1964 & '65 Isuzu Bellel Diesels

These two rare Isuzu are being offered for sale together. One is a complete running car and the other is more for parts but is also running.

The Bellel was Isuzu's first independent design and was produced from 1961-1966. Only 37,206 examples were made, and doubtless just a fraction have survived to today.

Styling is neat and compact, and it's especially great to see the pre-facelift '64 model with the quirky triangular taillights that were later erased. Even better is that it's the running one.

Isuzu offered the Bellel with either gasoline or diesel engines. Interestingly, these are both the diesel variants. While known for being unrefined, it makes them even more charming and purposeful, and not surprisingly they were popular as taxicabs.

The diesel engine was a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. All engines were mated to 4-speed manual transmissions with the shifter mounted on the steering column. The engine powered the rear two wheels.

Given how rare these are in the U.S., especially left-hand drive versions, we say restore both.

Available here on ebay in Oracle, Arizona with bidding at $1,125 and reserve not met.

Threatened Species: 1976 Volkswagen Scirocco

Hagerty Classic Car Insurance released this fascinating but alarming list of cars once built in great numbers that they now insure very few of.

One of them is the first generation or Mark I Scirocco produced from 1974-1982. Hagerty says they insure fewer than 25 of them.

Well, I found one. This gives new meaning to the term 'survivor'.

The Scirocco was a front-engine, front-wheel drive two-door hatchback with four-cylinder engines.

Perhaps the most notable feature was the lovely styling by Giugiaro from his heyday. It's typically well done, perfect proportions and still cool and fresh looking now. I especially love the quad round headlights which contrast nicely with the angular shape.

The seller says this surviving example has a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine, 82k miles, and a 4-speed manual transmission. The later teardrop wheels look good and although the seller says they are keeping them, they say they have the original alloys. Mechanically,  the seller says the radiator is missing and the car does not currently run.

Cosmetically, the seller says there is no serious structural rust but there is rot in a few places. Inside, they say the interior is complete and original, but the seats are torn. Still, it's great to see those rare Euro-style plaid seats still with the car.

Unfortunately, the seller says they don't have a title. They say the Pennsylvania DOT lost the title during the last transfer of ownership, but the seller says they have the last registered owner's info. Honestly, if the seller doesn't have a title in their name and never registered the vehicle, they have no authority to sell it unless I'm mistaken. They say they are unsure of what to do, but I can say you'll definitely need a title if you want to ever have this legally on the road again.

This car doesn't run, has rot and no paperwork, which are usually things to avoid, but for the right price (as in under $1k) it could be a good start for a restoration. They aren't many left, after all.

Available here on ebay in Emmaus, Pennsylvania with 7 bids at $256.

No Reserve 1974 Lamborgini Urraco P300 Project

Well here's a frustrating listing. The seller has neglected to include ONE photo that captures the entire vehicle, and no photos that completely show the front or rear. Which in turn makes my life difficult (just kidding).

Lamborghini had all sorts of cars in the 1960s and 70s I forget about, until someone posts a broken down one on ebay for the world to see.

Just 791 Urraco were made from 1973-1979. It wears styling by exoticar maestro Marcello Gandini of Bertone, and looks pretty cool. Italian supercars wore the most cutting edge bodies out there (and they still do, to an extent). At the height of the wedge shape's popularity, Gandini cuts another classic profile, with a relatively short and sloped front, hidden headlights, and heavily louvered rear that hides a rear mid-mounted engine powering the rear-wheels.

This example is the coveted P300, featuring the largest and most powerful V8 engine producing a respectable 247 horsepower.

The seller of this example seems pretty honest about the car's current state. They say they purchased it at an auction, have no history on the car and were ready to fix it up before becoming involved in another project (or scared to death of this one). They say it's a non-running car that needs work from end to end. They say it's missing some parts "here and there". Frankly, when dealing with a rare and old Italian car, any missing part is a big deal. From the photos alone I can see the bumpers were removed. The seller does say some boxes of parts come with the car.

To make matters worse, the car has no title. The seller explains that Connecticut doesn't issue titles for cars older than a certain year.

Honestly, when I see project cars like these, I think they're really only best for classic car dealers to pick up at a fair price, restore, and then flip. Who in this day and age has time and money for all of this? Bless you if you do, though.

Find it here on ebay in Suffield, Connecticut with no reserve bidding at $11,100.