While you can argue that the transition from E12 to E28 and E34 to E39 5-series BMWs were more evolutionary, the difference between the E28 and E34 models is quite significant – they went from being a relatively light-weight, luxury oriented sports sedan, to a more solidly built sedan where sport and luxury were at parity. As it happens, there’s an interesting example of each for sale right now, so let’s take a look – first up is this 1987 BMW 535i for sale for $2000 in Seattle, WA.
So you want a nimble, light sports sedan that’s not heavy with power windows and seats, airbags and other safety nonsense, and a good driver 2002 has moved out of range? All is not lost, by far. Twenty years after the 2002 went out of production, you could get quite a few sporty sedans that were relatively light, similarly quick, and fun to drive, with technology that was not available on the 2002 – things like electronic fuel injection and four-valve-per-cylinder heads, plus you might get somewhat better handling in poor conditions. Check out this 1992 Volkswagen Jetta GLI for sale for $3000 in Edmonds, WA.
The Austin A40 was a compact sedan designed to handle British post-war roads, but also to conquer markets abroad with its record-breaking (according to period advertising) 42bhp OHV engine. Shown together with responsible, pipe-smoking family men, listed at £467, it was a rather frumpy-looking thing, designed to be durable, and considered to have respectable acceleration for the time. However, handling was not impressive, and 42bhp probably didn’t conquer much more than the odd 2CV or Fiat 500. Nonetheless, there is something kind of fun about the bulbous styling of this A40, so what can we do to make it more fun? Check out this 1954 Austin A40 Somerset for sale for $2500 in Seattle, WA.
Rusty But Trusty 