a relatively low price of $7,000 here on craigslist in Colchester, Connecticut.

The 911 really needs no introduction. It's a legend by now, with the same shape and mechanical layout for the past 50 years.

Perhaps the only dynamic qualities about the cars are value - what's up, what's down, what's hot, what's not. Although the rest of the Porsche range varies, in the 911 world, their value is usually always neutral or on the incline.

The 930 variant was introduced in 1974, replacing the 1963 "classic" body. Gone were chrome touches and slim bumpers, and in were federally mandated 5 mph impact bumpers, lots of black plastic and rubber trim, but bigger engines and more power. This look lasted until the under-appreciated 964 replaced it in 1989.

The seller of this '77 Carrera says it is a complete running and driving project. Cosmetically, it looks complete, and wears a Turbo-style whale rear spoiler and blacked-out Fuchs. White is a clean, almost clinical color on most Porsches and this one looks good.

Unfortunately, the seller says it needs unspecified work, and does not elaborate. Body? Engine? Transmission? Electrical? Rust? Flood damage? Whatever it is, it won't be simple, easy, and inexpensive.

But at $7,000 or best offer...

?

If it's running and driving it could be a really fun bomber until it blows up or falls apart and can be sold for about half that amount as a parts car. If there's anything left redeemable on it.

Summertime Fun: 46k-mile 1977 Fiat X1/9

If you're looking for a Fiat X1/9, this could be the one. The seller's listing makes a very convincing argument.

The X1/9 was a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive two-door sports car with a removable hardtop. It was produced by Fiat from 1972-1982, then by Bertone from 1982-1989, quite a remarkable production length for a little Italian car, but it speaks to the model's success.

With a mid-engine setup powering the rear wheels for ideal weight distribution, the X1/9 handled very well. It also featured storage compartments in the front and rear, a huge plus and quite a feat considering the small size. In addition, the removable top segment was lightweight and easy to store.

The seller says they are the second owner having purchased the vehicle from the original owner in 2002. Since then, they claim they have spent $13,000 perfecting the car. They provide a list of some of the things they have done, and it's impressive, right down to re-applying the gold pin stripe to factory specifications.

The mini-wedge styling was done by none other than the great Marcello Gandini, and while not exactly elegant, it is cool and hits the right notes, especially in bright colors like this apple green. Fiat was notable for actually making an effort to work with the U.S. government mandates of the '70s, and the 5mph bumpers have some thought put into them but are still comical and unsightly. These cars look so much better without them it could be worth the effort converting to smaller bumpers.

Inside, the seller says the seats were re-upholstered.

The seller mentions there is no rust, another big plus.

They also say they have the original window sticker and maintenance records proving the car was maintained with upgrades done as well.

There are currently no new targa-top mid engine cars on the market. The only mid-engine cars today are priced well above the average vehicle. The X1/9 is a delightful reminder of a time when ideal driving principles and engineering were presented to the public at an affordable price. The seller of this vehicle has certainly appreciated it.

Find it here on ebay in Woodbrige, Illinois with 0 bids starting at $6,500 and a buy-it-now of $8,000.