Perhaps it is their lingering ubiquity that makes Beetles less interesting to some classic car enthusiasts, but there’s really something to be said for all their different permutations, easy-peasy parts availability, and manifold options for modification. And, of course, you get to repair a car using a book for the Compleat Idiot before the “for Idiots” series existed, and what’s more, it’s written by John Muir. Okay, not that John Muir, but hey… anyhow, while a standard Bug does not sound too exciting, going through the process of selecting modifications and making your own to surprise the odd Alfa or BMW sounds like a lot of fun. On the theme of modifications, isn’t it interesting how owners of other modified people’s cars, namely Fiat 500/600s and Minis, are part of a broader car culture while the air-cooled VW nuts split off into their own subculture? Anyway, enough rambling – take a look at this 1967 Volkswagen Beetle for sale in Canby, OR (near Portland), for $3200.
Archive for October, 2013
One Year Only – 1967 Volkswagen Beetle (Plus Bonus Hot Rod!)
October 28, 2013British Fins – 1964 Sunbeam Alpine
October 27, 2013About 20 years ago when it was still not unusual to see British cars (made by a British conglomerate, not an American, Indian, or German one) on the road, Sunbeam Alpines were already a fairly unusual sight. Very distinctive for their fins, and somewhat more luxurious than a contemporary MG or Triumph, they were not in the mainstream and suffered from a reputation for not being a true sports car. However, by contemporary standards, the small luxuries make them usable by today’s standards. Alpines were built in several series, with the first 3 maintaining the rear fins that are part of what makes them similar to a Ford Thunderbird. Last to bear the fins, this 1964 Sunbeam Alpine Series III is for sale in sun Valley, CA for $3200.
JDM WTF – 1991 Honda Civic Si
October 25, 2013Given the common perception of Honda today, it may be a little surprising that Honda was late to the hot hatch party. While VW had had their GTI out since 1983, with significant improvements to horsepower and handling, Honda’s 1983 Civic S only got improved suspension and had to make do with a paltry 62hp. It was only by 1989 that Honda got its act together, by which time Toyota’s Corolla FX16 GT-S with the 16-valve 4AGE engine from the MR2 and AE86 Corolla fastback had come and gone, and VW had already released its 134hp 16-valve Mark 2 GTI. Honda’s first true entry in this market had a 16-valve 1.6-liter engine with 108hp and 100 lb.-ft. of torque to motivate a sub-2300 lb. car. You can find this 1991 Honda Civic Si for sale in Marysville, WA for $4000.


