When you think about the cars that top an enthusiast’s wish list for cheap projects, the usual suspects are there: GTIs, Miatas, 944s, and the like. I don’t often hear the words “Probe GT” thrown in to the mix despite a fair amount of reporting that seemed to indicate it was a half-decent way to get from Point A to Point B. Even harder to find is a clean first-generation Probe that came from the factory with a turbocharged and intercooled 2.2L 4-cylinder, unless you happen to live near Wichita where one in excellent condition is listed here on craigslist for $2,200. Read more »
Archives for February 2015
1972 Volvo 145E: Form Follows Function
Feb 27, 2015 17 Comments
If you have followed our sister site, BarnFinds.com, for any length of time then you will recognize this yellow wagon. This 1972 Volvo 145 has been my daily driver all winter and even though it continues to plod on without many needs, I have decided that it is time to move on. It seemed like a great way to introduce our new site too because old Volvos like this make for perfect Credit Card Classics. They can be found on the cheap and they can be made to run indefinitely. This one has a unique look to it and benefits from many subtle upgrades. Keep reading to learn more and email me if you are interested. I’m asking $4,000 and the car is located in Boise, Idaho. Read more »
1985 BMW 635CSI: Original Land Shark
Feb 27, 2015 3 Comments
When I do my daily scanning of craigslist listings, there’s a significant part of me that hopes I don’t discover anything too tempting. One of the biggest temptations for hobby car owners is snagging a cheap project, either to pillage for parts or to drive while another car is under the knife. This 1985 BMW 635CSI is such a fantasy for me; it looks fantastic and is one the few BMWs of the 1980s that I haven’t spent much time around – yet. It’s listed here on craigslist in Texas for only $3,750, and I can’t find too much to fault at that price. Read more »
Flat Hood: 1983 Volvo 242 GLT Turbo
Feb 27, 2015 1 Comment
If there’s anything I love, it’s vehicles that come with an extra dose of provenance right from the factory. Oftentimes, when you hear the words homologation special, one thinks of the original BMW M3 or its nemesis, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16. Lesser known but nearly as significant is the 1983 Volvo 242 GLT Turbo, of which 500 were sent to the U.S. to satisfy production requirements for overseas racing series. For the princely sum of $3,500, you could own a piece of history with this 1983 Volvo 242 GLT Turbo listed here on craigslist in Kansas City. Read more »
1991 Dodge Spirit R/T: Record Holder
Feb 26, 2015 3 Comments
One of my favorite eras in automotive experimentation was the time in the mid 80s when Carroll Shelby started boosting Mopars. It was unlike him, given his history for hugely powerful, raucous vehicles, to take fairly diminutive family and economy cars and inject them with turbochargers and body kits. But enhance them he did, leading to vehicles like the Dodge Spirit R/T. Ordinarily, a Dodge Spirit wouldn’t draw even an accidental side glance from passers-by but in the case of a Shelby-enhanced R/T, you might not even catch a glimpse of it at all as it rocketed past. Check out this 1991 example on St. Louis’ craigslist for $4,000. Read more »
1986 Corolla FX16 GTS: Long Name, Short Car
Feb 26, 2015 1 Comment
For every project car I desire, there’s usually some weird reason beyond its performance or handling that makes me want it. For instance, on an Isuzu Impulse, I yearn for the flip-up headlights; on a Volkswagen Corrado, it’s the rear spoiler that automatically raises and lowers itself. While I also respect these cars for the performance they’re capable of, I find those particular quirks to be among the main attractions. Likewise, this 1986 Toyota FX-16 GTS caught my eye not only for the superb handling but for some of the comfiest seats known to man. Find it here on craigslist for $2,300. Read more »
1991 Mazda Miata: Cheap Reliable Fun!
Feb 26, 2015 3 Comments
So what is a Credit Card Classic? Well, it is any fun driver that you could buy with a credit card. Now I’m not talking about one of those fancy no credit limit platinum cards, I’m talking about your average car guys’ credit card. So what does that mean, well if you can buy it and drive it for less than $5k and have a blast doing it, then it’s a CC Classic. There are lots of cars that can fit the bill, but few are as plentiful as the Mazda Miata. The problem isn’t finding a Miata for under $5k, it’s finding a clean and unmolested example that can be tricky. This 1990 Miata can be found here on craigslist in the San Marcos, CA for a reasonable $4,800, well within our credit limit! Read more »