Archive for April, 2014

Accidental Easter – 1977 VW Rabbit

April 9, 2014

How can you not like a 1970s compact in bold safety colors? Most compact cars, especially inexpensive ones, have devolved to being in boring grays and golds, and black, white, red and maybe blue if you’re lucky. Thanks to Fiat and Mini, small cars are getting their color back, but unless you go with the trendiest (and somewhat premium) brands, you’re still stuck with the basic choices. Back in the 1970s, the Germans were the least afraid of using bold colors. Check out this 1977 VW Rabbit, for sale for $2 (must be $2000) in Tukwila, WA (just north of SeaTac airport).

1977 VW Rabbit left front

(more…)

The Other Mirage – 1977 Chevrolet Monza Mirage

April 8, 2014

Just this past weekend at the CSRG season opening historic races, there was a flared and spoilered, Italian-looking sports coupe with racy paint and wide wheels. In the interest of spotting and possibly documenting the find, closer inspection was required, and it turned out to be a Chevrolet Monza Mirage. Internet research revealed it was a stickers-and-body-kit package applied to fully built Monzas by Michigan Automotive Techniques Corporation, designed to resemble the IMSA racing Monza GT. The Monza itself was based on the Vega, and yet sold alongside it, which must have been interesting on the sales floor. It was originally intended to be powered by the Wankel rotary engine GM was developing. You can find this 1977 Chevrolet Monza Mirage for sale for $3500 in Buford, GA.

1977 Chevrolet Monza Mirage right front

(more…)

Forgotten Import – 1982 Cub Commuter

April 8, 2014

Quick! Name a Taiwanese car imported to the United States! Couldn’t guess one, could you? Well, you’re not alone, no doubt because the Cub Commuter was not successful in getting Taiwan access to the growing North American car market. Built by Convenient Machines (isn’t that the company that makes those stair lifts?), its 400cc engine propelled the 600-lb. egg to 50mph. Judging by the 3 wheels alone, it would seem it was built on the same platform as a tuk-tuk, one of those southeast Asian scooter-taxis. The seller’s father is said to have bought the car new – you can find this 1982 Cub Commuter for sale for $2500 in Valley Grande, AL.

1982 Cub Commuter right rear

(more…)