Archive for November, 2015

Unfiltered – 1972 MG Midget

November 13, 2015

For the final feature inspired by last week’s Subaru BR-Z rental, here’s another car that has overlapping qualities with that newer coupe. Granted, there are vast differences, but among new cars there is not a lot there for the classic car enthusiast who bemoans the loss of sensation in today’s newer cars – no engine noise, no road noise, no vibration, and – who in the dark days of the early 1980s knew we’d complain about this – too much power to really have fun. The MG Midget and Austin-Healey Sprite twins certainly had none of those problems – there’s plenty of engine and road noise, a little vibration here and there, enough power to have fun but not so much you’ll get in trouble, and it one-ups the Subaru with things like a challenging roof. Check out this 1972 MG Midget for sale for $4000 in Sacramento, CA.

1972 MG Midget left side

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Forlorn Luxury – 1978 BMW 733i

November 12, 2015

In between featuring several sporty coupes inspired by last week’s Subaru BR-Z rental, it’s important not to let a couple of other interesting deals slip through our hands. And speaking of general bloat and jack-of-all-trades-but-master-of-none, look at what’s happened to the BMW 7-series since the original E23 version debuted in 1977. And on top of that, the remaining original cars have depreciated quite significantly, such that you can pick up a semi-running car for a 3-digit price. Check out this 1978 BMW 733i for sale for $500 in Stevenson, WA.

1978 BMW 733 left front

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Boxer 2+2 – 1988 Alfa Romeo Sprint 1.3

November 12, 2015

Referring again to the Subaru BR-Z for inspiration, a couple of features stick out – the 2+2 configuration, boxer engine, relatively light weight, unfiltered driving experience, and sporty looks. If you did a Venn diagram of the BR-Z and the 1976 – 1989 Alfa Romeo (Alfasud) Sprint, you’d see those features where the two circles overlap. The one critical difference that can’t be overlooked is the front- and rear-wheel-drive dichotomy, though anything you read would suggest front-wheel-drive is a non-issue for the Alfa. On that note, check out this 1988 Alfa Romeo Sprint 1.3 for sale for €3800 ($4100 today) in Salerno, Italy.

1988 Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint 1.3 front

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