Paul scored himself a nice find tonight that inspired me to hit Craigslist myself to do some shopping. I can’t talk details yet, but he wants the Intra rims back. Here’s a picture of the rims I bought from him last year for a future, undiscovered project. Period correct Porsche 928 clone wheels from West Germany with 4×100 pattern:
So off I went surfing Portland, Craigslist for privately listed classics. The chase (hazy fantasy shopping) is a big part of the fun. But I added another layer to my criteria: A car that could qualify for casual and/or classic TSD rallies, like the upcoming Brighton Rally that I work with. Never done one and it sounds like fun. So I set my budget constraints appropriately and knowing there could be a couple thousand needed immediately, I set off. What I found surprised me. Take a look:
My top pick is probably this 73 240Z that has been recently refreshed for $9k:
Rehabilitation of a cool classic.
We put in a fresh motor, new seals in the transmission, real wheel bearings, resent paint and interior work.
Mileage says 18,000 on the odometer, but being an old car, we think it’s higher than that.
We also have replacement glass if you’re not a fan of the unicorn art on the windows (which we didn’t do).
Unicorn glass? Are you kidding?! Gotta keep that LOL!
My next pick is this last year 1976 BMW 2002 with fresh paint and engine, from an owner that has had the car since 1980! ($9995)
European Classic – 1976 2002 BMW, 2nd owner – owned since 1980
117,756 miles, new engine installed 11,000 miles ago
Navy blue seats, with Black dash and console
Original owners handbook,
While it doesn’t quite sound 100% correct in terms of interior, a single owner for the past 31 years could prove to be a very special find.
My 3rd pick is this 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280S with 30k original miles and a fresh paint job! Not normally a car I’d be seeking out, but would make for a great car for classic rallies, wine tasting Sunday’s, and maybe even the occasional show with that kind of mileage.
Not quite clear if it’s an auto or manual, and the color isn’t my favorite. But a chance to own a well preserved Benz of this era is enticing at $7k.
My wife’s pick is this 1965 Ford Thunderbird for $9k. The paint isn’t the original color, but it represents pretty damn well and sports only 72k miles.
I’m more of a European minded focus but I have to admit this is a good looking ride and would be a pleasure to pilot or co-pilot for the right events.
In the honorable mentions wrap-up, I like the look and price of the Alfa Romeo GTV6 with records and recent engine work:
and this “restored” MR2 has my attention too. Unfortunately this car and the previous pick are probably not eligible in most classic rallies, but they crossed my path and I couldn’t look back while feeling nostalgic.
Like I said, my original intent was to find a car suitable for classic car rallies and a few of these don’t meet that criteria. A few of the others do though and it would be fun to try out for a while compared to the rather safe choices I’ve made in the S2000 and e36 M3 before it.
dc