Archive for July, 2015

Epilogue – 1977 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

July 6, 2015

One of the best things about writing up old cars is hearing the occasional follow-up story – the for-sale listing for this Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT is only a small part of the car’s life, so it’s inspiring to hear the stories about what the new owner decides to do with the car (well, inspiring if it goes well for the car & owner!). It’s even better when the new owner writes up the story so everyone else can share in the joy – here it is, in reader Larry L.’s own words:

The car was located in Astoria about two hours from my home in Portland so I decided it was best to trailer it. Very good idea, turns out it was running terribly rich, someone had fooled around with the Spica injection system and had made a complete bodge job of it. They had actually somehow damaged three of the injectors beyond repair. Well four rebuilt injectors and some professional tuning at Nasko’s Imports and it runs quit well. (Nasko’s is a great place for Alfa’s BMW & MINI, Nasko drives a BMW 318ti with a M3 swap!)

1977 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT Larry L left front

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Germany’s Camaro – 1974 Opel Manta

July 3, 2015

Continuing the theme of cars that are mainstream in their home country, but oddballs in North America, is the Opel Manta. Just like the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, it’s a pretty good popular sports car that has suffered from its associations with mullets, wrap-around sunglasses, bleached denim, big hair, and cheap beer. But if you look past all the cultural baggage, they’re really pretty good sports cars with strong aftermarket support. So in the case of the Manta, you can rely on some local parts sources for the basics, and if you want performance parts, those are readily available from Germany (sorry Greece, but yay weak Euro!). Check out this 1974 Opel Manta for sale for $1500 in Vancouver, WA.

1974 Opel Manta left side

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Str8 off the Streets of Mutha#%@# West Seattle? – 1991 Peugeot 505 DL Wagon

July 3, 2015

It’s a funny thing with Peugeot 505s – a car that is probably the equivalent of an Accord or Taurus in its home country is considered an oddball in North America. Just goes to show direct translation from one culture to another is not always successful. Be that as it may, the oddball factor makes it popular among a select few and also contributes to its low market value. Peugeot 505s were a handsome wagon, with the trademark slanted headlights, comfortable ride and seats, and long wheelbase for a car in its class. On top of that, their reputation for durability is no secret, and as long as you look after them you should expect as much as you would of a contemporary Mercedes, Volvo, or Saab. Check out this 1991 Peugeot 505 DL Wagon for sale for $2800 in West Seattle, WA.

1991 Peugeot 505 DL Wagon left front

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