Archive for June, 2009

1972 Saab 95

June 16, 2009

The more I write here, the more I realize I like cars that came up with unusual (okay, call them crazy) solutions to the motoring problems of the time. I’m not sure what problems Saab was trying to address, but the Saab 95 and 96 rank on the Rusty-but-Trusty cool list for the following: column manual shifter, reverse-lock for the ignition key, unique design, and 3-row seating in a car slightly larger than a Beetle.

With that, here’s the subject of this post, a 1972 Saab 95 in Northeast Portland, OR for $1250:

1972 Saab 95 side

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Road trip #3 – Los Angeles via Highway One

June 11, 2009

Since I haven’t done any recent work on my cars, I’ve been re-visiting old road trips to mix things up a bit. Back in aught-six, after being offered a new job, I made some time between jobs to take a road-trip down to visit my girlfriend, who lived there at the time. To make things fun, I decided to hop in the spider and go due west from San Mateo over to Highway One. I followed the road down the coast, where I pulled over north of Santa Cruz and took this picture:

1977 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce, PCH

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Say Porsh-uh – 1971 Porsche 914 1.7

June 11, 2009

Since we just recently talked about mid-engine cars, let’s also touch on the Porsche 914. I’m sure if you’re reading this, there’s probably nothing much I can tell you about these that’s surprising. I do have memories of not being particularly fond of these as a kid, and of my parents referring to them as Volkswagen-Porsches (something that’s most noticeable when they have Beetle-style hubcaps or the later VW pressed-steel wheels). However, I’m finding that nostalgia or increasing rarity is making me appreciate the 914’s simple, clean design more than I used to. Much like the Fiat X1/9 is its power-to-weight ratio (80hp and slightly lighter at just over 2000 lbs.). Much like the X1/9, it also has many power upgrade options, including bigger 914 engines, 911 engines, and Subaru boxers to name just a few. Hmm… a 227-hp flat four from a WRX in a 2000-lb. car could be entertaining!

Anyway, let’s move on to the example for today – a 1971 914 1.7 in bright yellow with PORSCHE decals down the side in true 70s style. It’s listed on craigslist in Woodinville, WA at $2750.

1971 Porsche 914 side

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