1990 Alfa Romeo 33 Imola Edition

Alfa Romeo in the 90s is something the US market never quite got to see. The company ceased exporting cars to North America in 1995. The last new car they sold here was the 164, a large, expensive front-wheel drive sedan that left probably left consumers feeling indifferent more than anything.

But in the European market, Alfa offered a much broader spectrum of cars. Perhaps if they had brought something like the 33 over here, they would have sold a lot more cars.

The 33 debuted in 1983 and was basically Alfa's entry-level family car. It was based on the modified front-wheel drive platform of its predecessor, the Alfasud, and featured a range of 4-cylinder boxer engines.

The styling is classic Eurobox, which, if you love them as I do, you just 'get' it. You can see traces of the Milano/75 and even the 164 blood in it, with the downturned front lights, hard angles and thick, high rear boot.

This example has found its way to the US from Holland and currently resides in Florida. Cosmetically, the seller says it isn't perfect but it is rust-free, otherwise a concern on any Alfa Romeo.

Mechanically, they say the engine runs very well and even boasts a performance chip that boosts the 1.7 4-cylinder boxer engine output to 120 horsepower. That's not a lot, but it's a relatively small car, and like most Alfa Romeo it should complement a tight and balanced chassis for superb handling.

The seller says the odometer reads about 87,000 kilometers which is only about 55k miles, and that is has a clear Florida title, a huge plus that should make it transferrable to any other state, except perhaps California where it would not be exempt from smog.

I've never seen one here before, although with cars of the 80s now easily importable under the 25-year rule we may see more. But given this or a 164, I'd take this. It's also a great alternative to a Volkswagen, Saab or Volvo from the same era.

Available here on ebay for $17,895.

12k-Mile 1995 Mazda Miata M Edition

The Miata isn't just a new classic. It was that near-impossible to achieve category in commercial industry: an instant classic.

That said, it became an instant classic by basically borrowing everything from the 1960s Lotus Elan. But the Miata did everything the Elan did better and far more efficiency, while looking damn good, too.

It debuted in 1990 as just in time for Baby Boomer midlife crises. Mazda brilliantly found a gap in the market where the only other remotely similar vehicle was the aging, fussy and pricey Alfa Romeo Spider. The result was a huge success, with over 400,000 selling by 1997.

The formula was simple. A conventional but lightweight body, straight 4-cylinder engine and power directed to the rear-wheels.

The styling was ingenious. Sure, it took a ton of inspiration from older cars. But to pull it off required a subtle eye and a simple touch that today's auto designers seemingly lack.

This was from an era when Japanese cars were hitting their peak, so when they crossed into niche markets, the results were staggering. This intersection is especially apparent in the interior. A uninformed opinion might mistake it for being bland. But the whole point of the classic two-seater convertible was a bare bones interior that didn't distract from the most important view: the horizon outside. As such, the Miata's dash is awash in dark, high quality plastics and simple, easy to read and use gauges and buttons. Note the spherical a/c vents, a cool sporty touch.

Of course there were people who wanted more power. But they could get the more expensive and complex Z3. The straight 4, despite originally having just 115 horsepower, worked great with the balanced chassis and low weight, as well as providing excellent fuel economy. Something new was born: a fun commuter car.

This is the second run of M Edition cars, unique to model year 1995 and featuring Merlot Mica paint and 15-inch BBS wheels. This seller of this one says it has an astounding 12,785 miles. They say their mother bought it, then was transferred to his sister and now him since last year. He's done taken care of some obvious needs for a car that has been sitting so long, and it seems mostly ready to go again.

Available here on ebay.

1994 Alfa Romeo 164 Q4

The 164 split critics when it debuted and continues to polarize today. The main problem was drivetrain. Had it been another large, expensive rear-wheel drive sedan, it actually would have fit in with the competition and maybe even stood out a little on its own merits. But it was given a front-wheel drive platform that was shared with other European automakers like Lancia and Saab. In the US, the only similar cars in its high price range would have been a Cadillac. It didn't stand a chance against BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

It's a shame because the 164 was otherwise pretty neat. Its nearest relative, the 75/Milano, was a sharp, roomy, fast rear-wheel drive sport sedan. The 164 was given a similarly fresh design that contrasted with the more traditional German designs at the time. The body courtesy of Pininfarina is clean, simple and forward thinking. This example looks fine in black, though I prefer the classic red paint typically seen on others. The rare Q4 package adds ground effects and a rear spoiler that gives it a menacing, hunkered down look.

The real sweet spot of the 164 though is underneath the hood glistening in polished chrome: a 3.0-liter 24-valve 6-cylinder engine good for nearly 230 horsepower, really impressive for the day and still decent now. Just like Cadillac's maligned Allante, however, all the muscle was sadly directed to the front wheels, producing quite a bit of torque steer and dismissing it as a serious contender.

This example has just 126k on the clock. The seller says they are the second owner, have records available, did major maintenance and added new parts.

Here's the one saving grace about the 164. It makes for one of the most entertaining, stylish and still useful (with those four doors) second hand car out there, because most of them go for a fraction of what even the cheapest new car costs.

Available here on craigslist for $4,000.

1993 BMW M5

I love the E34. And what better E34 than the veritable M5.

The E34 is one of the greatest BMW so far and really one of the best cars of all time. It's spacious but not too big, extremely well-built, safe, aesthetically sharp, fun to drive, and very reliable. The only thing they aren't is fuel efficient and immune to rust. But those are small nits to pick when you consider the overall greatness that is the E34. Subsequent generations have only gotten larger and less attractive, too.

The M5 version was produced during the model's entire run of 1988-1995 with slight changes over time. In the US, it received a special 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine that produced a very healthy 311 horsepower. Combined with special tweaking and a 5-speed (and later 6-speed) manual transmission, it was a standout sport sedan of the era and can easily provide thrills today. It was somewhat undermined by the later 540i, but it's still the star of the two.

This one looks pitch-perfect in black over black. Note the later cosmetic details such as the "throwing star" wheels, which, while preferred by some, did not ventilate the brakes as well as the more conservative initial pieces (which I liked better anyways), and the teardrop side mirrors shared with the E36 M3 but really don't jive with the rest of the car's hard angles. Again, that's probably a minority opinion but worth noting nonetheless.

The seller says this car has 132k miles (normal and even desirable), no accidents and original paint. They say it will need new tires (predictable and no big deal) and the electric rear windows move slowly, a weak point on many older German cars, but certainly not a deal breaker.

With no accident history, this is certainly a nice find that seems to have also been mercifully left unmodified. The seller also says they are becoming hard to find - and that is a true statement. While the succeeding E38 generation M5 introduced a roaring V8 in the game, BMW's classic inline 6-cylinder philosophy makes this E34 truer to the soul of the brand while also marking the end of an era.

Available here on ebay for $16,995 or the Make Offer option.

1995 Volvo 850 T-5R

The blow of Volvo's big switch over to front-wheel drive was lessened when they introduced a high-performance version of their venerable 850 model called the T-5R.

For starters, the 850 is THE Volvo of the 90s. Conservatively styled, still boxy, reliable and somewhat sporty, it pleased many a soccer moms and dads in American suburbs. A bunch were sold, passed down to their kids, then driven into the ground. They aren't as revered as the 240, but they certainly carried out their duties just as stoically.

Sensing a need for speed though, Volvo partnered with Porsche to create the limited production T-5R. Only 5,500 were made, and this is one of just 185 that were cream yellow. It's a bright color but it fits the car's attitude. T-5R were also fitted with Pirelli tires hugging 17 inch smoked alloys, front bumper lip, side skirts, rear spoiler, and polished aluminum door sills.

Inside, occupants were treated to a pumped up version of the ergonomic 850 interior, with graphite leather and alcantara seats and walnut wood grain accents.

Perhaps most importantly was what hid underneath the hood, a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline 5-cylinder engine that had psi boosted thanks to a special ECU resulting in a total of 243 horsepower and capable of launching from 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds. That's impressive stuff.

Even more impressive is this survivor, with a healthy 145k on the clock, 1 previous owner besides the current seller/dealer and and no accidents. The turbo engine needs extra care, so maintenance history is key, but knowing it has a pretty simple past with no known major crashes is great. This looks like a well-kept, stock example of a rare and special Volvo.

Available here on ebay for $9,495 and the Make Offer option.

1992 BMW 850i 6-Speed

The E31 8-Series is a classic in the making. It was an entirely new car at the time of its debut, quite unlike any other BMW that came before it, and it wasn't immediately followed up with a successor. It stood alone, isolated and practically unrivaled in the 1990s. In fact, the V12 6-speed iterations like this one, besides being extremely rare on an E31, are extremely unusual in any car except for a vintage Ferrari.

The styling by Klaus Kapitza working under Claus Luthe is nothing less than brilliant. It's the ultimate expression of 'the ultimate driving machine', encompassing the shark nose of their past with a bold look to the future. I particularly love the big rear lights that taper to the slim turn indicators up front, it's a cool flow. Laguna Green is a color that will no doubt be looked back upon the same way 70s pea green is - that stereotypical shade of an era, but it's certainly vibrant and looks okay in certain lightning.

The interior is one of BMW's best, and is a revelation today as their current design department throws nearly 50 years of functional, understated design out the window in favor of potpourri-esque over-design. The speedometer overlapping with the tach is a neat touch. Pixels sometimes fade in the digital readouts but it is fixable. Black or grey are preferred but the tan color scheme is fine. I would consider sourcing BMW's non-airbag three-spoke wheel in place of the bloated unit here, because if any BMW deserves that wheel it's this one.

For a while, buyers had just once engine choice in the E31: the M70B50 5.0-liter V12 that pumped out 295 horsepower to the rear wheels. Now that sounds decent on paper, but the problem is that it had to haul over 4,000 lbs. of vehicle, so it wasn't as quick as you'd think, and it was horribly fuel thirsty. On top of that, depending on which owner you asked, it was either an expensive engine to maintain, or an expensive nightmare of an engine to maintain. In 1993 it was supplemented by a V8, but even that had its own set of problems.

Still, if there's an E31 to own, the V12 mated to a 6-speed manual transmission is among the most desirable.

The key things to inquire about on all E31 are maintenance history and accident damage, both of which are pretty easy to find out about. The seller says this one has just 59k miles on the clock and is in excellent condition.

Only around 7,000 E31 ever made it to the US, and much less with the V12-6-speed combo. This one seems clean, but warrants further investigation.

Available here on craigslist for $24,950.

$975 1990 Eagle Premier

The Eagle Premier is a lost sedan that has flown totally underneath the collector radar. But it has a lot of important history tied to it.

Eagle was a brand by American Motors Corportaion. AMC lasted as one piece until the 80s. First, Renault gained controlling interest. Then, Chrysler bought it out altogether and dissolved it, although they kept the Eagle and Jeep brands.

The Premier, which was designed under AMC's partnership with Renault before they were bought out, is therefore notable for being the last American Motors car ever built.

They tried to go out on top, though. The Premier was supposed to herald the brand's focus on a new range of front-wheel drive family cars to fight Detroit and Japan's offerings.

It helped they got one of the greatest automotive stylists of all time (literally voted Car Designer of the Century by the Global Automotive Elections Foundation): Giorgetto Giugiaro. Using his trademark touch, he crated the definitive large sedan shape of the late 20th century: long hood, flat planes, minimal detail, a love for rectangular forms and a big greenhouse. It was not only handsome, but aerodynamic and efficient, with an impressive drag coefficient of just .31.

The interior is equally functional-mod with an array of buttons close to the steering wheel, clear gauges and simple layout.

One of the best things about spare exterior design is that it usually means a spacious interior, and the Premier is no exception. The comfy front and rear seats as well as the trunk are all huge.

Underneath the metal lay some sophisticated equipment, including fully independent suspension and a choice between either an AMC 4-cylinder or a Renault V6.

Unfortunately the car wasn't a success. Some blame a lack of faith and promotion on Chysler's part. Others point to the crowded field of competitors in which another sedan just didn't have a chance. Production ended in 1991, along with the Soviet Union and so many other things.

Seeing that so few were sold, even less remain. These aren't exactly things that people are preserving and restoring, either. You can bet a whole bunch were lost to Cash for Clunkers. This Premier is the kind of car that gets trashed and then scrapped.

This one claims only 75k miles and a bunch of new parts but a dead battery. The seller wants just $975 for it. Granted nothing else is wrong, a car battery is usually about $60-$100. Total investment to drive a piece of automotive history would be a little over a grand. Not bad.

Available here on craigslist.

1990 Dodge Caravan Turbo

I like the idea of a turbocharged Caravan. I mean, if you've got to haul a bunch of people and their stuff, why not have a little extra boost?

Dodge actually did offer a factory turbo on the Caravan very briefly from 1989-1990. It was a small 4-cylinder, but the effort was appreciated. This was during the Iacocca days, when the company was trying hard to keep up with the Japanese econobox invasion and did whatever they could to stand out, including adding a turbocharger to everything.

Turbocharging didn't matter much, but they struck gold in the form of something bigger: the first minivan. It was a great idea. There were certainly people-carriying vehicles before the Caravan. But they were big, bulky, uncool and fuel thirsty. Chrysler took the best virtues of a sedan and the best virtues of a truck and put them together to create something new. The Caravan was cleanly styled, small on the outside but big on the inside and had a couple decent engine choices. Families all across America embraced it quickly. The first Caravans from the 80s are like the first few Volkswagen Beetles: the birth of an icon.

The seller of this survivor also seems to have shown their appreciation for the Caravan's importance by enhancing the turbo. For one, the engine bay is very nicely detailed. They've also added a bunch of gauges to the interior that don't look half bad, as well as what looks like a ZEX nitrous boost kit. They say the engine has been bored 20 over with arp bolts and rods and it runs great.

This thing had about 150 horsepower when new, but it's probable got more now. The silver body is fitting of the speed demon theme here, and the aftermarket wheels are perfectly appropriate. It looks like they've pulled the stock grille, so I'd probably want to fill that in with a black or body-colored aftermarket piece and also try to clean or replace the headlamps.

The car is a little dirty and could be hiding some rust, so we're hoping it's clean, because this would be one fun ride. The ultimate sleeper?

Available here on craigslist where the seller is accepting offers.

59k-Mile 1991 Peugeot 405 Mi16

The 405 was not only the last Peugeot to be sold in the US, but the last French car as well. It's lack of success here must have come as a surprise to the company, because in Europe it was a hit with the press and consumers alike, winning a bunch of new car awards and selling millions of units. Just chalk it up to one of many differences between the two continents, I guess.

French cars did have a poor reputation this side of the Atlantic, but the 405 was intended to rectify that. It supplanted the smaller and less modern 305 in 1987 with an all-new body and range of engines. However it was only offered as a sedan with just three engines choices in the US from 1988-1991.

The styling was credited to famed design house Pininfarina and, if you love 80s Eurobox sedans as much as I do, you just 'get' the appeal: big greenhouse, clean flat planes, black plastic anti-dent trim all the way around, and a rear awash in red plastic. It's approachable, it's simple, and at this point it's classic. What's that saying about good design? That it is invisible? I wholeheartedly agree, and this car is an example of how subtle design is an art.

Inside, occupants are treated to a simple, functional layout, with clear gauges, manual climate controls and big cushy leather sport seats. Kind of reminds me of the third generation Jetta, and that's a compliment.

Now, the 405 was already a pleasant, capable front-wheel drive cruiser. But what makes this low-mileage survivor even more interesting is the Mi16 trim (VIN# VF3DB1332MS518585) which means that there is a 1.9-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder fuel-injected all-alloy engine under the hood, capable of producing 150 horsepower. Suddenly, an otherwise polite but sedate sedan with a modest curb weight of around 2,700 pounds was faster than Peugeot's own V6 engine.

There weren't many made, less were sold and very few survive. Practically none are in this remarkable condition. The dark green and black interior is a great combo, and the original 15" alloys are present. The chrome paneling below the belt line isn't preferred, but may have been an original factory option. The seller is a dealer who say the car has had just one previous owner and the 59k-miles are accurate. Things certainly look like that low of a mileage. Check for rust and maintenance history.

This is a rare edition of a historically important car. As of this year, there still hasn't been a French car here since the 405. The seller is asking a hefty $14.9k for car, about $9k more than the highest estimates I've read for a 406 Mi16, but they also have the Make Offer option. How do you put a price on this? Regardless, let's hope it ends up in an equally caring next home.

Available here on ebay.

1995 Mazda MX-6

Mazda has had it tough over the years trying to stand out from Honda and Toyota. Fortunately, they tried really hard in the 90s, with a bunch of cars that were interestingly styled and offered decent driving experiences.

The MX-6 name was used for just a decade on two different generations. This is the much more streamlined 2nd generation.

The design is classic 90s rising sun: smooth, simple planes, rounded corners, blobular lights, organic shapes everywhere. It's shockingly stood the test of time, especially when compared to today's cars, which are both organic and over styled (although Mazda is currently finding a good design language). I also have a hunch it's got a pretty low drag coefficient.

The same goes with the interior. Sure, it's awash in tan and black plastics, but it's pretty sporty and no-nonsense at the same time.

Perhaps the best part of this car is that it's about the size of a Civic from the same era but comes packed with much more power in the form of a V6. Coupled with the stick shift, this is a fun little package. It also seems to be pretty well-equipped with fog lamps, alloy whees and a rear spoiler. All nice touches, and thankfully spared from aftermarket modifying.

This would make a perfect everyday commuter for a young or single person as long as it can be had for under $5k.

Available here on ebay.

58k-Mile 1993 Audi 90 CS

Remember Audi cars before they were cool? For a while they were still in the shadow of Volkswagen. In the 80s, sales in the US plummeted after 60 Minutes fabricated a report about unintended acceleration. 1990-91 was their all-time low.

Audi spent the rest of the 90s were making a slow but steady comeback. Part of that was accomplished with the 80/90 model. The "90" was an upmarket version of the 80, which was released in the mid 1980s. The B4 generation for sale here debuted in 1991.

The styling is a revelation in today's sea of bulbous, over-styled designs. Lines are straight, shapes gently squared off,  and planes are long, flat, smooth and simple. The greenhouse glass is enormous thanks to thin pillars and allowing for terrific 360 degree visibility. US versions have slightly longer bumpers.

Inside offers a peak into equally old-school but still fresh interior design. Audi have nailed interiors for a long time and the 90 is no exception. Materials are high grade, gauges are clear, easy to read and within reach, and a spattering of wood accents here and there.

Part of what helped Audi stand apart from BMW and Mercedes was their patented Quattro system of all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, this is just a front-wheel drive version. I always thought non-Quattro cars were a bit of joke, because without the unique system you're basically getting a fancy front-wheel drive car along the lines of a Volvo or Saab.

To make up for matters this one is equipped with a 174 horsepower V6, so that highway onramps and passing traffic won't be too difficult.

I've seen this seller before, they're out of New York and have a knack for finding unusually low mileage European cars of the 80s and 90s. This is another odd find. It's not particularly remarkable or fast car, but the mileage is low and condition really clean. I'd prefer it over a Camry, Accord or Volvo of the same era, though.

This one is low-mileage enough that if it's driven pretty carefully it could last for a while, but keep an eye out for rust and electrical gremlins. Also, Volkswagen/Audi automatic transmissions have terrible reputations. A 5-speed swap down the line may make things significantly cooler.

Available here for $4,400.

67k-Mile 1993 Honda Del Sol SI

The Del Sol was almost a stroke of genius by Honda in their glory days of the early 90s. Hot off the heels of breaking through the US market in the 80s, their strategy for the next decade was to expand the lineup and take on Toyota. For a while, it seemed possible.

In 1992 they debuted the Del Sol, just in time for a Gen-Xer's job promotion or a Baby Boomer's midlife crisis. The styling is pretty clever in that it recalls the mid-engine cars of the 70s or early 80s like the Fiat X1/9, but was in fact just another front-wheel four banger. What made it different than their other cars of the time was a removable targa top. This filled in a gap of customers pining for a Civic-like driving experience but with open-air fun.

Honda wrapped that concept in what turned out to be a body that has aged surprisingly well, even in the exotic colors they offered. The whole thing is classic 90s rising sun, all smooth yet taut planes, bubbly shaped lights and hidden-lug alloys. I particularly like the rear taillights, reminiscent of the BMW Z1.

Inside is equally successful with spartan plastic that is simple, clear and functional. For a touch of excitement, they seem to have color-matched the seats and floor with the exterior.

Purists will scoff at this one's automatic transmission, but to make up for it is the SI trim, which included a 1.6-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder VTEC engine, power side mirrors, cruise control, rear disc brakes, anti-sway bars and wider tires. Frankly, if you're going to track down a Del Sol, you really might as well only get the SI.

Mechanically, the seller says its been serviced by Honda and runs well. Cosmetically they say it has normal dings and dents but thankfully no rust.

Targa tops were never really in fashion and are rarely offered on any cars anymore, although that could change with Porsche's hi-tech new reworking of the whole thing. Regardless, this can easily be a fun daily driver. Honda stopped making the Del Sol in 1998 and haven't made anything like it since.

Available here on ebay for $7,995 and the Make Offer option.

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.