Archive for December, 2015

Positively Byzantine – 1973 Mercedes 450 SE

December 29, 2015

Mercedes sedans of the 1960s and 1970s seem to be true automotive bargains – fully depreciated but beautifully built, and sure, while service parts cost more than for a similarly priced American luxury car, every car enthusiast should experience one at least once. And if you want that rumbly V8 noise, a Mercedes with the M117 will do that too, and scoot you to 60 in a respectable 8.5 seconds, using its copious power and torque to get you there. Mercedes enthusiasts in North America will also know the W116 only came with the tidier, smaller world-market bumpers in 1972 and 1973, so check out this 1973 Mercedes 450 SE for sale for $3500 in Lynnwood, WA.

1973 Mercedes 450 SE right front

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Stock? Really? – 1990 Honda Civic CR-X Si

December 28, 2015

Toyota’s MR2 has a more exotic layout, and is less likely to be the recipient of poorly judged upgrades from your local purveyor of diamond plate floor mats and neon green nylon seat covers, but when you find an apparently stock example of Honda’s CR-X, it’s hard to ignore. And if you enjoy the responsive engine and sharp handling, but want a little extra utility, the sporty version of the 2-seat commuter as interpreted by Honda is well worth consideration. Let’s check out this 1990 Honda CR-X Si for sale for $2600 in Vancouver, WA.

1990 Honda Civic CRX Si left front

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Microcar Face-Off – 1969 Subaru 360 vs. 2005 Smart Fortwo Passion

December 24, 2015

When we think of the “golden age” of the micro car, it’s likely the 1950s and 1960s come to mind. For North American purposes, the thread of the microcar pretty much ran out once the safety bar was raised in the early 1970s, struggling on in the form of oddball electric cars like the Citicar and Zagato Elcar. In 2008, though, Smart put an end to that dry spell by bringing its Fortwo coupe to the market. Interestingly, the Fortwo and Subaru have as much in common as they do differences – quirky styling? Check. Small dimensions? Check. Good fuel economy? Check. Rear engine? Check. Speaking of checking, check out this 1969 Subaru 360 for sale for $3900 in Forest Grove, OR.

1969 Subaru 360 left side

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