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.

1988 Subaru Loyale RX Turbo AWD

If I asked you how much a car with four doors, all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine would cost, what would you say? $40k? $50k? $60k? Probably some fancy Audi, right? Wrong! It's a $4,500 1988 Subaru.

Back in the 80s, Japanese manufacturers were eager to attract new buyers with all sorts of cutting edge technology and drivetrain combinations. Isuzu was bold back then. They made compact cars with all sorts of unique goodies. One example was this Loyale RX.

The Loyale was known as the Leone around the world and lasted from 1984-1994. In the US it was known as the DL and Loyale. These were normally quite sedate front-wheel drive four banger cars. But the "RX" trim took things to a whole new level with Subaru's patented all-wheel drive system, a turbocharged engine and a manual transmission. Suddenly, the small size and relatively light weight transformed the car into this sporty, grippy all-weather people carrying machine.

The styling giddily hints at the specialness of this thing with the all-white look popular in that era, front and rear spoiler, ground effects, red accents and "TURBO" text cooly placed on the trunk.

Everything looks amazingly well-preserved too, including the interior and dashboard. The seats are half-vinyl, half-cloth. The instrument cluster is simple, no-nonsense and driver-oriented. Also cool is the full time 4wd display in between gauges in the instrument cluster.

The seller is well-known in internet circles for their low-mileage "new" classic cars that they somehow acquire. I admit, they've got an eye for it. And while they sometimes price the cars ridiculously high, they want just $4,500 for this one. Granted, the milage is at 186k, but at that price you don't feel too bad if something goes wrong. Which if the cosmetic condition is any indicator of the mechanicals, is unlikely. Parts should be plentiful and cheap and repairs easy, anyways.

This was a high watermark for Subaru and cars in general. They offered a lot with clean styling and compact dimensions.

Available here on ebay.

Blue Plate 45k-Mile 1986 Nissan 720 Pickup

Pickups are weird. They have this kind of raw, pure feel similar to British convertibles. Especially early Japanese pickups like this amazing Nissan survivor. In today's market the compact pickup is dead, replaced by Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota behemoths. Even Ford canceled their much-loved mid-sized Ranger. But back in the 80s, the Japanese broke into US with smaller, more practicable offerings.

Nissan's pickup actually had roots that went a ways back. Their first offering was in 1950s Japan. The model grew and was replaced by subsequent generations until 1980, when the 720 debuted. It was available in either 2- or 4wd and only with a 4-cylinder engine. It lasted until 1986, when a larger body was introduced.

This remarkable example still retains its California blue plates and has accrued just 45,308 miles during its life so far, extremely unusual for an old pickup truck in a bustling region of the country.

It looks absolutely terrific in glossy black paint over tan interior. We especially like the thin stripe white wall tires over aluminum wheels and white "Nissan" text on the tailgate. The slightly tinted rear window is actually a nice feature if you live in a hot sunny climate. The only thing cosmetically needed is a rear chrome bumper to match the front.

Although it's an automatic, it's just the 2wd version, so this puppy is ideal for cruising miles of warm, dry highway and hauling lite loads.

I think it's absolutely beautiful and hope the owner keeps her as is.

Available here on ebay.

Imitation Is Flattery: Ferrari 512BB Replica

Quick! Do you want drive something flashy without having to fork over the dough normally associated with doing so? Answer: a replica Ferrari.

These cars are looked down upon by 99% of automotive enthusiasts out there. I could care less. I love replicas! When I was younger I used to build LEGOs all the time. On a couple occasions I made a few model cars. Building a LEGO car is like building a replica car: it ain't gonna come out exact, but the harder you try the closer you get, until you realize the effort was the fun part, and the end result is something greater than the actual thing because it's unique and your experience was involved in it.

We've all heard of the Ferrari Daytona replicas and then of course there was the Pontiac Mera, which imitated the Ferrari 308. But you don't see Ferrari 512BB replicas often. Part of it is personal preference. A replica 512BB sure as hell doesn't have a 12-cylinder engine in the back the way the actual car did. So the body styling must have appealed to somebody along the way enough to make a replica.

This one is okay looking. There are for worse replicas. The seller doesn't specify what the mechanical underpinnings are, but it looks to be a Pontiac Fiero, based on the proportions and interior. The seller does say it was built by Corson in Phoenix in 1989. A little internet sleuthing revealed there was indeed such a company, the cars were in fact based on a Fiero chassis and some apparently had V8 engines. Impresssive. I also found this neat vintage ad:

Unfortunately seller doesn't specify what engine is in this example, so it's anybody's guess - four, six or eight cylinders. They do however say it's not bad on gas, so it probably isn't an eight cylinder.

Mechanically the say it has only 45k miles, a warranty on the engine, and updated a/c. Cosmetically it looks pretty flawless, but you want to check the (presumably) fiberglass body for cracks or accident repair.

If you don't live near a bunch of car snobs, this is a fun ride that provides all the classic style of European cars without the headaches and expenses. Sounds like a good idea to me.

Available here on craigslist for $10,000.

JDM in the US: 1991 Nissan Figaro

This may look like a car from the 60s, but you read the year right: it's a 1991.

Nissan only made about 20,000 of them in the early 90s for the Japanese market only. They were so popular that owners were chosen by lottery.

The styling is one of the earliest examples of retro designs like the New Beetle, 2002 Ford Thunderbird and Mini Cooper. It works well, especially with the flat periwinkle paint, white top and white wheels (inside very small tires). "Cute" would be a word the casual observer might use.

Inside is a right-hand drive non-airbag steering wheel, nice leather seats with piped trim and classy white face gauges.

The actual mechanicals are just as low key and simplistic, with front wheel drive and a four cylinder engine under the hood. Thankfully, the engine was turbocharged to provide a little extra boost.

The actual mechanicals are just as low key and simplistic, with front wheel drive and a four cylinder engine under the hood. Thankfully, the engine was turbocharged to provide a little extra boost, while also being really good on gas: the seller claims it gets 57 mpg.

The seller says it was titled in Florida and Texas before making its way to California where it is now. They say it has about 75,000 km which is about 46k miles on the odometer. The only flaws they point out are cosmetic: cracked seats and dash. Fortunately, they say everything mechanical works and is ready to go.

The also say it's just one of three in the US at the moment. This one isn't practical. It's all about what your heart says.

Available here on ebay with 1 bid at $10k and reserve not met.

1999 Isuzu Vehicross

I looooove these things! They're on my list to own someday. I'm one of the people that cringes at most sport utility vehicles. Let's face it: despite their girth, most are pretty un-manly and get used to haul groceries and soccer equipment. On top of that, they consume heinous amounts of fuel per gallon. And they look ugly.

The Vehicross gets my vote for Coolest SUV however. In fact, it's probably the only cool SUV, except perhaps for stuff like the Mercedes Galendenwagen or Land Rover Defender 90, but those are ridiculously expensive to acquire and maintain.

I'll be the first to admit part of the charm is the otherworldly styling, looking like it was something designed for a cross between Blade Runner and Baywatch. But I like Blade Runner and I like some of Baywatch. I mean, the year was 1997, if you're gonna make a two-door SUV, it's got to stand out and Isuzu did an excellent job because not only did it stand out, it remarkably still looks good today.

Underneath the spacey metal is equally impressive technology. While Japan was privy to either a 2WD or 4WD version, Americans were thankfully just given the amazing 4WD version. The unique Torque-On-Demand (TOD) system had 12 different sensors detecting which wheel was experiencing the most amount of spin and redirected power to the wheel with the least. This made handling and control over even the most wet and icy of roads manageable.

The engine was a 3.5-liter V6 good for about 215 horsepower. It got the job done. I've heard people say it's even sporty feeling.

Inside, the interior was the only week spot, with a dashboard recycled from the Isuzu Trooper or something. But they spiced it up with cool two-town seating and doors, this one in red.

Sadly, only around 5,000 were produced between 1997 and 2001. These are hard to find now and command a premium when they do hit the market because the loving owners almost always know how rare they are. Fortunately, the price is usually worth it. These were solid, reliable cars with no glaring issues over time. They can go for 100k-200k+ miles before major repairs. Isuzu was a good brand. There is nothing quite like the Vehicross anymore.

Available here on ebay with bidding starting at $10k.

1984 Mercedes 230CE Euro

Oh Mercedes-Benz. How far you've come. I'm slightly worried about you despite your incredible fame and fortune, however. Sure, you're one of the oldest and richest car companies in existence and show no signs of slowing down. But you just aren't the same anymore, and I'm not sure that's a good thing.

Mercedes changed once BMW caught up with them in the 80s. They were really never the same from the 90s onward. Instead of careful attention to detail and quality that could last forever, they increasingly focused on flash, bling and the yuppie market instead of long term planning for the future. The designs got sloppy. The cars lost the heavy steering. Electronic gadgets were everywhere. Reliability plummeted.

In the mid-80s however they were still king, and perhaps no other car can exemplify their craftsmanship than this European specification 230CE. The engine was never available in the U.S. and has more power and spunk. The beautiful headlights and small chrome bumpers are Euro-only delights.

The W123 lasted rom 1976-1985 and resulted in 2.7 million units made. It was a commercial and critical success and is to many the definitive Mercedes-Benz, blending their old-world grace with new world durability, practicality and refinement.

The seller says the car was well-kept by the first owner and still wears its original paint. The rare cloth interior looks terrific too. They say the clutch shifts well and the rest of the car has no mechanical issues.

The seller has an auction and a $9,500 buy-it-now, which ain't bad. Considering this is easily one of the greatest cars ever built, you're getting your money's worth. This baby is fine doing weekend errands or making long trips. It's a versatile, strong, sexy automobile. And it has many more miles to go.

Available here on ebay.

22k-Mile 1989 Ford Thunderbird

Thunderbird is one of those priceless, iconic American names that is sadly not being used by Ford at the moment.

Between 1955 and 2005, however, the Thunderbird saw a total of eleven generations, most very different from each other. There was the original classic that gave birth to the concept of a personal luxury coupe, then the equally classic designs of the 60s, then the 70s gave way to big, bloated, very un-sporty designs, until a drastic rebirth in the 80s resulted in a slight reduction in size and great improvement in aerodynamics, aesthetics and efficiency.

This is the 10th generation that debuted in 1988. Ford changed American auto making with their 1986 Taurus, which was sleek and futuristic but practical. The new Thunderbird followed with similar styling cues: large, flat, smooth planes, a nearly grille less front, and a gently sloping rear. It's a big car, but it's styled so well that you don't realize it.

COTC likes these early Thunderbirds for their presence and style, as the later cars got more rounded and jellybean like and thus detracting of the persona going on here. Relive the American Empire days in all their glory.

These were also mercifully rear-wheel drive in a sea of American front-wheel drive cars in the late 80s and 90s. With the subtle styling, rwd and big V8, these could be sleeper drag racers and a nice alternative to the Mustang of the time.

Unfortunately this is just an early V6 version. But what an example it is. The seller claims it has just 22,501 miles and one previous owner. The car's condition is therefore like new. The exterior paint and plastic trim looks like it just rolled out of the factory.

The interior is also looking great. No dash cracks, clean gauges and buttons and immaculate cloth seats.

While not a collector car, it could easily be someone's daily driver or a great first car for a teenager. It's a big, comfortable boulevard and highway cruiser. Sure, the V6 isn't preferable, but it might save you a little bit of gas compared to the V8. This one makes most sense if the price stays under $5k.

Available here on ebay with no reserve.

1991 Toyota MR2 With V6 Swap

I love the MR2. Part of what makes the cut for cars I write about is if there isn't anything quite like it on the market today. This is especially true of the MR2. Toyota had just three generations before they canceled the program. Today's handful of mid engine cars such as the Porsche Boxster start at, what $50k-$70k? But in the glory days of Japanese automating, Toyota delivered a car that looked good, handled great, was good on gas, reliable and affordably priced.

There's a lot of debate as to which generation MR2 is the best. Most agree the third is the least desirable, as it was only available as a convertible and naturally aspirated. That leaves the first two generations, one symbolic of the 80s and the other of the 90s. It all comes down to taste. I tend to prefer the early first generation models for their quirky new wave looks, lower weight and simplicity.

This is a second generation. It's heavier, but in this example the weight is offset by more power. The seller says they have removed the 4-cylinder engine and put in a V6. There are a lot of V6 engines out there, and not all great. My guess is this was a non-turbo car and they owner was a mechanic who felt they could do the job well and had a good enough V6 to put in to make it worthwhile. Performance should be pretty sweet as a result.

The seller says there are about 118k miles on the body and 110k miles on the engine, neither spectacularly low but average for this year. Unfortunately there's a problem that prevents the car from driving. The seller says they don't have the time to fix it.

Fortunately, the say the body has no rust.

If you're a mechanic and you love the MR2, this could be a really cool find and a blast to drive one set up. Black is a good color and the the gold alloys don't even bother me much. I'd want a complete rundown on the history of the engine and the car first though.

Available here on craigslist for $3,500.

1975 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter O 309 Diesel

Although it's hard to believe, spring is coming up and then summer, and you know what that means...road trip time! What better way to canvas miles of American pavement then this sweet vintage Benz bus?

First of all let me say I love Mercedes-Benz. Not the snooty, blingy, gimmicky, over-engineered global car company of today. No, I love the company they used to be when they rose from the ashes of the second world war like a phoenix and remade themselves into a company that built great cars not just for their own people, but for the world. This meant a range of cargo vans, buses and trucks that could go anywhere and do anything. Best of all, they were often equipped with Mercedes-Benz's legendary diesel engines. Back then, the diesels were almost entirely mechanical, meaning they could theoretically operate submerged under water. These engines went on for half a million or more miles. They were specifically designed for the long haul.

So you can imagine a vintage Benz enthusiast pulse quicken when this baby popped up on ebay. Mercedes introduced the O 309 in 1967 and it lasted until 1986. This lovely '75 model year example comes smack in the middle and is equipped with a 4-cylinder diesel engine. The seller says they have added a factory turbocharger. These are far from fast, so the extra boost is welcome.

Inside there are two captains chairs up front and padded bench seats in back. There's also a fold out table, a full size bed, 3 way power, carpeted flooring and LED lighting.

Cosmetically, the seller says it is unrestored and may wear its original paint. They do say there are dings, dents, and some rust and rot but nothing too serious or threatening. Mechanically, the speedometer doesn't work, the engine leaks oil and a sway bar bushing will eventually have to be replaced. Despite all that, they stress it can be driven away and used as-is, which would be the most economically sensible idea.

Fortunately, they say it has had 13 years and over $11,000 worth of maintenance done and the records to back it up.

If you plan on living out of this, I'd put the time and money into perfecting it just how you want. But if you're just gonna embark on that summer road trip, it could be all set to go.

Available here on ebay with an asking price of $11,950