Archive for May, 2014

Alte Klasse – 1966 BMW 1600 Neue Klasse

May 7, 2014

Update, 5/7/14: Three months later, it looks like someone picked this up, took it down to Southern California, and a quick respray and reupholstering job later, along with new brakes, carpeting, alternator, tune-up and carb, it’s up for auction with an opening bid at an eye-watering $11,000. Wish him luck realizing what would be a strong profit if someone bites on this one!

Original post, 1/29/14: Would you believe the BMW Neue Klasse had its 50th anniversary back in 2012? That’s right, five zero. And the improved version of the original 1500, the 1600, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. And yet for a 50-year-old car, they remain quite driveable in modern traffic, because all the things that made them great when they were new, like good brakes and handling, and decent power, still make them competent drivers by today’s standards. Perhaps that’s a bit of a stretch for the earlier Neue Klasse cars – the 1600 sedan, for example, had 83hp and 83 lb.-ft. of torque pulling along its 2315 lb. for a top speed of 93mph. So you’ll need to flog it a bit – check out this 1966 BMW 1600 Neue Klasse for sale in Redwood City, CA for $2950.

1966 BMW 1600 right front

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Audi GT Junior – 1985 Audi GT

May 6, 2014

Audi wanted a more accessible version of their ground-breaking Quattro, so much like Alfa Romeo with the GTA, they de-flared and re-engined the famous coupe to make it more accessible to regular consumers. Offered in various versions, buyers could still have the 5-cylinder engine and/or all-wheel-drive, but not the iconic fender flares or the turbo. In late 1984, a facelifted model was introduced, with one-piece flush headlights, updated grill, wraparound front bumper with flush fog and turn/running lights, and rear Quattro-style spoiler. In this case, the later car’s styling is more appealing – you can find this 1985 Audi GT for sale for $4400 in Downey, CA.

1985 Audi GT right rear

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Not Spanish At All – 1976 Cadillac Seville

May 6, 2014

The Cadillac Seville was the first round of GM’s attempts to compete with the European luxury brands. Given a smart, angular suit in a more compact format, it was designed to head off the inroads being made by Mercedes, Jaguar, and BMW. Built on a significantly modified version of the X-body platform (dubbed the K-body), it was powered by a 180hp Bendix/Bosch-fuel-injected version of the Oldsmobile 350 V8 engine. Interestingly enough, this car was also built under license in Iran by the company currently known as Pars Khodro, which now builds Renault and Nissan products. And while it was intended to appeal to a younger market interested in European luxury cars, it ended up predominantly selling to older women who felt more comfortable in a smaller, more maneuverable Cadillac. You can find this 1976 Cadillac Seville for sale for $3500 in Canoga Park, CA.

1976 Cadillac Seville left side

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