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.

Project 1986 Ferrari Testarossa Spyder

We're at the point where project cars from the 80s are starting to crop up in the market, although they are still few and far between. Most cars from that era are either ready to be junked or in collector condition. It's rare to find something in between, and even more rare to find a Ferrari in that status, but this Testarossa is precisely that.

The Testarossa really needs no introduction. It was the company's flagship during its production from 1984-1991, and it arguably saved and revitalized the brand, providing much needed competition against the Lamborghini Countach, along with a heavy dose of flash and glamour. The flat 12-cylinder engine was exciting, smooth, quick and great sounding. The styling was iconic and still fascinates today.

Most Testarossas on the market are either super-low mileage showroom cream puffs or accident losses. There's really no in between, as Ferrari owners, typically wealthy folk, notoriously never drive their cars, either out of lack of time or fear of damaging something.

So it's really peculiar to find one floating in purgatory, "80%" finished as the seller says and waiting for the next owner to complete it. There is no backstory on how it got this way, but the seller says the roof was cropped and the chassis was reinforced to make up for the loss of structural integrity. They are careful to note it is apparently NOT one of the better known Straman conversions but a homemade job. It doesn't look bad.

Fortunately, the original engine was totally rebuilt, with a new clutch, brake booster and master cylinder.

Cosmetically, the paint is stripped down but looks to have originally been red. The side intake strakes have also been removed, along with the front grille and lights. There are no photos of the rear. The seller also says the interior is included but needs to be redone as well.

This is a pretty unique opportunity to finish the project in your exact tastes. Personally, I would paint it black, do a black interior, black soft top, delete the U.S-spec side markers by filling and sanding, keep the original rare single lug wheels and maybe even keep the side strakes out for a clean look.

This project won't make sense unless you're talented and patient enough to do it. Hiring someone else to finish it takes the soul and accomplishment out of the equation and will be extremely expensive.

Available here for $28k which includes the seller's email and phone number.

1999 Lotus Elise Sport 190

Colin Chapman would have been very proud. Lotus's Elise only weighed about 1,660 lbs. Chapman's "speed through weight" ideology is still a great engineering principle automakers could learn a thing or two from today, especially as they chase ever more efficient solutions in the face of mounting government regulation against fuel consumption.

Lotus had been all over the map in the late 20th century, coming out with a slew of odd designs that still managed to perform, while never quite being the best or the most up to date. But in 1996, they unveiled the Elise, which intended to change all of that.

The Elise replaced the maligned Elan as their entry-level vehicle. The Elan, while very pretty, was really no better than a Mercury Capri (don't get me wrong, I like the Capri, but...) being front-wheel drive. The Elise, however, featured a rear mid-mounted engine that powered the rear wheels. Thanks to simple construction and light parts, it wasn't heavy. Power was small - only four-cylinders - but it propelled the car from 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds. Handling, braking and fuel economy were excellent.

Styling is superb. The mid-engine placement did not yield any design cliches (as Toyota's MR2 did, for example) but rather a refreshing take that is simple, sexy, sporty and damn near-classic by now. British design in the 1990s really expanded some horizons and seemed to blend the minimalism of 1980s design with the luscious curves of the 1950s and 60s. These were only offered as targas, a slight blow to structural integrity but upping the fun factor.

In a lot of ways, these could be descendants of Porsche's 914, which was essentially the exact same setup, removable hardtop and all. Underneath the hood is a 1.8-liter 4-banger producing a healthy 190 horsepower.

This example looks appropriately wild in racer red with matching red seats and steering wheel. Note the integrity bar above the passenger seat. Not sure if anyone is supposed to fit there.

It features 3,248 kilometers which is only 2,018 miles.

Lotus only made the first-generation Elise from 1996 to 2000, before new regulations forced a new design. They were never offered here, sadly, where they would surely have taken a huge bite out of MR2, Del Sol, Miata, Z3 and Boxster sales. Since 2004, however, we have been allowed the second generation Elise, but it lacks the soft curves and simple shapes of the first series.

This is a rare and desirable vehicle now in the U.S.

Available here on ebay for $29,980.

Brawny: 1972 Chevrolet Suburban Deluxe K10 4X4

If you thought the SUV craze of the 1990s was mystifying, you'll be humbled to know they made them just as large in the 70s.

In the history of automobiles, the contributions the United States has made to this mode of transportation are still to be determined. The Germans made the first automobiles, and, for a while, arguably the best. The Italians made the prettiest cars, car bodies as an art form. The Japanese made the most reliable and well-built cars.

But in America, we were better at processes than at an actual finished artistic statement of a product. Henry Ford brilliantly made the Model T affordable to many people thanks to mass production techniques, but how interesting or sophisticated of a vehicle was it actually? He refused to make many year-by-year updates, and by the time it was retired, competitors had advanced well beyond it.

Perhaps the most notable contribution then of an actual concept has been the Sport Utility Vehicle. Sure, the Europeans and Asians pumped out the Defender 90, Unimog, Pinzgauer, FJ Cruiser. But American trucks had this raw attitude the others lacked. They were enormous, but for civilian consumption. They were well-built and well-equipped, but accessible to almost everyone. They were good looking but never truly stylish.

Which is when we arrive at the this seventh-generation Chevy Suburban, produced during the welfare-warfare heyday of 1967-1972. These did not populate the driveways of suburban homes, nor were they expected to. I imagine people only bought these for specific uses in rural areas: cattle baron herder, ski resort shuttle, Yellowstone National Park patrol. Clearly the vehicle is just as large as today's Suburban. The key difference was that Americans of the late 60s and 70s might have showed some practicality and restraint.

This generation Suburban is not without some charms. It has only one door on the driver's side, and two doors on the passenger side. It looks fantastic in period bronze with a white roof. It's sitting on late model factory Rally wheels and Michelin Radials. The seller provides one of the better classified writeups I've seen lately, but doesn't seem to know any history about the vehicle, and assumes it has been "professionally" repainted and restored. As such, the paint is in good shape, and they say the body has no rust and no indications of being repaired.

Inside, the seats are tooled vinyl and the floor is carpeted. The interior looks immaculate and the dashboard is spotless. Note the use of exterior color inside, for a playful yet utilitarian feel.

Underneath the hood is an equally clean and detailed 350 V8 engine, tastefully given a coat of orange paint (that's a thing they do for American V8 engines, I haven't figured out why yet).

This was either a very well done restoration or an incredible survivor. The seller says the odometer reads 36,701 miles, but it's a 5 digit odometer so it can't be verified as original miles or turned over.

Regardless, it looks great and seems ready to hit the trails.

Find it here on ebay in Charlotte, North Carolina for $28, 995, about the same price as a new SUV. Which would you rather have?

Original Paint: 1971 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior Zagato

The GT 1300 Junior was designed by Ercole Spada (later of BMW) then working under famed Italian design house Zagato. It features some of his trademark styling cues: a large rear with some overhang to force air down for increased control and a small, forward-leaning snout with quad round headlights. Spada is a genius and the 1300 Junior was another fine peice on his resume.

It debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1969. Only 1,108 units were ever made, and they were never officially imported and sold here.

The floorplan, driveline and suspension were borrowed from the 1300 Spider.

A 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine powered the rear wheels.

In 1972, the 1600 Zagato came out with slightly different bodywork and a larger engine.

This survivor wears one California blue plate and what the seller says is the original coat of paint, although they mention it is cracking. However, they say the floors and jacking points are all solid and rust free.

They mention the center console has been swapped for a Berlina unit, but the original piece is included.

Mechanically, they say it has a 2.0-litre engine in place of the 1.3-litre, but the original engine is available and also numbers-matching.

Zagato cars are special and collectible because they are often limited production and wear finely designed and crafted bodies. This is an opportunity to acquire one such vehicle, with a larger engine already switched in to also make it a fun driver.

Find it here on ebay with no bids starting at $28,500.

Presentable Pagoda: 1966 Mercedes 230SL

This beautiful Mercedes is being offered up by a seller who's had it for the last 30 years.

The SL "Pagoda" W113 chassis cars were produced from 1963-1971, resulting in 48,912 built, with 19,440 sold in the U.S. There were three versions: the 230SL, the 250SL, and the 280SL. All had 6-cylinder engines and rear-wheel drive.

This is a 230SL Automatic. It features a 2.3-litre 6-cylinder engine producing an impressive 150 horsepower for the time.Pagoda cars were known for their good performance and handling, thanks to disc brakes, good tires and a wide body. This sporting character was somewhat lost and less-emphasized in the succeeding R107, making the Pagoda cars a unique entry in the Mercedes line.

It looks stunning in bright silver over red interior and no bumper guards give the front end a clean, minimalist look the wonderful body deserves. I love red interiors. Nobody does them anymore. Silver/red is a classic sports car combo and this car does it complete justice.

The styling by Paul Bracq one for the ages. Talk about a classic. It's probably the most tasteful car of all time. It instantly whispers class, but never excess. The beauty is in the simplicity. The car takes Mercedes design cues from the era and perfectly molds them into this whole new sprightly character. The shape is amazingly well proportioned and looks gorgeous from any angle, especially the  squared-off rear with the small taillights. It's a car that is sexy and sophisticated, sporty and relaxing, the ultimate expression of personal comfort, a couple's romantic weekend getaway car.

The seller states this car comes with the desirable hardtop. I've always wondered if these had VIN or serial numbers on them to match the cars. If you thought this 230SL looked good top-down, the hardtop only enhances the beauty and is truly cool looking, despite the odd inverse c-pillar angle and concave roof, which only add to the charm. The seller mentions this hardtop has received new headliner.

The seller also says the car was given new headlights and tires, and has 73k miles, which could be original given how these were mostly carefully and infrequently driven by adoring owners. I would just check for any rust.

Find this lovely classic car from a more innocent time here on craigslist in Boston, Massachusettes for a pretty fair $27,500. This one looks terrific and seems to have been given great attention from a long-tome owner, so it's the one to have if you're on the east coast and want one. The W113 value only nowhere to go but up.

Tea in the Sahara: 58k-mile 1969 Porsche 912 LWB

This stunning Porsche is a 1969 912 that the seller claims has only 58,000 original miles.

The 912 was created as an entry-level model to offset the expensive 6-cylinder 911. As such, the 912 had an inline 4-cylinder engine and deleted features standard on the 911. Production lasted from 1965-69, until it was replaced by the totally different mid-engine 914.

The seller claims this is a long-wheelbase model that was owned by a Porsche Club of America (PCA) member for years, and has new shocks, brakes and tires within the last 2 years.

The also say it wears its original Sahara Beige paint, a flat military tan-creme color. It looks absolutely beautiful from the pictures, glossy, bright and striking, and very complimentary of the classic Porsche shape. Porsches look best in neutral and subdued colors.

Inside we see an immaculate interior with taught black leather seats and a clean dashboard.

The seller is mum on most aspects, but, I guess the rest of self-explanatory...with only 58k original miles, original paint and a previous club owner this is a bona fide survivor of the best order, so everything looks totally stock, well-kept and ready to go.

The engine compartment looks like you'd expect it as well: original and un-restored almost to a fault, but it looks very clean, orderly and well-presented.

The seller is asking $29,995. Hemmings values a '69 912 Coupe in fair shape at $5,375, good $9,600 and excellent $18,225. This one could possibly be categorized as "excellent", so make your decisions based on that. Nearly 30,000 were made and they are just 4-cylinders, which, depending on your driving philosophy, may or may not be a hindrance. Apparently they do get 30pmg. Handling is probably fantastic as expected.

The only lingering questions are rust and service history.

Find it here on craigslist in New Hampshire.

Lost Prancing Horse: 1979 Ferrari 400 GTA

Some of the most common presumptions about an old Ferrari is either that it's worth a lot of money or someday it's going to be worth a lot of money. Both presumptions are hard at work in this ad. Both presumptions are not always true.

At least not with the Ferrari 400.

For a Ferrari to be worth a lot of money, theory says it has to have no rear seats, be mid-engine and have 12-cylinders. I guess 1 out of 3 ain't bad. The 400 had seating for four, a front-engine, and, yes mercifully, a 12-cylinder engine.

The 400 series was produced from 1976-1989, and featured Ferrari's first automatic transmission, a General Motors Turbo-Hydramatic THM400. It was mated to a 4.8-litre V12 producing about 340 horsepower. Reported 0-60 mph times were around 7.1 seconds.

No version of the 400 was ever officially imported to the U.S., an odd mistake given the automatic transmission, U.S. emissions compliance and upper-crust pedigree perfect for the dawn of the '80s.

That makes this car a rare grey market import.

This is a first-run series 400 car, of which 502 were made from '76-'79.

 

The pointy body was crafted by none other than famed design house Pininfarina, for whom Ferrari was their #1 client. This early '79 example has black plastic bumper moldings which were later body colored, as well as a painted-black rear taillight region, which I'm not sure was factory but looks passable. It is all typical of the era, and I imagine was horribly dated feeling by the mid-'90s, when smooth bodies and subtle curves were in and hard angles out. But it has since grown into a semi-classic of minimalist oddball expressionism. The squinty, sour-eyed front turn indicators and hidden headlamps take a lot of getting used to and they still occasionally annoy me, but I like them. After years of having the Ferrari Testarossa cheese-grater side air intakes burned into my mind, the flat, unassuming planes of the 400 are a refreshing relief and brilliant direction for the brand. This isn't the Ferrari you'd have on a poster in your room, but that's exactly why I like it.

So ground-breaking was the 400 that it might have had something to do with the very similar-looking 1980 Pinin Concept, which was the first and so far only four-door concept Ferrari has ever entertained the notion of. It's half way to Aston Martin Lagonda territory, but it looks good overall and would have fit alongside the 400 very well.

The seller states this 400 was from a private collection and is in great shape without any major flaws in the body and glass. They say it runs and drives and shifts smoothly. However, they say the a/c is not blowing cold and may need a new compressor. Low-mileage Ferraris are the norm, so the 46,578 on the clock is not at all unusual. Wealthy owners held on to them carefully with the hopes that they'll appreciate in value, along with the usual fair-weather-weekend-only usage.

So what's the price of this admission into the hyper-exclusive V12 Ferrari club? The seller here wants $25,900 but is open to best offers. Hemmings values a 1979 400 GTA in fair condition at $9,875, good condition at $15,950 and excellent condition at $26,475. That would place this at the upper end of value and is by no means a bargain, especially given the rumored cost of maintenance, if it's even used. That said, the 400 cars have got to be the least expensive purchase-price V12 Ferrari ever available when adjusted for inflation.

Find it here on ebay in Johnston, Rhode Island.

Turbo Transplant: 1990 Porsche 911 AWD Turbo

It can't be easy modifying a Porsche. Nevermind the immense cost. Just making sure it looks, feels and performs right is where the battle is. The shape is already so classic, changing it just the slightest bit can throw the whole thing off.

This seller is offering an extremely interesting modification that looks to pass muster.

According to them, the previous owner was a wealthy doctor with deep pockets who spent $50,000 putting a 1991 3.3-litre turbocharged engine into this 964 body Carrera 4, complete with whale tail rear wing and composite fenders.

I love the results, cosmetically and mechanically.

The current seller claims he was told the transplant has now boosted power to an astonishing 425 horses. The 964 was already an athletic performer. With these upgrades, it's got to be a rocketship. The wide tires, all-wheel drive, and massive rear spoiler must keep it glued to the pavement like nothing else.

The performance stats wouldn't be so sweet if the body wasn't done well.

Fortunately the mods exhibit restraint and good taste. The 1990-94 964 body is my favorite 911 of all time. It still retains the classic shape and spirit, but without the ugly bumpers and black plastic of the '70s and '80s models, and before the 993 body which tweaked things a little too much.

The dark metallic green over sand interior is a classic '90s color scheme that is different but appealing.

The spoiler is pitch-perfect and jives beautifully with the rest of the body, even mimicking the slope of the lower seam line before the rear wheels. Porsche spoilers can get ridiculous and ruin the profile, but this one is just the right look and size.

Even the slightly tinted windows are ok.

The aftermarket wheels also surprisingly work well. They retain a Porsche emblem in the center, and are simple and sporty enough to be noticeable but never distracting.

The seller states the odometer clocks in at about 141k miles, but the engine transplant only has about 70k on it. I wouldn't be intimidated by the relatively high miles. The more a Porsche is driven, the better, especially if it has been cared for. The seller backs that up to by saying that there are receipts to prove regular maintenance over the years, including a recent cylinder compression test with results coming in at 125. The receipts are key and make this more and more seem like a really right piece.

The seller has bidding starting at $20,000 and a buy it now of $29,995. Given that real 911 Turbo prices are sky high and will continue to rise, that could be a good deal, but it's still a lot of money. This build was a good concept and seemingly executed very well. If it can be proven the car was well-maintained and it is ready to go again, this is going to make the next owner very happy. Rear-engine, all-wheel drive, turbocharged power...it doesn't get much better.

Find it here on ebay in Phoenix, Arizona.