Archive for February, 2014

Anti-2002 – 1972 Opel Manta

February 7, 2014

So yeah, BMW 2002s are taking off in value. And sure, they’re nice cars with an iconic design, but the general enthusiasm around them would suggest they’re the only cars in their category, when in fact, they aren’t. And what’s more is, if you look around a little, you can find some affordable alternatives from manufacturers in Italy, England, and Japan. So if you’re feeling a little left out on the current collector-car price explosion, don’t – there are plenty of options still out there, and some arguably more attractive than the 2002. Here’s one of those alternatives – this 1972 Opel Manta, for sale for $1200 in Pueblo, CO.

1972 Opel Manta front

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More Underdog – 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

February 6, 2014

Here at RustyButTrusty, we’re endless defenders of the Alfetta’s honor. Apparently, the joys of the Alfetta are being recognized in other parts of the world, but here their reputation has been somewhat permanently damaged by all the modifications required to make them conform to then-new environmental and safety regulations. At this point, most states will let you toss the one major safety modification you really don’t want if you care about performance – the bumpers – and many states also don’t care if you dump the primitive emissions equipment on a car that only gets driven a few thousand miles per year (damn you, California!). Even within the confines of California laws, there are some changes you can make (1750 cams, 10:1 pistons) the smog police won’t be able to see, although that’s only worth doing if you’re already doing an engine rebuild. You can find this seemingly stock 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT for sale for $3500 in Oakland, CA.

1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT right rear

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The Underdog – 1972 BMW Bavaria Two-Fer

February 6, 2014

This might come as a surprise, but this site is all about the underdog cars. Well, mostly. And often times, the underdog can be an equally capable vehicle that has less desirable styling – consider the Falcon as a 4-door Mustang, the Alfa Berlina as a 4-door GTV, or the Maserati Quattroporte as a 4-door Sebring/3500. Sure, the 2-doors are all great looking cars, but they cost more, and you can’t bring your friends along. And who of you doesn’t secretly hope that a ride in a classic car will bring another convert into the fold? So when you walk up to a stranger’s door with Bible (AKA repair manual) in hand and clean coveralls on, you should be driving door-to-door in exhibit one in the conversion tool kit, this 1972 BMW Bavaria for sale for $4000 in San Luis Obispo, CA.

1972 BMW Bavaria blue left rear

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