Well, after eating my shorts on the last auction for one of these (which ended at $3500!!), or at least having a nibble, I’m back in the game with another car. While the 2-doors have their own charms, I do think if you’re going to get a “practical” car, you might as well get it with 4 doors so you can take your long-suffering friends and family along for the ride. Beyond that, since I’ve just said about all I can say on these cars, I’ll skip straight to the juice on this specific car.
This example, while originally sold in Kentucky, must have made it to San Diego fairly soon in its life since it shows the expected signs of being there – little rust and paint oxidation. According to the original Monroney sticker, this is a deluxe model, with some stick-on rally stripes and extra chrome trim. The lighter color does seem more flattering of this car, which is available on eBay with 5 bids currently at $1526. I’m not going to offer to eat my shorts if this goes above $3,000 again, since apparently there is some untapped market for LeCars (plus the shorts really weren’t that tasty). The seller lists the car as having 52,416 miles, while the AutoCheck report says the car was last reported to have 152,599 miles in 1998. While probably not a big deal, it’s something to consider while looking the car over.
As you can see, it’s a pretty clean 27-year-old (ack!) car that seems to be wearing its age well. Panel gaps look straight, and the fiberglass bumpers are slightly oxidized – these might benefit from a rattle-can repaint. This car also has the cool full-length ragtop for that convertible feel.
The engine compartment is pretty clean too. Seller admits he was not able to smog the car due to high idle speed, so you’ll have to contend with that. He also says he’s not a carb tuning ace, so it’s possible the car is running fast to cover up other issues you could have with a 152K-mile LeCar.
This car also got the deluxe interior, which includes such things as carpeting, a rear defroster, and sound insulation. Ooh la la! Everything looks in pretty good shape, if a little dirty and showing its age in splits in the seats. Still entirely usable, though.
Rear is also clean. Based on a successful engine check, this car with its more attractive color and 4 doors is more appealing than the last LeCar we saw. If the engine is no good, what to do? Maybe a Renault 5 turbo (one of the milder ones, not the mid-engine model) could donate its engine, especially for the states where folks have a 25-year rolling smog exemption!
Rusty But Trusty 
December 12, 2009 at 10:07 am |
This is a cool car. There aren’t many 4 door LeCars around anymore.
I’ve been told it’s fairly easy to get a Fuego turbo engine into a LeCar. I’ve never seen it done, though.
Dave
December 12, 2009 at 10:09 pm |
Glad I didn’t bet my shorts, because I would have been joining you for your meal.
September 1, 2010 at 5:27 pm |
That was my car! Sold it to a guy in Southern Calif, he was the high bidder on ebay.