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.

1989 Maserati 430

Maserati have always been a source of automotive pride in their home country of Italy, but they had a tough time in the 80s, especially in the US market. Gone was their riveting, exclusive lineup of fast sports cars from the 60s and 70s. Instead, their only cars were the huge Quattroporte sedan and Biturbo coupes and convertibles, the latter of which has a legacy reduced to a punchline on auto blogs.

There was one other alternative however: the 430, which was essentially a Biturbo with a lengthened chassis and 4-doors.

Despite looking exactly like the Biturbo, it only shares a front end, and everything past it is unique. Neither are a bad thing at all. Maserati from the 60s had always pioneered the angular wedge shape of Marcello Gandini and the 430 continues that trend, but with an 80s twist. I think it's aged just fine, and the sedan actually looks better than the Biturbo coupes and convertibles, which look too short. The length and two additional doors help balance and flesh out the shark-like snout. Things get E30 and W201-ish in the back, which again is a good thing.

Given that the Quattroporte was older and larger, the 430 was a great alternative. Inside is a classic Italian interior, with an array of exotic materials and surfaces, like the suede dashboard, wood accents and gold clock. It's gauche compared to German interiors but more modern than British ones.

The real surprise though is underneath the hood, which houses a 2790 cc turbocharged V6 OHC engine good for a whopping 225 horsepower. The only other comparable European sedans at the time would have been the 231-horspower Mercedes W126 500 and the Audi V8.

The seller says $10k has been invested into this example, including an rebuilt engine and turbochargers, which is good news for everyone except the person who spent $10k. The seller says it is nearly complete and has been driven sparingly since.

The Bitrubo cars have poor reputations, but time usually heals all wounds, right? Today, with depreciation fully set in, this thing represents a bargain sleeper. Given the nature of the engine and availability of parts however, I would recommend purchase only to people who fix their own cars or know an specialist in Italian cars.

Available here on craigslist for $4,900.

1969 Lancia Fulvia Berlina GTE

The Fulvia nameplate was used by Lancia for a sedan and two different coupes from the 60s until the late 70s. I'm not into the coupes. But the sedans set my fire. It's just like an Alfa sedan, except slightly more obscure. You can instantly picture them hustling a bunch of polizia to bust a Red Brigade meeting.

The styling is fantastic. It's got all the right 60s Euro sedan touches: high waistline, huge greenhouse, three-box shape, tiny taillights and tasteful slivers of chrome.

Inside is equally delightful, with a black scheme contrasting nicely with the refrigerator white exterior and looking surprisingly clean and tidy.

The Berlina GTE came along in '68 with an upgraded V4 engine, new brakes and a brake servo. Power and handling will be adequate by today's standard but feel sprightly with the stick shift, low eight and small dimensions.

The seller says this one came over in '05 and are offering another as well, but the paperwork is different. They do say its sorted and just needs a driver. They also think it's one of just a handful in the US. I've certainly never seen one for sale before.

Available here on ebay for $18,500 or the Make Offer option.

1988 Sterling 825 SL

The Sterling was one of the more bizarre automotive marriages in history: the British company Rover and none other than Honda of Japan.

On paper, it seemed like a great idea. The tasteful styling flair of British design with the efficiency and driver-oriented dynamics of Honda engineering. But perhaps the first sign of trouble was the name. Rover had so little success in North America that they decided to name this car the Sterling, so as to appear as an entirely new brand when it was in fact not.

Despite the international heritage, it wasn't enough of either, or perhaps too much of both. The exterior design was decidedly bland but passable, but the interior build quality was poor. Electrical problems arose. The body rusted (in typical British car fashion).

Since the engine was the same as in some Acuras, which were better looking and way better built, the Sterling was pointless. Sales plummeted, and even when some problems were rectified, it was too late. Besides, the late 80s Eurobox market was already flooded with vastly superior options.

All that said, they make dainty little second hand cars. Usually all the bugs have been worked out by now, the interior seats are super cozy and the Honda engine means reliability and cheap parts.

Available here on ebay.

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.

Award-winning 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Hardtop Sedan

The Corvair is one of the greatest American cars ever made. Historically, Europe has always led the way in auto innovation and especially aesthetics. Volkswagen burst onto the post-war scene with their iconic lineup of air-cooled rear-engine cars. Sensing the inevitability of that engine layout, General Motors conceived of the Corvair to stave off competition. What it lacked in mechanical originality it made up in bounds with styling and performance.

The Corvairs are divided between two generations. The first one was brilliant. The bathtub styling was so well done it finally influenced European designers for a change - famously inspiring Claus Luthe and his NSU Prinz 4. This is a second generation up for sale. The second generation was arguably even better looking. I prefer it over its predecessor. It's slightly more modern, but still retains cues from the first generation. It was one of the best looking cars of its time and still looks terrific today.

A range of body styles were offered, but most sold were the two door hardtops and convertibles. This is the lesser seen hardtop sedan however, which was dropped from the lineup in 1967, making it available for just two years in the second generation body style and therefore rather rare. The pillar-less body is elegant, liberating and beautiful. This one looks particularly good in dark blue over tan. The rear luggage rack seems a period option and works perfectly with the people-carrying setup.

Underneath the rear (how nice it is to say that for a change) is a flat-6-cylinder engine. GM mercifully understood the cars would have been grossly underpowered with just 4-cylinders. Even with 6 they weren't lighting the street on fire, but this one is fortunately a 110-horsepower optioned car, not shabby for the time and just adequate for modern traffic.

The seller says it runs and drives excellent, is original, has no rot and has accrued just 40k miles over its lifetime. It certainly looks terrific in the photos. They also say it was won awards presumably for its good condition.

This seems like an honest, proud and well-kept example of a car from an all-too brief high point in American auto history.

Available here on craigslist for $9,500.

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde 3.0

The Milano is one of the great lost rear-wheel drive sedans, able to compete with the best from Mercedes-Benz and BMW at the time. Unfortunately, it wasn't nearly as popular and very few remain, at least here in the states. What do remain are usually rusted out basket cases. Fortunately, COTC has come across this remarkable survivor for your inspection.

Otherwise known as the '75' outside of North America, it debuted in 1985 with a bold new body by Ermanno Cressoni. The shape is a masterpiece of modernity: all hard angles, sharp creases and stark planes. The only round shapes are the wheels, logo emblems and the gas cap. I particularly like the rhombus headlights, which give it a moody, downbeat face.

The rear ends with a high, short boot - something automakers are only recently bringing back, but it's important to note the Milano/75 helped establish the trend. These look good in any color, but black is especially handsome, taking nothing away and giving it even stealthier vibes. The alloys seem to have come from the 164, and suit this just fine.

Inside is just as mod, with the center console basically a stack of rectangular boxes. Some people hate this kind of design. I absolutely love it. I like machines to look like machines, not potpourri. Lack of airbags complete the stark, bare-bones industrial look. The aftermarket steering wheel is ok, but I'd source a genuine three-spoke Milano wheel.

Underneath the hood is perhaps the best part. There were only two engine sizes available in the US: a 2.5 and 3.0-liter V6. This is the larger V6, and it's mated to a stick shift as a bonus for performance fiends.

These cars were almost perfectly balanced from front to rear, accomplished using a transaxle with the gearbox in the rear connected to the rear differential and a torsion bar suspension up front and de Dion tubes with shock absorbers in the rear. The 3.0-liter also had a limited slip differential.

This particular survivor has a claimed 103k miles on the clock and a clean title. The seller lists a host of new parts, but doesn't mention how many owners, any accidents or, perhaps most important with a vintage Alfa, RUST. I'd check for all those things and giver 'er a healthy test drive. This is a very cool car and a wonderful alternative to an E30 or W124. Parts are hard to come by and these are not known for reliability, but if you're an Alfa fan you already know all that. This thing is all about cruising with that sweet Italian engine note.

Available here on craigslist for $4,500.

1990 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel

Volkswagen's diesels are legendary. They aren't fast. They aren't revolutionary. But they're relatively simple and extremely reliable and efficient. These were common in third world taxi fleets and went for half a million miles before a rebuild.

Today, Volkswagen's diesels are a mixed blessing. They have more power, but the price premium over gasoline variants almost eliminates any savings gained fuel efficiency, and I heard quality and reliability was a concern, for a while not to mention the notorious high cost of VW parts.

That makes their diesel engines of the 70s and 80s extra appealing, which is why my fingertips tingled at finding this example.

The second generation Jetta lasted from 1984-1992. It's a classic three-box shape, all sharp angles and hard corners. In fact, the only circular shapes are the wheels. Many people hated it, but just as many are looking back fondly as car design gets uglier and poorer each passing year.

Underneath the hood is a small 1.6 liter 4-cylinder diesel. There was a turbocharger fitted on one engine, but the seller is unclear if it's turbo (in fact, I don't see any diesel nomenclature on the car itself, puzzlingly). Knowing my luck, it's a non-turbo. The turbo adds a nice little boost. But either way, these are slow cars. Getting on the highway is a feat. Passing traffic is out of the question. Thankfully it's a 5-speed.

Another high point is handling. FWD setup aside, these are tight, taut little cars that are lightweight enough to feel nimble. Clutch feel is also said to be nice.

The seller claims the miles are low, but don't elaborate on the exact figure. They do say it's a 1-owner that was well-services and runs and looks new.

Sine the price is right, this is a nifty car that could last for a long time. It could also be ripe for bio-fuel conversion.

Available here on craigslist for $2,950.

56k-Mile 1970 Fiat 128 Euro

The seller of this rare Fiat says they personally imported it from the original owner in Europe and still have the registration papers from there.

Fiat launched the 128  in 1969 as their standard issue compact car. Production continued until 1985 after over 3 million units were made. Foreign markets continued making the car until 2001.

This car marked a new era of front-wheel drive from Fiat, good for the company's bottom line, bad for driving enthusiasts. Fortunately what the 128 does do, it does well. The engine is transversely mounted and unequal drive shaft lengths allowed Fiat to place the engine and gearbox side by side, now an industry standard in compact cars.

The sheet metal is also innovative, squeezing in a hood, four doors and a trunk in a tiny shape that's also quite charming. The flat mustard yellow is period but works.

This example is not entirely original but is most likely in better condition than it was before. The seller says the car had rust and was stripped down, treated and re-painted in the original color. Inside, they replaced the door panels, headliner and carpets. Underneath the hood the seller replaced the timing belt and gave it a tuneup. They say it has less thank 96,000 kilometers which is about 56k miles.

The 128 is one of those cars where a ton were made, then simultaneously wiped out through use and rust. Finding a relatively low mileage and refreshed version like this is difficult, especially in the US.

Available here on ebay in Sanford, Florida with bidding at $6,200 and reserve not met.

77k-Mile 1991 Toyota Cressida

The Cressida was Toyota's flagship sedan until Lexus took over that duty. Toyota offered four generations between 1976 and 1993. This is the final "X80" generation that debuted in 1988.

These are notable for their slender Camry-like proportions, 6-cylinder power and rear-wheel drive, rare on a Toyota today. With cars like the Cressida, the Japanese offered something the Americans and Germans didn't: luxury and comfort that was affordable and built well. It was this advantage that left a distinctly positive impression on consumers' minds.

The Cressida's body is classic late 80s Japan, heavily influenced by (and influential on) the Lexus LS400 which was developed alongside and launched shortly after. It smooths out the hard edges that were dominant at the start of the decade, but still has a carefully restrained and minimalist look that was lost by the late 90s. Note the slim pillars for maximum visibility in and out. We also love the crisp alloy wheels and factory body-colored mud flaps with rubber ends. The '91 facelift only enhanced matters.

Inside, occupants are treated to soft plastics and a driver-oriented dashboard. The pre-airbag steering wheel is funky and refreshing, and the cloth seats look cozy and keep things feeling simple and frugal. Passengers in the rear can enjoy their own headrests. Although we dock a couple points for those wacky automatic seat belts, the amazing array of buttons on the center console more than make up for it.

Underneath the hood is a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine good for a very healthy 190 horsepower, making sure this will be a smooth and strong cruiser on and off the highways. These Cressidas also shared a double-wishbone rear suspension with the Supra. 23 miles per gallon fuel economy was also decent.

Just 9,415 Cressida were sold in the U.S. in 1991. This particular example has just 77,132 miles on the clock and seems to have been extremely very well kept. The seller says it has had just one owner from new and no dents, damage, or rust. They say everything works, including the power antenna and it runs and drives fine.

Sleek looks, V6 power, rear-wheel drive, cheap parts and stellar reliability make this one desirable cruiser. The low miles and good shape are just icing on top. Never has the melding of comfort and practicality been so well executed.

Available here on ebay in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where an amazing 39 bids have put the price at $3,605 so far with 5 days still left.

9,821-Mile 1994 Mazda Protege

Did you miss out on the '94 Protege when new? Here's your second chance. This little puppy has just 9,821 original miles on the odometer. What on earth has the owner been doing with it all this time? One thing is for sure: not driving it.

There is a running joke here about ultra-low mileage second hand cars: they are always the blandest of cars. Why can't it be something rare and fantastic? But then, a low mileage Mustang Cobra or Porsche 356 wouldn't be much of a revelation, since they are already in museums and are always being built and restored. The beauty of finding a low mileage econobox is that literally there may be nothing else like it anywhere, as no one thinks twice about preserving them. So when examples like this pop up, take notice.

The Protege was otherwise known as the Familia in markets outside North America. It was Mazda's entry level car from 1963-2003. This is a sixth generation "BG" Protege, which were produced from 1989-1994. It basically treads Civic and Corolla territory quite well, nothing more or less, although the sheetmetal is extra tidy and slightly better looking. And although many Civic and Corolla were sold and remain on the roads, I can't remember the last time I've seen a BG Protege.

Look at the design. The frugality and economy on display is bold and fresh in an era like now when car design is bulbous, pompous, pretentious and over-the-top. This thing has Unpainted Plastic Bumpers. Sure, they are a little unrefined, but they deflect dirt, tar, rock chips and light impacts mighty well. And if they did hit something head on, you can bet they are easy and cheap to replace. How about that? When is the last time a car manufacturer was worried about ease and cost of cosmetic repairs? There is also no passenger side mirror. I kind of see the wisdom to that, given how it must improve aerodynamic flow on that side by what, a fraction? But it must be a pain parking and backing up, not to mention dangerous changing lanes. Small price. Then there are the simple, machine hole-poked steel wheels as opposed to the grossly oversized rims we get today. These little recessed wheels reduce weight and and are protected from curb rash by the tire rubber.

Inside, accommodations are just as sparse and simple, and the seller says it has the rare factory radio, clock and air conditioning delete option. Conveniences include just power steering and those interesting automatic seat-belts, which, on paper, seem like a great idea. I can't remember how many times I had to prod my parents to use their seat-belts when I was a child (ever the thoughtful child I was). This would have conceivably eradicated the need for me to do so.

Under the hood is a 1.8-liter 4-cyldiner engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission powering the front two wheels. Keeping under 50 miles per hour on a flat road you could easily see 30-40 miles per gallon in this.

The seller backs up their claims of the super low miles with a carfax report that shows just 1-owner and no accidents, which is really impressive. The condition in the photos also seems unreal. They say it starts, runs, drives, shifts and brakes like a 9k-mile car should. Given that these are reliable, this thing is ready for 200k miles, which, if the average person drives about 13k miles a year, would be 14 years of relatively simple and cheap transportation. Given that the car was built in 1994, that would mean a collective 32 years of on again off again use. That's pretty incredible.

Available here on ebay in Berlin, New Jersey with bidding at $2,776 and no reserve.

Techno Tokyo: 1987 Mazda 626 Sedan Turbo

There was once a time when the race to the best-selling family sedan was a wide open field. Any car could become what the Camry and Accord have become today (which, sadly, isn't saying much, with their bland styling, simplistic front-wheel drive, poor styling and high prices). Mazda's effort was their surprisingly bold 626.

The Mark 2 "GC" generation 626 was only sold from 1983-1987. U.S. versions received slightly longer bumpers but the design was mostly unchanged. Although they were front-wheel drive, Mazda refreshingly mixed things up by offering turbocharging, four-wheel steering and a range of body styles.

This particular example is a later '87 four door "GT". The rear has a "Turbo" badge and a shot of the engine shows the turbocharger. You just don't see these anymore. The Mark 2 626 is an example of a style I like to call "80s Mod". Although the Italians were masters of this design trend, the Japanese tapped into it briefly in the first half of the decade. Shapes are angular, lines are straight and clean and predictable, and yet there is something edgy and weird about it, like the off-center Mazda logo on the front-grille and the rare headlight washers. It's a conservative design yet can barely conceal a quirky spirit underneath.

Inside, things get even more interesting. The instrumentation is in a orange-mustard yellow color. There are buttons everywhere. The stereo offers a ton of modulation options. Next to the steering wheel there there is a small diagram of the profile of a car titled "Auto Adjusting Suspension" with the options of "sport" "manual" or "auto". Below that is an aftermarket-looking device that says "Ionizer". Air purifer?

Above the rear view mirror is this amazing miniature monitor with an aerial diagram of the car in cross hairs. What is this thing? Telescope? Alert center? Traffic radar? Target sighter?

The seller says the car was donated. Just who was the previous owner? A Japanese nuclear scientist? They say it's "fairly well equipped" (more like to the hilt), has a 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission and 204,934 miles. Cosmetically, they say the cloth seats are in good shape but need a conditioning. Outside, the paint is clearly fading and they say it has a few dings and dents. Mechanically, they say it is unfortunately not running due to an electrical problem.

This thing has loads of forgotten technology. Mazda was clearly appealing to pocket calculator-carrying tech-heads, and the previous owner may have added even more cool stuff as a bonus. Does any of it work? Who knows, but it's the effort Mazda put into bringing the consumer the most buttons and switches possible that I find admirable. It's not just the presence of adjustable suspension on a mid-level car, it's the idea of having the ability to choose that makes cars like this so liberating and illuminating in hindsight.

Available here on ebay in Orange, California with 17 bids at $400 and no reserve.

Long Lost Sedan: 32k-Mile 1989 Maserati 430

It's really hilarious how Maserati cars from the 1980s have plummeted in value and are staying there. Any given day on ebay, there's at least 3 or 4 Biturbo Coupes with under 100k miles for under $5k. Why? I guess they weren't driven much by their initial yuppie owners, then when they broke (as they usually did) the expensive repair costs (as they usually were) made the notion of storing it in a garage more attractive than fixing it and using it.

What you don't see everyday is the rare sedan version. Even if the rest of the story is the same.

Only 1,000 430 sedans were ever built, making this car an extreme rarity. I think it's better looking than the Bi-Turbo coupes, which were too short and stubby. The four doors of the 430 fill out the length and heighten the sharp edges and clean lines. The grooved taillights recall the Mercedes W116 and R107. This one looks particularly nice in two-tone red and grey and futuristic full-faced alloys.

The real beauty (or should I say beast?) is underneath the hood. Maserati put a 2790cc twin-turbocharged V6 engine that pumped out a very respectable 225 horsepower to the rear wheels. A lot of them were also mercifully given stick shifts as this one has. I really can't quite picture what it must be like to drive, but it's got to be fast, and could have smoked a similarly powered BMW or Mercedes-Benz from the era. Four exhaust pipes peak from the rear. You can picture it hustling the presidente del consiglo to and from court.

The luxurious black leather interior is a nice place to be, although there are some odd details, like a weird brown-burgundy plastic steering wheel and blue-faced instrument gauges. Still, everything is where is should be and it manages to look both comfortable and a little sporting at the same time. Note the trademark ovaloid Maserati clock in between the air vents.

The seller is a dealer and provide absolutely no back story but list the mileage as just 32,116. It could very well be original. The Italians had mastered speed and style but not yet build quality and innovative engineering, so these cars were plagued with electrical and mechanical issues. Ask for any history and maintenance records, then have it checked out by a reputable vintage European car specialist. If it's all set to go, by all means enjoy. You'll have my sincere envy.

Available here on ebay in Longwood, Florida with bidding at $2,280 and a Buy-It-Now of just $4,800.