Archive for January, 2014

Born From Sportscars – 1958 Triumph TR10

January 26, 2014

There’s something perversely fascinating about little postwar European cars – perhaps it’s their size, or their simplicity, or just that their entire philosophy runs counter to what’s mainstream in North America. Think back to 1958 – and make those Wayne’s World doodley-doo flashback sounds while you do – or at least try to imagine what it was like. Fangio was kidnapped briefly by a group of Cuban revolutionaries, the peace symbol was designed, Elvis joined the service, NASA and transatlantic jet flights both launch, and Jello Biafra is born. The 1958 Chevrolet Impala was the best-selling car in the United States. Into this world, Triumph released the TR10, likely inspired by the success of cars such as the VW Beetle and Renault Dauphine. You can find this 1958 Triumph TR10 for sale in Long Beach, CA for $1500.

1958 Triumph TR10 left front

(more…)

Rad! – 1985 Merkur XR4Ti

January 25, 2014

Sellers who pack their listings with unrelated keywords are mostly an annoyance, but every so often the perp does give it a little thought, and you unintentionally find an interesting car, thanks to their efforts. Even if you were just fuming because listings for Lexuses are filling up your search results. Regular readers probably are already familiar with the Merkur – based on the European Ford Sierra, with the 2.3-liter Lima four, turbocharged, two spoilers (one is not enough!), and other awesome 1980s styling cliches. Going for the manual transmission got you an additional 30hp to 175, so do not go into an automatic lightly. This first-year 1985 Merkur XR4Ti is for sale for $3100 in Pacific Beach (near San Diego), CA.

1985 Merkur XR4Ti left front

(more…)

Not Quite – 1961 MG TC Replica

January 24, 2014

The MG T-series of cars has nearly completely escaped the grasp of the common enthusiast, for better or worse, but what we can still access are some of the replicas. These cars made #22 on the Sports & Exotic Car list, and aside from the more common Fiberfab TD replica, there was also a replica of the MG TC produced by a company known as Octagon Motors. Closer in spirit to the original than the Fiberfab attempt, this car was built on a Triumph Herald platform, and runs a 948cc four-cylinder putting out 34.5hp, versus the original TC’s 54.5hp. Fortunately, the Herald was also built with larger engines up to a 1300 with 61hp, a whopping 6.5hp over the original TC. You can find this 1961 MG TC replica for sale in San Francisco, CA for $3500.

1961 MG TC replica left front

(more…)