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 »
1987 Ford Mustang GT: Droptop Fun
Mar 4, 2015 9 Comments
Not too many cars come along that are instantly recognized for what they are and cherished for those same feelings nearly 30 years after their introduction. The Fox Body Mustangs offered the masses cheap speed and good times in an attractive package that traded away high quality for high output, a swap that many buyers were happy to live with. Vanilla Ice may have made the Mustang a Hollywood star, but it endeared itself to hobbyists without the high-profile role in a music video. You can still buy them cheap, too, like this 1987 Mustang GT Convertible here on eBay with a buy-it-now of $4,850. Read more »
1983 Porsche 928S: Cheap Thrills
Mar 4, 2015 4 Comments
Have any of you been minding your own business, content with the project car in the garage, when out of nowhere your friend whispers in your ears, “Hey, did you ever think about buying one of those?” Suddenly, a car you were completely content leaving as a mere figment of your imagination becomes all-consuming, and you’re on the quest to own a cheap supercar that will rapidly deplete your bank account. Well, that’s the boat I’m in with this 1983 Porsche 928S for $4,900 on Hemmings Classifieds, thanks to my brother and his evil thoughts. Read more »
1982 Saab 900 Turbo: Estate Original
Mar 3, 2015 4 Comments
Have any of you been lucky enough to stumble upon an estate sale with a classic car up for grabs? Or been tipped off to one that could be had cheaply? This is a life event still on my bucket list, just to feel the excitement that comes with being tipped off to a score that no one else knows about. I get that way with remote junkyards that might have some untouched classics lying about, but I would love to find a complete car like this 1982 Saab 900 Turbo Sedan found here on craigslist in Washington State for $4,000. It’s a one-owner car with less than 100,000 miles! Read more »
1990 Honda Prelude 4WS Si: Full Circle
Mar 3, 2015 20 Comments
When people wax poetic about Hondas of the late ’80s and early ’90s, the conversation very quickly turns to CRXs. And why shouldn’t it? Lightweight, super chuckable, two seats and quick for its modest power rating, with the obvious bulletproof reliability anyone buys a Honda for. But here’s the thing: it wouldn’t be my first choice, as I was heavily influenced by my first car, a 1987 Honda Accord. If you owned a GTI, you lusted after the CRX; if you owned an Accord, you wanted the Prelude. I’m in love with this 1990 model here on craigslist in North Carolina for only $3,500, and it’s one of the rare and quirky 4-wheel steering models. Read more »