1984 Porsche 911 Targa

This metallic dark green 911 with gold BBS rims immediately caught my eye. It's a rare - and handsome - combination. The seller claims it's original "moss green" paint with no accidents or paint work.

The Porsche bubble continues, the way Ferrari went 30 years ago, and with no signs of slowing down. The logic is as follows: your old air-cooled Porsche 911 will rapidly appreciate in value every year, with extra bonus on top if it's been well kept and in original condition.

Of all the 911, I do like the 80's versions. Despite the clunky rear bumper guards, these cars were solid, fast, and have aged well. The iconic 911 shape is HERE. These cars are also crazy SMALL - they are a micro-car compared to the average size of today's vehicles.

The targa is the least-loved 911 variant, because it's not the superior coupe and it's not the total top-down convertible either. Fortunately, with the rigid middle beam bar and cool single-piece wraparound rear window, it does what a Targa should do: give you a lot more open air and visibility than a sunroof coupe, and yet more structure and safety than a convertible.

If this one is as original as the seller claims, it could very well be worth the nearly $43k asking price. Hey, at least they're not asking $50k...or $60k...or $70k...

You know someone selling a Porsche has already won if you start thinking that way ;)

Available on craigslist here

Original Owner 1979 BMW 733i Project

This E23 has a nice summery feel about it, with the light blue paint and general feeling of these cars kind of like being on permanent vacation.

The other thing about the E23 is that it was replaced by a totally different car - the larger an heavier E32. This makes the E23 more interesting for collectors because it represents distinctly old-school design and engineering that was really never quite replicated.

Make no mistake though, these are cushy still people-carrying saloons. We had an exclusive on one a couple years ago that I got to inspect in person. My first impression was being surprised at how small they are. The current 3-series is now the size of this 7-series. And even then, this thing wears tight, clean, minimal sheet metal that maximizes interior space. German cars always photograph larger than they actually are, so this really classifies as a small or mid-size car today.

What makes this example really interesting is that it's being offered by the original owner who purchased it new in 1979 from Helmut BMW in Connecticut and have kept it in pretty good shape all these years. Cosmetically, they say it still wears the original paint and nifty blue leather interior. They do note one small area of rust but speculate it shouldn't be difficult to fix and say they don't see any other problem areas.

Underneath the hood is BMW's venerable straight-six. It will provide a healthy dosage of power, boosted by the 4-speed manual transmission on this one. The seller has provided a very detailed account of everything they have done and yet to do. They say it will need new struts and an injector. These aren't deal breakers and when addressed will make for a very sweet vintage ride in unusual original condition.

Available here on craigslist for $3,500.

1978 Porsche 911 SC

Prices of air-cooled Porsche 911 are going through the roof, with old racing and Turbo versions hitting six figures. Eventually all models will follow suit. This means that long time collectors can cash out, and new people wanting to get in can't anymore.

One of the last moderately affordable air-cooled 911 is the SC that was produced from 1978-1983. It served as the base model, but had a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that produced 180 horsepower, Bosch fuel injection and a 5-speed 915 transmission.

This one looks great in silver over black with ATS cookie cutter wheels. The seller says it is a documented one-owner car, with 70% original paint, original interior and 106k miles. They say they have receipts since new, and say it was just serviced and runs good.

I think the Porsche market is ridiculous, but I'm glad I found this base model "bargain" for my readers before it appreciates out of reach for most. Check for rust and accidents, but it otherwise looks like an honest, decent daily driver that can be restored later in life during retirement or something.

Available here on craigslist for $28,500.

1962 Auto Union 1000S

The oldest second hand Audi cars you usually see are from the 90s. This one, however, goes way back to the beginning.

Auto Union was formed before WWII. In the 1930s it acquired Audi-Werke AG. In the later post-war years, Auto Union made mainstream cars similar to Volkswagen. They were  ahead of the curve, utilizing the front-engine, front-wheel drive layout that Volkswagen would switch over to in the 70s and is all but ubiquitous today.

It made sense then that Auto Union later merged with NSU, who were also pioneering front-wheel drive, in 1969. Audi was re-launched as a separate brand and the name returned to use.

The compact 1000 debuted in 1958 and was available in either two or four doors, sedan or wagon. The styling is mighty charming, with chrome accents, covered rear wheels and contrasting white roof.

Underneath the hood was a tiny two-stroke three-cylinder engine able to deliver just 50 horsepower. A column-mounted 4-speed manual shifter controlled power.

The seller says they acquired this from someone who acquired it from the original owner in the 90s, and although it was running before it was stored, it does not turn over anymore. They speculate it could have been sitting for as long as 30 years.

They say there is no serious rust besides what is visible on the exterior surface, and the chrome and glass are in generally good shape. I assume the original color was the splendid mustard yellow seen in the interior. While the exterior should absolutely be brought back to condition, it'd be cool to leave as much of the interior alone as possible.

Someone with the right knowledge should try to get it running and minimally restore it cosmetically. I'm sure parts are hard to find, but with a little over 6,000 made and presumably much less still around, let alone even fewer in the US, this one deserves special attention.

Available here on ebay.

1980 Trabant 601

Ah, the fall of the Iron Curtain. The End of the Cold War. The opening of free trade...ah..wait, what is this thing? Oh man they drove this over there? Quick, close the curtain! Re-build the wall! Bring back the Cold War!

All kidding aside, former Soviet satellite state cars are starting to see the light of Western day and bring their own set of charms.

As the seller correctly notes, the Trabant 601 was basically to the East Germans what the Volkwagen Beetle was for West Germans: that everyday people's car. It's not beautiful (though one could stretch for cute), it's not fast, it's probably not terribly comfortable, but it got people from point A to B. And in the communist German Democratic Republic, that was all cars were expected to do. It was produced from 1963-1990, resulting in over 2 million units sold.

The interior is a mind blowing exercise in frugality, which the dash housing only the most vital gauges and the steering wheel looking like it came off a metal playground set.

Despite the aesthetic austerity, the 601 actually hid some nice innovations for the time, eschewing the 'decadent' West's rear-engine fever in favor of the front-engine, front-wheel drive setup that is ubiquitous today. It also had froth and rear independent suspension.

The engine itself is an extremely small two-stroke, two-cylinder unit that probably gets great gas mileage.

The seller says this one is solid and runs and drives great, with the original drivetrain and some imperfections in the paint. They also have a Maryland title.

Available here on ebay with a Buy It Now of $3,995.

1975 BMW 2002 Automatic

This is just about the worst version of the 2002 you can buy. It's a base model, base engine US-spec with the huge bumpers and automatic transmission to sap the already small engine.

That said, it could also make for a great jumping point into a nice 2002 build. I'm usually all for originality, but when originality means US DOT mandated bumpers, needless side markers and engine-strangling emissions equipment, modifying is a very attractive alternative.

The thing about the 2002 is that you know it can do so much better. Introduced in 1968 as part of the Neu Klasse cars that revolutionized the company and brought it widespread acclaim from the press and sales from consumers. Intended as a smaller, less expensive alternative to the sedans, the 2002 made good impressions with its relatively light weight, good handling and affordable price. In 1973 a Turbo version was launched, the first production turbocharged car in Europe.

It helped the styling was so good that it is now a certifiable classic. It wears the high-wasited bathtub shape that was popular on cars in the 50s, 60s and 70s after designers saw the first generation Corvair. and later NSU 110. The Europeans further tweaked and refined this charming, unpretentious shape.

The interior is also classic early BMW, with an all-black dash, clear, simple gauges and an oversized steering wheel. The seller says the interior is good and it looks mostly disaster free in the photos.

Underneath the hood is a small inline 4-cylinder that makes around 85 horsepower. The seller says its "great running". This can easily be given more life with some simple, common sense upgrades. A manual transmission swap is a must, and the seller even says the sale of this car comes with a spare parts donor car.

The exterior color and interior are fine for the meantime on this, but it's begging for a stick shift, weber carbs and euro bumpers.

Available here on craigslist for $5,800.

$6k 1989 Porsche 928

The 928 is the unloved child in Porsche history. It was conceived under great turmoil in the 70s. Volkswagen/Porsche assumed European governments were on the way to banning rear engines entirely. They also felt they had perfected the air-cooled 4- and 6-cylinder engine. Volkswagen unveiled the front-engine, front-wheel drive Golf and Scirocco as their solutions. Porsche turned to development of a new front-engine, rear-wheel drive flagship car.

The resulting 928 which debuted at Geneva in 1977 was so impressive that it later won European Car of the Year. The body was a combination of galvanized steel and aluminum. It was styled brilliantly, looking every bit Porsche but more grown up, and roomier, too. I particularly love the rear, which looks like an upscale AMC Gremlin, and I mean that in the best way possible. It's still bold and futuristic looking today.

Underneath the hood was originally a 4.5-liter water-cooled V8 good for about 219 horsepower in US versions. A transaxle helped balanced weight to 50/50 front/rear, ensuring the 928 handled just as well, if not better, as a 911. In 1987, a refreshed front nose and rear taillights made the car slightly longer but smoother looking. A new, larger 32-valve V8 was also added, boosting horses to 288. The earlier engines are said to provide adequate performance but easier to maintain, while the later engine are known to be difficult and expensive. Both are gas guzzlers. That said, the 928's real strength is as a Grand Tourer, eating up long stretches of highway like nothing. I've heard the build quality and ride is Mercedes-Benz-like, too (the four-speed automatics were from MB) which can't be said of the rougher 911 from the same era.

The seller is scant on details but says it has 130k miles and is 'super clean and super fast'. The high mileage is a good indicator, meaning it should be through with most of its major tests. You can't go wrong with the black/black color combo, and the seats look mercifully spared of the usual rips and tears. The exterior also looks good from what the photos show. But the most important question on an any old Porsche is maintenance. Records are really a must. The next pressing thing is accident history. Along with Corvettes these things are often driven irresponsibly and wrecked. Accident damage is a big turn off for me unless the car is heavily discounted. Cars are usually never the same after they are wrecked. The last big thing is rust, although the 928's steel body has held up surprisingly well, the doors and hood are aluminum and sometimes have rust around them.

If it all checks out, you have my sincere envy.

Available here on craigslist for $6k or 'just make me an offer'.

Restored 1980 Volkswagen Scirocco

The first generation Scirocco was a touchy car, treading on holy ground by replacing the beloved rear-engine Karmann Ghia. But Volkswagen had already made its mind up, anticipating legislation that would outlaw rear engines altogether as well as feeling the air-cooled 4-cylinder couldn't be perfected any further (Porsche went through a similar crossroads that resulted in development of the 928).

All of it was rather anticlimactic. The law wasn't passed, and consumers still pined for rear-engine cars. But it was too late. The rear-engine lineup was gone. Fortunately, Volkswagen tapped styling legend Giugiaro to craft great-looking new bodies. If it was going to be front-engine and front-wheel drive, at least it was going to look state-of-the-art. Such is the Scirocco, which is basically a sleeker, sexier Golf.

The first generation is particularly notable for its quad round headlights and spartan interior. Just this year, Hagerty Classic Car Insurance has rated the Mk I Scirocco as nearly extinct. I've seen them pop up here and there, but as they rust out, get driven into the ground, sold for scrap they are definitely harder and harder to come by each year.

Fortunately, this example has been given some love by the seller, who says they hate to sell but are moving. They've refreshed it cosmetically and mechanically, and says it now runs well and comes with a clean title.

If you have your heart set on the Scirocco but don't want one that requires work (as the few left usually do), this is an increasingly unique opportunity to acquire one that seems ready to go.

Available here on ebay with a Buy It Now of $3,750.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Euro

The W126 is one of those rare cars that was better than both its predecessor and successors, crystalizing it in time as a pinnacle of achievement. It debuted in 1979 and was more aerodynamic, efficient, spacious and faster than the outgoing W116.

The brilliant styling was courtesy of genius Bruno Sacco and was the first all-new design to emerge after his ascension to head of styling at Daimler-Benz in 1975. He took everything that was good about the W116 and made it better. This standard wheelbase SE trim means slightly better handling and lower weight than the SEL long wheelbases.

Unfortunately, Sacco's new integrated bumper design had to be extended on US-bound models to comply with the DOT, but this Euro-spec example mercifully has the original pieces that transform the proportions and look of the car. It's a sight to behold for discerning eye, especially auto fans here so used to the other inferior bumpers we got.

Another cool feature of Euro-spec cars are their interiors, like this one with rare cloth seats that weren't an option in the US. I actually prefer leather, but these sure do look comfy. The rest is classic Mercedes-Benz, which means utter perfection: high-quality plastics, easy-to-read and operate controls and gauges, and a delightful oversized steering wheel.

Another thing we never got is what lies under the hood: the M110.989 version of a 2.8-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that produced a competent 185 horsepower. The 6-cylinder is a sweet spot for these, especially in short wheel base form. It's one of the best engines Mercedes ever put out, and will provide power, economy and reliability if routinely maintained.

The seller says it was imported when new, and has a federalized gauge cluster. It now has about 110k miles. They say it's in good shape, including the paint, except for a corner that was resprayed, but it's been garaged during their ownership. It certainly looks sharp, and could easily go for another 100K miles of comfortable, state-of-the-art cruising. It's a lot of car for the price.

Available here on craigslist for $3,800.

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.

Thawed Out 1973 Barkas B1000

Since the lifting of the Iron Curtain and presumptive end of the Cold War, a bunch of Soviet satellite state cars we might not have seen otherwise are slowly making their way to US shores. One such surprise appearances is this East German Barkas van apparently sitting for sale in Arizona at the moment.

Comparisons to Volkswagen's Type 2 may seem inevitable - they're both vans made in Germany - but the similarities stop there. Besides being divided by a literal and figurative wall of concrete and ideology, the Barkas, with its curvy body, semi-covered rear wheels, front engine and front wheel drive, was slightly more ahead of the times than the Type 2.

The cabin-over design probably inspired much later efforts by Toyota, and still looks good today, even if the earth tone paint scheme is decidedly seventies. The seller says there is some light rust and dents but the body is in otherwise great shape.

With the engine pushed to the front, the rest of the vehicle could be devoted to a high loading capacity and ingress and egress were made convenient as well. This, of course, had sinister implications in a police state like the GDR where citizens were supposedly snatched from the street and thrown in vans like this.

Engine power came from a tiny three-cylinder, two stroke engine, but it's mechanically uncomplicated and mostly reliable. Sourcing parts might be tricky, however. The seller says it's a running driving car and lists the mileage as 40k.

The interior is predictably spartan and the seats look damaged.

The seller says it was imported a couple years ago and has import papers and a vehicle registration but they don't mention a title. Examine the extent of the rust and make sure the documentation is all sorted first. 

Over 175k were produced until 1991, but it's a rarity over here. In the mostly free world of today, this car can now function as either an innocent daily driver or powerful historical reminder. 

Available here on ebay.

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.

1985 BMW 323i Euro V8 Swap Project

Ah the E30. Perhaps the definitive new classic BMW. It's modern enough to still hold it's own among todays cars, but wears sheet metal and features design touches that are nowhere to be found anymore.

The 318i was a poker. But the 325i was a peppy little thing. This here, however, blows both out of the  water with a V8 pulled from a '94 E34.

Ok, for starters the seller has a Euro-spec 323i. The 323 was never offered here and without US emissions was slightly more engaging than our 325. It also wears sleek mini-chrome bumpers that we never got, although we did get the universal short plastic bumpers that came in '89. These are more auto-classico looking, though. The french yellow high beams finish things (although it was later scientifically proven yellow light does not improve vision in fog).

It's obviously in rough shape. There's body damage, the paint is poor and the interior is a mess. But the black sport seats and M steering wheel are pluses.

The seller says the body is rust free and the V8 engine and and trans worked good in the E34 they came from. However, there are a bunch of mechanical things left to do, and then the thing needs a thorough cleaning at at least a repaint.

I rarely post project cars due to their unfeasibility but this seems so uncomfortably in transition that somebody with a garage, time and money should finish it themselves, re-name it a 330i and drive the hell out of it (not to mention confuse the local bimmerheads).

Available here on craigslist for $4,500.