Archive for September, 2013

Unbastardized – 1989 Honda Prelude Si 4WS

September 4, 2013

From a car enthusiast’s perspective, the 1970s and 1980s were really some of the best years for Japanese manufacturers. Sure, they came out with some piles, but they were also not afraid to be adventurous. They offered sports coupes like the wedgy Subaru XT of the 1980s, the funky Datsun 200SX of the 1970s, the sharp MR2, and the Corolla came in multiple body styles (coupe, 2-door, 4-door, wagon, etc.). Honda also offered the Prelude coupe in the sporty low-cowl, flip-up light, wedge look of the 1980s. While it’s no surprise to most of you, it’s pretty hard to find an older Honda that hasn’t been dressed up with all the finest accessories AutoZone has to offer. Fortunately, there is one Prelude, in top-level Si trim and with the high-tech four-wheel steering, for $3650 in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

1989 Honda Prelude Si 4WS right side

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Back in CA – 1972 Datsun 510 Wagon

September 4, 2013

It’s been a while since we’ve featured a pre-1980s Japanese car, so it’s time to revisit that part of the market. Looking around at old Datsuns, the 510 came to mind, and it’s surprising how few are currently available, even on the west coast. However, they are still out there in all their different versions, among them this first-generation 510 wagon, currently at $1500 with 1 day’s bidding left to go in Chico, CA.

1972 Datsun 510 wagon right front

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PNW Special – Is This One Better? 1978 Saab 99 Turbo

September 3, 2013

After the 1980 Saab 99 GLi featured yesterday, we did another search and found the same seller (not by admission, but really, how many Saab 99 owners could there be in Bow, WA?) selling his 1978 Saab 99 Turbo. Now, if you think an oddball transitional model like the 1980 99 GLi or the 1979 900 GLE 5-door hatch gets us all wobbly in the knees, the 900 Turbo can make us fall flat on the floor. While these probably have a greater survival rate than the other models, the spoilers, turbo badges, and red interior add up to a combination of Swedish avant-garde and their interpretation of what the North American market would find appealing. You can find today’s 99 Turbo listed at $3800 in Bow, WA, about an hour’s drive north of Seattle.

1978 Saab 99 Turbo right front

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