Archive for November, 2009

Driving Update: 1978 Lancia Beta goes to the Pedal Pushers Pullover Rally

November 17, 2009

It’s finally time for another update on actually driving the RustyButTrusty fleet. I actually manage to drive the cars on a fairly regular weekend basis, but this was an event where the setting was picturesque and other folks took on photo duty. This time, it was the Beta’s turn to serve as our ride, which was a great choice for me, but less so for my co-pilot. The softer ride this car has vs. my Alfas makes it great over the bumps and cattle grates, while its independent suspension makes it a great handler. That said, the softer ride also didn’t help my co-pilot’s tendency towards motion sickness, so we actually peeled off early. Other than that, the car held up fairly well on its first major outing, aside from an annoying tendency to stall out anytime we came to a stop. For now, it’s going to be parked for a little while so I can figure out what’s up next for it, make sure I’m good for 2009 taxes, and get reacquainted with the Alfetta GT, which was parked for the last month or so.

Anyway, back to the event. The Pedal Pushers are an all-women’s car club interested in a broad mix of old cars. This is the third annual Pullover Rally they’ve put on, and it’s a really fun, well-organized one-day drive out in the East Bay hills, an area that I’ve not had much of a chance to explore. Last year’s drive was great, so we decided to go again this year. Sure enough, it delivered, and here are a couple of shots:

1978 Lancia Beta Berlina at Altamont Pass

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Leave it to Bavaria – 1970 BMW 2800

November 10, 2009

Here’s something a bit less rare and unusual, but a way for you to get your E9 BMW kicks on an Alfetta budget. These cars enjoyed the same powertrain and suspension as their much prettier sisters, but have not suffered the significant appreciation in recent years, nor are they as rustprone. If you’ve ever thought of buying one of these, we should probably talk. On a personal note, my first memory of one of these was riding in a tan ’73 Bavaria my parents had as a loaner from Canbeck in Montreal while their ’75 530i was in for service over a weekend. My defining memory of this car is that it smelled like gas, which probably has a lot to do with my love for old car smells as an adult.

This particular car is a pretty early E3, being badged 2800 and having the wider tail lights that, while less tidy, are more visually interesting. The car also carries a lot more chrome, which gives it much more of a 60s look. It also has a cool 2800 badge in the grill, which seems to mostly be a Euro feature – could that point to the origins of this one? Something about the chrome grill and those not-so-clear headlights makes me want to paint the lenses orange and get a French plate for the bumper. Find the car here, listed in Contra Costa county for $2650.

1970 BMW 2800 front

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Project 16 – 1969 Austin America

November 3, 2009

Since finding out my father owned one of these back in the 60s to spare his E-type from the Montreal winters, I’ve had a hankering to pick up one of these innovative and sporty family cars. When Mini Mania was in Milpitas, and I worked down near there, I had the opportunity to test drive a functional car that was for sale for $1400. At the time, the car was just as sharp as the Mini Moke my parents had rented a couple of years earlier while we were on vacation, but I ultimately decided against buying it since my Spider was still busy draining any car funds I had. The great thing about this car is, you can have some of the style and handling of the Mini, but at a far more attainable price.

Speaking of price, here’s an example in Oklahoma City for $2900. Given the questionable status of the engine, a cash offer might net you this for something lower than asking, but as an indoor-stored dry-state car, it has good potential. It also appears to be very complete, right down to the hubcaps and all the trim.

1969 Austin America front

Check out this video to see how capable these are:

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