Opels were a not uncommon car back when they were just used cars, but now the youngest ones sold in the US are at least 38 years old, and in their primary role as affordable runabouts, most have disappeared from the roads. However, as most European cars do, they attracted an enthusiast contingent, including one man who has hoarded accumulated a significant collection in warehouses and outdoor lots. Technically, he can’t be called a hoarder since he’s “selling”, although quite a few of his cars are priced to look like they’re waiting for when the rising Porsche tide floats his Opel boats. Of course, in many cases, “where are you going to find another?” is the only response to that statement. You can find his 1974 Opel Ascona A 2-door for sale in Riverside, CA for $1500.
Archive for the ‘Feature’ Category
Not Oh-Pal – 1974 Opel Ascona and 1971 Opel Manta
December 3, 2013Swallow Strainers – 1962 Imperial Crown Sedan
November 27, 2013If you’re interested in jet-age or mid-century modern design, you should definitely be familiar with the work of people like Virgil Exner and Elwood Engel. Exner actually designed one of the first post-war cars, the Studebaker Starlight coupe, which definitely had jet themes, and then created the futuristic forward-look cars for Chrysler. Incidentally, he was also responsible for the design of the 1956 Imperial featured last week. Elwood Engel is most famous for his work on the 1961 Lincoln Continental, but also worked on the similar looking Chrysler slab-sided cars, as well as having a hand in most of Chrysler’s muscle cars. With that context, here’s Exner’s last opus, or the reason Engel was called in – this 1962 Imperial Crown sedan is for sale in Oakland, CA for $3500.
Heckflosse Has Nothing On This – 1961 Sunbeam Alpine
November 26, 2013In addition to wind-up windows, door handles, and a proper top, the Sunbeam Alpine was criticized for its styling. It had more than a passing similarity to Ford’s Thunderbird, and had some pretty huge fins for a post-war British car. However, it was quite prescient, and its more successful competition followed with cars like the MGB and TR4 sprouting wind-up windows and other comforts once considered too soft. As a result, the Alpine makes a pretty usable car, even by today’s standards. You can find this 1961 Sunbeam Alpine Series 1 for sale for $2750 in Beaverton, OR.


