1999 Alfa Romeo 156

Sigh. Alfa Romeo in the late 90s. It's something we'll never know, because the company stopped selling cars here in 1995. Today, they offer just one car in the US, a snazzy sport coupe for over $100k. That's a shame, because they have a long tradition in something far more practical yet still very fun: compact sport sedans.

The last Alfa most Americans remember was the 164. Based on a Euro platform it shared with Lancia and Saab, it was a slight betrayal with front-wheel drive, but the styling and engine power were still quality. Alfa basically continued and expanded their front-wheel platforms after that, resulting in the 156, among other models.

The 156 debuted in 1997. European auto styling in the 90s completely eschewed the 80s hardcore techno-industrial angles in favor of soft corners, organic shapes and minimal details. The 156 is a great example, with small lamps, no anti-dent molding and rear door handles built into the c-pillar keeping the side profile clean. It's good looking, especially considering today's over-designed cars.

Under the hood of this example is a "Twin Spark" 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a stick shift. Alfa's are renowned for their exhaust notes and excellent handling. I certainly would have preferred this puppy over a mechanically similar Honda or Toyota back in the day.

The seller says the car has 145,000 kilometers, which is about 90k miles. They say it has one previous owner, some service history, a new timing belt and in good condition throughout.

This one is in Canada and is not exempt under the US 25-years-and-older import rule unless it is federalized, and who knows how much that entails or costs. Still, it's not impossible and is good to see this one on this side of the Atlantic nonetheless, especially in such a sweet color combo as silver over red leather.

Available here on ebay with no bids and a Buy It Now of $10,500.

1999 Isuzu Vehicross

I looooove these things! They're on my list to own someday. I'm one of the people that cringes at most sport utility vehicles. Let's face it: despite their girth, most are pretty un-manly and get used to haul groceries and soccer equipment. On top of that, they consume heinous amounts of fuel per gallon. And they look ugly.

The Vehicross gets my vote for Coolest SUV however. In fact, it's probably the only cool SUV, except perhaps for stuff like the Mercedes Galendenwagen or Land Rover Defender 90, but those are ridiculously expensive to acquire and maintain.

I'll be the first to admit part of the charm is the otherworldly styling, looking like it was something designed for a cross between Blade Runner and Baywatch. But I like Blade Runner and I like some of Baywatch. I mean, the year was 1997, if you're gonna make a two-door SUV, it's got to stand out and Isuzu did an excellent job because not only did it stand out, it remarkably still looks good today.

Underneath the spacey metal is equally impressive technology. While Japan was privy to either a 2WD or 4WD version, Americans were thankfully just given the amazing 4WD version. The unique Torque-On-Demand (TOD) system had 12 different sensors detecting which wheel was experiencing the most amount of spin and redirected power to the wheel with the least. This made handling and control over even the most wet and icy of roads manageable.

The engine was a 3.5-liter V6 good for about 215 horsepower. It got the job done. I've heard people say it's even sporty feeling.

Inside, the interior was the only week spot, with a dashboard recycled from the Isuzu Trooper or something. But they spiced it up with cool two-town seating and doors, this one in red.

Sadly, only around 5,000 were produced between 1997 and 2001. These are hard to find now and command a premium when they do hit the market because the loving owners almost always know how rare they are. Fortunately, the price is usually worth it. These were solid, reliable cars with no glaring issues over time. They can go for 100k-200k+ miles before major repairs. Isuzu was a good brand. There is nothing quite like the Vehicross anymore.

Available here on ebay with bidding starting at $10k.

In the US: 1999 Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-S

The Silvia is a long-running nameplate of rear-wheel drive coupes by Nissan. North America was privy to a couple versions, but missed out on the version that debuted in Japan in 1999. It wore classic Japanese styling: simple, clean, unpretentious and sleek.

Underneath the hood is a 4-cylinder engine. There was a non-turbo version and although the seller doesn't specify I would assume and hope this is the turbo. These also came with 4-wheel steering, but, again, the seller does't specify.

What they do mention is that it is the Spec-S trim, which features a 5-speed manual transmission, open differential and 4-piston front brake caliper.

Since it was made for the Japanese domestic market, the steering is right-hand drive. The seller says they have added a Pioneer screen with some speakers, different coils, 300ZX brakes and tinted windows.

Although the U.S. government only allows importation of vehicles older than 25 years old, this one is somehow in the states. The ad implies it is in Rhode Island, but in the photos it wears Florida plates, which actually may explain matters as the Florida DMV is notoriously (and pleasantly) lenient when registering unusual and non-US motor vehicles. Regardless, the seller claims the car is titled, registered, inspected and insured, all huge pluses. They even have a photo of the title, although to confuse matters again it's a New Hampshire title.

These cars have a cult following. This one seems to be cared for and has to be only a handful that have made it here, making it even more of a rarity. There also isn't anything quite like it on the market today, especially from Japan: a 4-cylinder turbocharged rear-wheel drive coupe.

Available here on craigslist for $19,000.

1999 Lotus Elise Sport 190

Colin Chapman would have been very proud. Lotus's Elise only weighed about 1,660 lbs. Chapman's "speed through weight" ideology is still a great engineering principle automakers could learn a thing or two from today, especially as they chase ever more efficient solutions in the face of mounting government regulation against fuel consumption.

Lotus had been all over the map in the late 20th century, coming out with a slew of odd designs that still managed to perform, while never quite being the best or the most up to date. But in 1996, they unveiled the Elise, which intended to change all of that.

The Elise replaced the maligned Elan as their entry-level vehicle. The Elan, while very pretty, was really no better than a Mercury Capri (don't get me wrong, I like the Capri, but...) being front-wheel drive. The Elise, however, featured a rear mid-mounted engine that powered the rear wheels. Thanks to simple construction and light parts, it wasn't heavy. Power was small - only four-cylinders - but it propelled the car from 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds. Handling, braking and fuel economy were excellent.

Styling is superb. The mid-engine placement did not yield any design cliches (as Toyota's MR2 did, for example) but rather a refreshing take that is simple, sexy, sporty and damn near-classic by now. British design in the 1990s really expanded some horizons and seemed to blend the minimalism of 1980s design with the luscious curves of the 1950s and 60s. These were only offered as targas, a slight blow to structural integrity but upping the fun factor.

In a lot of ways, these could be descendants of Porsche's 914, which was essentially the exact same setup, removable hardtop and all. Underneath the hood is a 1.8-liter 4-banger producing a healthy 190 horsepower.

This example looks appropriately wild in racer red with matching red seats and steering wheel. Note the integrity bar above the passenger seat. Not sure if anyone is supposed to fit there.

It features 3,248 kilometers which is only 2,018 miles.

Lotus only made the first-generation Elise from 1996 to 2000, before new regulations forced a new design. They were never offered here, sadly, where they would surely have taken a huge bite out of MR2, Del Sol, Miata, Z3 and Boxster sales. Since 2004, however, we have been allowed the second generation Elise, but it lacks the soft curves and simple shapes of the first series.

This is a rare and desirable vehicle now in the U.S.

Available here on ebay for $29,980.

60 Miles Per Gallon: 1999 Volkswagen Polo Wagon SDI

This car has a lot going for it.

It was never sold in the U.S., has relatively low miles and gets terrific gas mileage according to the seller.

It's a '99 Volkswagen Polo Wagon SDI.

SDI stood for Suction Diesel Injection (versus today's TDI - Turbocharged Direct Injection) and was Volkswagen's trademark range of diesel engines. They are legendary, revered and admired by consumers for their durability, frugality and longevity.

The Polo nameplate was never sold here in the U.S. Like a lot of European automakers, Volkswagen made dozens of cars that were never offered in the U.S., including the Polo. It was to our detriment. The Polo was a subcompact and supermini range of vehicles that were just as good as the Golf and Jetta we got here.

This is a Mark III Polo, which was produced from 1994 to 1999. It features Volkswagen's typical conservative and simplistic styling, which has aged very well and is now refreshing and almost classic given how awry car design has gone today.

How did this get in the United States then?

The seller explains it was owned by the U.S. government for use at an Air Force base in Greenland, and was then imported here. It was then purchased by the previous owner at a U.S. Surplus auction. It is now in the hands of a dealer. The dealer/seller says it is fully legal and has all EPA and DOT documents. They say it came with an Ohio title, which is a good sign, because an established title should be transferable to any state.

A similar vehicle and story was also on ebay a month or two ago. It was a Opel diesel wagon that the government used in Greenland that eventually made its way here and was acquired at a surplus sale. One of my favorite car blogs, Just A Car Geek, spotlighted the vehicle here.

This is also the same seller that advertised a Volvo I spotlighted back here. They are based in Staten Island, New York and seem have unusual and low mileage European cars. I like their listings too because they give a lot of information and have a ton of high-resolution photos. If only every seller could be as thorough.

However this car came to be here, it's a pretty cool item. Since the U.S. government exempts itself from its own laws and can apparently import cars newer than 25 years old (resident citizens can only import cars 25 years and older), this could very well be 1 of 1 in the U.S., increasing the novelty factor and overall value.

On top of that, you are treated to extreme frugality and practicality, assets in a vehicle anytime, but especially in a chaotic era like now. The seller says the 1.9-litre SDI engine will get you at least 60mpg, which is a pretty big claim. Combined with the 5-speed manual transmission and bare-bones package, I believe it. The car has manual windows, manual door locks, cloth seats and a tape player. It's a small metal and plastic bucket. In your face, Prius! It's truly remarkable how many of yesterday's cars already solved the fuel-efficiency problem, without being pretentious, overpriced and counter-intuitive.

With only 32,742 on the odometer, this thing is just getting broken in, especially for a diesel engine, which typically see 300,000-400,000 miles before a rebuild. 

Find it here on ebay with a buy it now price of $11,400. Not a bargain, but not outrageous either, and perhaps it's negotiable. Let me put it this way: there are no other new diesel wagons for sale at that price. The closest vehicle would be a 2012 Jetta Sportwagen TDI which starts at $25,540. For less than half that price, you get an arguably better car that gets better gas mileage.