These pages have previously espoused the perspective that cheap Alfa and Fiat spiders are disappearing due to attrition, that they’re a sportscar bargain hidden in plain view, and more. But they’re also part of another disappearing breed – the affordable classic sports car. As cars from the 1970s move solidly into the domain of the collector, so they get restored, prices go up, and the cheap older car category loses carburetors, wing windows, and other bits that make vintage motoring what it is. Not that there’s anything wrong with the 1980s BMWs, Mercedes, and Renaults that have moved into their place, but they lack a certain purity and rawness. Check out this 1974 Fiat 124 Spider for sale for $1000 in Carlsbad, CA.
Archive for September, 2014
Dwindling Species – 1974 Fiat 124 Spider
September 16, 2014A Bit of a Stretch – 1993 Mazda Miata
September 15, 2014Some say that Mazda’s Miata is the perfect modern interpretation of the classic sports car. But with the Miata going on 25 years, and the 4th generation just unveiled, there are plenty of old beater Miatas out there, which means they’re a great creative canvas. They’ve been used for Lemons racing, converted to different powertrains, converted to look like other cars, and just made into things that are plain weird, like station wagons. With all the limo services in the US, you’d think a few would have been converted into stretch limos, but as it turns out a roadster does not really lend itself to convertible conversion. So if you want one, the pickings are slim, but this 1993 Mazda Miata stretch is for sale for $3400 in San Diego, CA.
RPO Z09 – 1975 Chevrolet Vega Cosworth Twin Cam
September 15, 2014Originally slated for a 185hp Cosworth 16-valve version of the Chevrolet Vega’s inline four, the final horsepower number was dumbed down from the original 1971 forecast to 140hp in 1973 and finally 110hp in 1975 at the car’s release. However, put yourself back in the early emissions-strangled dark days of 1975 – catalytic converters were a new requirement, and manufacturers were still learning how to reduce emissions without heavily impacting performance. Well, okay, they had not learned much yet, and to make things worse, the 1972 change to net horsepower ratings means converted to net hp, the original number could have been anywhere between 130-170hp. And with roughly similar cars putting out similar figures (see twincam Fiat and Alfa engines to get you started) the power numbers are actually pretty respectable. Check out this 1975 Chevrolet Vega Cosworth for sale for $3900 in Eastern Long Island, NY.


