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

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.

Under $15k: 1979 Porsche 911SC Targa

Want to catch some fresh fall air before it gets too cold (which is happening very fast for us New Englanders)? Try on this 911 Targa for size.

The Targa body is still the unloved child of the 911 range. The coupes and convertibles are about equally desirable, but no one seems to want a targa. I'm not sure why. It's the best of both worlds, with some of the structural rigidity of a hardtop and some of the open air pleasure of the convertible. And yet maybe that's exactly why they still haven't taken to collectors, a car with such a strong personality as the 911 shouldn't be ambiguous and undecided as to what the nature of its roof is. Or should it?

I like the them. Since collector's don't, the targa versions are often priced lower for those looking to get into the rear-engine Porsche world.

The seller of this example says it is mostly original except for a whale tale, front spoiler with integrated fog lamps, steering wheel and other items that enhance the car, even if cliche.

911 look good in white and this is no exception. The red interior contrasts nicely, and the seller shows matching red seat covers protecting the leather.

Most importantly, they say it has no rust. Mechanically, they say it runs and drives nice and everything works including the power windows. Under the hood is Porsche's tried and true bulletproof 3.0-liter 6-cylidner air-cooled engine. The seller says there is 107k miles on it.

This seems like a relatively well cared for example. I would inquire about ownership and accidents, and look into more maintenance history. If it checks out, stash that targa top away for a blast of cold air.

Available here on craigslist in Salem, Massachusetts for $12,400.