When Jesse sold his 1972 Volvo 145E rally wagon, I was a bit sad to see it go. Wagons are a fine way to enjoy classic ownership and add some versatility to your vehicle rotation in the process. That’s one disappointing aspect of both of my projects: lack of use beyond just driving them! Now, I don’t mind this predicament, but it would be nice if they could be used to help out with household tasks or other utilitarian duties. Hopefully, the bigger trunk on the 535is will be able to help out on occasion, but there’s also a modern reincarnation of Jesse’s 145E here on craigslist in San Diego and it’s a very clean 1986 Volvo 240 wagon with a manual for $2950. Read more »
Archives for March 2015
1983 Porsche 944: Track Friendly
Mar 14, 2015 2 Comments
There was a time when autocrossing was a big part of my spring and summer routine. I loved it – getting up at the crack of dawn, walking the course, chatting with other drivers and the exhilaration of banging the car all over the course. I did grow a bit weary of it, however, largely due to wanting to keep my car a summer driver and put an actual interior in it. However, there are some vehicles that make me want to get back into it with vigor and attack some cones. This 1983 Porsche 944, found by Credit Card Classics reader Jim S, is an ideal candidate for track days and autocrosses, and it’s listed here on eBay for just $3,900. Read more »
1986 BMW 325E: Island Commuter
Mar 13, 2015 3 Comments
Although we just talked up the advantages to buying a higher-spec model of the venerable BMW E30 chassis, the more utilitarian version of the celebrated 3-Series offered a similarly entertaining driving experience with fewer frills bolted on. This 1986 325E here on eBay spotted by Credit Card Classics reader Jim S on Cape Cod in Massachusetts is listed for $3,000 or best offer by the car’s original owner, who used it on the mainland when visiting from Martha’s Vineyard. Thanks Jim! Read more »
1986 BMW 325ES: The Sensible E30
Mar 12, 2015 5 Comments
I’ve made it known on Barn Finds that I’m a bit of a fanatic about 80s BMWs. I own a 1987 325is and a 535is of the same year. I’ve always been partial to the early E30s for that reason, especially the higher-end models that set it apart from the every day 325E and 318I models. While examples like my IS were considered the poor man’s alternative to the M3, the ES was an option for consumers who wanted efficiency but didn’t want to miss out on the goodies that were unique to models with an “S” at the end. As prices for E30s have risen and the good ones get snatched up by bandwagon boyracers, cars like this 1986 325ES on Maryland’s craigslist for $3,900 are getting harder to find. Read more »
1987 Chrysler Conquest TSI: Identity Crisis
Mar 11, 2015 9 Comments
Over the years, I have been largely disappointed with the efforts put forth by manufacturers to share platforms or re-badge niche models. The latest insult was the Subaru BRZ and Scion FRS, which was not a bad car on its own but neither manufacturer seemed interested in supporting its continued development once sales figures didn’t materialize. But there are a few bright spots of resource-sharing or badge engineering, and the Chrysler Conquest and Mitsubishi Starion twins are one such example. This 1987 Conquest here on eBay has a buy-it-now of $4,500 and despite its salvage title, looks largely original. Read more »
1993 Ford Thunderbird SC: Fast Boat
Mar 10, 2015 7 Comments
The Ford Thunderbird isn’t exactly high on the list of rides enthusiasts pine for. It’s not hard to see why, with the exception of the combination of rear-wheel drive with an available V8, these modern day interpretations of the classic Thunderbird offered underwhelming performance with overwhelming proportions. Thankfully, someone in the engineering department saw an opportunity to breathe new life into Ford’s big coupe by creating the Thunderbird Super Coupe, or SC, complete with a supercharged and intercooled 3.8L V6. They’re hard to come by these days, and even more so with a third pedal like this example here on craigslist in Virginia for $2,000. Read more »
1981 Chevy Citation X11: X-tinct Econobox
Mar 9, 2015 11 Comments
The 1980s posed new challenges for major brands like Chevrolet and Ford. Customers were still feeling the aftershocks of the second energy crisis, and it was clear the domestics needed to have fuel efficient alternatives to the fuel-sippers from Asia. This being America, however, we still wanted performance while extending our time between fill-ups, pushing the big three to find ways to blend performance with fuel economy, a challenge they’ve only recently begun figuring out with continued success. There were bright spots, however, like the Chevy Citation X11 – a car that took an uninspiring econobox and gave it some serious chops. Check out this 1981 edition here on craigslist in Los Angeles for $4,000. Read more »
1989 Subaru RX Turbo: Snow Patrol
Mar 7, 2015 2 Comments
When you say the words, “turbocharged all-wheel coupe,” I guarantee you most folks will assume you’re talking about an Audi. For the privilege of owning such a foul-weather beast, you’ll likely have to concede that the car features complexities and maintenance requirements befitting of its exotic drivetrain, not to mention the regular service commitments that come with 4WD systems. But what if I told you there was another way? A cheaper way, in only the purest Credit Card Classics tradition? Enter the 1989 Subaru RX Turbo, available here on craigslist in Oregon for $3,295. Read more »
1994 Alfa Romeo 164Q: Soul Stirring
Mar 6, 2015 4 Comments
There are some cars I yearn for under very superficial terms. I’ll admit it – I don’t always pay attention to the engineering or reliability and rarely does the badge on the hood sway my judgment. But this car – an Alfa Romeo 164Q – well, I’m suddenly distracted by intake runners, Recaro-style seating, wrap-around taillights and an engine note that could bring you to your knees. Yes, this isn’t a practical choice, other than the fact that’s it’s a sedan. This is far more about the senses and the allure of driving an Alfa every single day. Let’s explore this 1994 example listed here on craigslist for $5,000. Read more »
1988 Dodge Shadow CSX-T: Ready to Rent
Mar 5, 2015 8 Comments
Although I write for Barn Finds and Credit Card Classics in my spare time, I am a marketing and PR consultant by day (ask me which role I enjoy more). I’ve always found Carroll Shelby’s collaboration with rental car agencies to be an interesting gimmick: put a muscle car on the menu for mere dollars per day and watch enthusiasts flock to the rental counter. It worked for the Mustang in the ‘60s, so Shelby tried it again with Thrifty in the late ‘80s with a slightly different formula: a turbocharged Dodge Shadow CSX-T. There were only 1,000 produced, one of which is up for grabs here on craigslist in Florida for $3,800. Read more »