Archive for August, 2014

Under-Appreciated – 1969 Mercedes 250

August 18, 2014

The nice thing about living in the bargain basement of the collector car world is that, if you’re willing to accept some imperfections in each of your cars, you can probably afford to have a couple of different cars for different occasions and events. And for occasions and events where you don’t need the tail sliding around corners, or plenty of corner-to-corner poke, an older Mercedes is perfect. Which occasions? Well, how about short around-town errands, or longer freeway trips requiring a car that can cruise comfortably and quietly at 75-80mph? If you prefer a Mercedes that isn’t quite ready to do 80mph, check out this 1969 Mercedes 250 for sale for a mere $1130 in Portland, OR.

1969 Mercedes 250 right front

(more…)

When I’m 64, Part 2 – 1950 Oldsmobile 88

August 15, 2014

So you found the charm of today’s Plymouth appealing, but can’t let go of the sub-100 horsepower figure? Well, there’s an answer for you – the Olds 88, with its 303ci V8 engine producing 50 more horsepower, for a total of 145hp. The V8 engine was a contributor to Oldsmobile’s image as a manufacturer of performance cars, and the 88 was a NASCAR winner, in addition to winning the 1950 Carrera Panamericana. 1950 was also the first year for a full (not split) windshield, and the whole car was new the previous year. Check out this 1950 Oldsmobile 88 for sale for $4000 in Grande Ronde, OR.

1950 Oldsmobile 88 right front

(more…)

When I’m 64, Part 1 – 1950 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe

August 15, 2014

It’s always nice to see significantly older cars out on the road, and they’ve been such a rare sight for many years that they have nearly the same visual impact as a modern exotic, for much less money. Needless to say, you won’t be getting to 60 in 3 seconds, or doing 200mph, but who does that anyway, outside of the context of a race track? Simple, reliable, and drivable, early 1950s American cars have the charm of a country just waking up from putting everything on pause for the sake of the war. Check out this 1950 Plymouth Special Deluxe for sale for $3995 in Happy Valley, OR.

1950 Plymouth Special Deluxe left front

(more…)