1988 Volkswagen LT45 Diesel Firetruck

Somebody call der firetruck!

This Volkwagen was imported from Holland where it served as an airport crash tender, spraying foam wherever there were flames.

The LT was the largest light commercial van VW produced from 1975-2006. Unlike the beloved Type 2 van, the LT had the engine in the front, like most vans today. It was available with either rear or all-wheel drive, four or six cylinders, and gas or diesel engines.

This particular exam is equipped with 2wd and a Volvo 6-cyl. diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The car is now in Florida, that haven for easily titling imported vehicles. Thankfully, the seller seems to have a good reputation and currently possess a clear FL title in hand to go with this vehicle.

Mechanically, they say it has only about 4,800 kilometers which equals about only 3,000 miles on the odometer.

Cosmetically, they say the tiny tires are in good shape and the interior is clean but the front windshield is busted and there is exterior rust. They also say the haven't tested the actual firefighting equipment and assume it is not working.

This is a quirky little truck but with that low mileage it definitely deserves a good long life in caring hands. It could be converted to a flat bed and the engine to biofuel to make it even more efficient and useful.

Available here on ebay.

Blue Plate 45k-Mile 1986 Nissan 720 Pickup

Pickups are weird. They have this kind of raw, pure feel similar to British convertibles. Especially early Japanese pickups like this amazing Nissan survivor. In today's market the compact pickup is dead, replaced by Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota behemoths. Even Ford canceled their much-loved mid-sized Ranger. But back in the 80s, the Japanese broke into US with smaller, more practicable offerings.

Nissan's pickup actually had roots that went a ways back. Their first offering was in 1950s Japan. The model grew and was replaced by subsequent generations until 1980, when the 720 debuted. It was available in either 2- or 4wd and only with a 4-cylinder engine. It lasted until 1986, when a larger body was introduced.

This remarkable example still retains its California blue plates and has accrued just 45,308 miles during its life so far, extremely unusual for an old pickup truck in a bustling region of the country.

It looks absolutely terrific in glossy black paint over tan interior. We especially like the thin stripe white wall tires over aluminum wheels and white "Nissan" text on the tailgate. The slightly tinted rear window is actually a nice feature if you live in a hot sunny climate. The only thing cosmetically needed is a rear chrome bumper to match the front.

Although it's an automatic, it's just the 2wd version, so this puppy is ideal for cruising miles of warm, dry highway and hauling lite loads.

I think it's absolutely beautiful and hope the owner keeps her as is.

Available here on ebay.

1964 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed Pickup

Nothing says American transportation like pickup trucks. That is, pickup trucks before the Japanese invasion of the late 70s and 80s. Before that, buying any other pickup than a Chevy or Ford was unthinkable, in fact, impossible, as there really wasn't anything else like them.

Although we all know how the "tiny two-seat convertible" is the most likely variant of automobile to appreciate in value, their polar opposite, the tough unwieldy, unglamorous American pickup truck, is having its moment too. Firstly, they are hard to find. These were solidly built and dependable but were worked to death in the early post-industrial years of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Second, they are unique and fill a niche. They ignite the imagination as easily as apple pie or the marlboro man.

This particular find is a '64 C10 with the desirable short bed. COTC likes the short bed for the nice proportions it gives the truck and better handling, too.

The 1960 model year heralded a whole new pickup for Chevrolet. These trucks had a lower cabin for easier access and independent front suspension for an almost car-like ride. They were offered with either 6- or 8-cylinders, and either 2- or 4-wheel drive. The C denoted 2wd and the K 4wd. 1964 models eliminated the wrap-aroud windshield and featured a new grille. The range was changed again in 1967 and wasn't as good looking.

The seller says the 230 6-cylinder engine is under the hood mated to a 3-speed column shifter.

The 6-speed and 2wd combo is fine for most macho tasks.

The seller says they purchased the vehicle as a project but are going to work on another vehicle instead. It's always a little irritating when sellers say that. What was it about this car that bugged them? Still, the honesty is appreciated.

Mechanically, they say it runs and drives but will need work on a bunch of stuff that degrades with age like the carburator and brakes.

Fortunately, they say it's about 95% rust free, nothing short of a miracle on an old picked located in New England. They say the paint job is not original and is poor, but the red and white combo isn't terrible from afar.

I can't stand when old pickups are redone into showroom queens. Something always gets lots in translation. COTC thinks this should be mechanically sorted, then driven as is to the lake, antique furniture sprees and Christmas tree hauling. Unless the paint is really that bad, but paint jobs are extensive and the seller wants enough dough as it is.

Available here on craigslist for $6,500.