Archive for January, 2010

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Bargain Buy – 1978 Saab 99 Turbo

January 8, 2010

See below the link for an update to this post.

So while I normally totally disregard investment value of a car (obviously!), I do sometimes wish I could get something back out of the cars that are harder to work on. Apparently, some things are harder to do on a 99, although a clutch job is one of the easiest automotive repairs ever. As an early example of a turbocharged production car, you get some level of exclusivity, collectibility, and miserable turbo lag until BANG you’re off. Just hope the roads aren’t wet or you’ll be off into a bush if you don’t have a firm grip on the wheel. That said, I remember having a lot of fun in my parents’ ’86 9000 turbo, which had lag up until about 3000rpm.

Anyway, on to the subject of this post. It’s a well-used looking car on which the 6th digit has rolled over on its odometer twice. However, Saabs can usually handle it, and it appears to be a fairly complete car with TURBO badges, original trim, Inca wheels, and 6 mudflaps. It’s missing the cool turbo graphics, but with silk-screening technology (I think that’s what you use to repro stickers) what it is today, these can probably be remade, if someone hasn’t already done it. Find it at the Swedish Auto Factory under Cars for Sale for $2000 in Santa Clara, CA.

1978 Saab 99 turbo

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Doppelopelvergnügen – 1970 Opel Kadett Kombi

January 7, 2010

Well, who knew there would be two interesting Opels on the market at the same time. I won’t go into too much detail about this car, since it’s been covered here before, but to say that this car is the Kadett B with the same 106hp 1.9l four as the just-featured GT. With a similar power-to-weight ratio, rear-wheel-drive and a 4-speed manual, this car might actually be kind of a hoot to drive. Find it here in Tampa, FL for $1200. For even more oddball points, you’ll notice it’s a wagon with hipster-approved fake-wood applique.

1970 Opel Kadett Kombi

The three-door wagon was one of a myriad of body styles, including 2-door and 4-door fastback variants. The seller states this car needs some work, and judging by the modern tach in the Opel and the car with chromed out dubs in the background, you might also count on undoing some of his work. However, it doesn’t look like he got too far, so the car still looks fairly intact. Since the car is from Florida, I would definitely count on rust, but it doesn’t look all that bad. Body damage is also there in the right rear, but this can go on hold while you get the car running and cleaned up. Definitely worth a look if you’re in the Tampa area.

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Donnerwetter! 1970 Opel GT, Rostfrei

January 7, 2010

Before you start thinking I’ve turned German, rest assured I already am. But I’ll keep the German to the titles… I’ve been dying to feature one of these for quite a while, since and they look like a pretty fun ride, with 109hp from its 1.9l engine and weighing in at a light 2000 lb. That power-to-weight is competitive with most sports cars of the time, even if the engine and chassis are not the most refined. With over 100,000 cars sold, these were at one time quite common, but now it’s difficult to find a driver-quality car that isn’t priced beyond the range preferred here.

If you’re going to get an early 1970s sports car, you might as well get it in one of the wacky colors they had back then, all the better to stand out from the silver Accords and gold Corollas dominating the road. This 1970 GT is available from Opels Unlimited in Rialto, CA with a current bid of $540 and 8 days to go. No guarantees it won’t go over the magic $3,000 line, but judging by the cosmetics the likelihood is low.

1970 Opel GT left

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