Archive for the ‘Feature’ Category

Doppelopelvergnügen – 1970 Opel Kadett Kombi

January 7, 2010

Well, who knew there would be two interesting Opels on the market at the same time. I won’t go into too much detail about this car, since it’s been covered here before, but to say that this car is the Kadett B with the same 106hp 1.9l four as the just-featured GT. With a similar power-to-weight ratio, rear-wheel-drive and a 4-speed manual, this car might actually be kind of a hoot to drive. Find it here in Tampa, FL for $1200. For even more oddball points, you’ll notice it’s a wagon with hipster-approved fake-wood applique.

1970 Opel Kadett Kombi

The three-door wagon was one of a myriad of body styles, including 2-door and 4-door fastback variants. The seller states this car needs some work, and judging by the modern tach in the Opel and the car with chromed out dubs in the background, you might also count on undoing some of his work. However, it doesn’t look like he got too far, so the car still looks fairly intact. Since the car is from Florida, I would definitely count on rust, but it doesn’t look all that bad. Body damage is also there in the right rear, but this can go on hold while you get the car running and cleaned up. Definitely worth a look if you’re in the Tampa area.

Donnerwetter! 1970 Opel GT, Rostfrei

January 7, 2010

Before you start thinking I’ve turned German, rest assured I already am. But I’ll keep the German to the titles… I’ve been dying to feature one of these for quite a while, since and they look like a pretty fun ride, with 109hp from its 1.9l engine and weighing in at a light 2000 lb. That power-to-weight is competitive with most sports cars of the time, even if the engine and chassis are not the most refined. With over 100,000 cars sold, these were at one time quite common, but now it’s difficult to find a driver-quality car that isn’t priced beyond the range preferred here.

If you’re going to get an early 1970s sports car, you might as well get it in one of the wacky colors they had back then, all the better to stand out from the silver Accords and gold Corollas dominating the road. This 1970 GT is available from Opels Unlimited in Rialto, CA with a current bid of $540 and 8 days to go. No guarantees it won’t go over the magic $3,000 line, but judging by the cosmetics the likelihood is low.

1970 Opel GT left

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Saad about Saab – 1988 Saab 900 SPG

December 30, 2009

Well, I’m probably not the only car nut to do it, but I thought I’d post a nice Saab in honor of the recent passing of one of my favorite car brands. Regular readers might know I grew up in Saabs, so it’s sad to see them go, although I’m not sure I would have had as much use for one of those GM-platform non-hatchback cars they thought would be the key to success. Ha! That said, some online reading is making me think they’re still clinging on to dear life – after all, the new 9-5 was all set to go, so with that and the last-minute folks showing up to make an offer, maybe there is hope.

With that off my chest (bitter at GM? nooo), let’s look at this nice 900 SPG here in Pasadena, CA for $2000. I fear the listing’s already disappeared since it took so long for me to finalize this post, so you may have to just rely on my words and the ad text below:

1988 Saab 900 SPG, Edwardian Grey

$2,000 cash, firm (This is a great price)
190,000 miles, 2nd owner, purchased in 2001 with 135k miles, full service history, clean title, comes with mechanic’s inspection report.
Good Engine, body and interior are about 7 out of 10 rating, no rips in leather seats.
New alternator
New AMM
New solid aluminum front engine mount
Clear side turn signals
Rear vent covers
Aluminum rally skid plate
Silicone vacuum lines
Passed smog test
Front right plastic molding is standard in lieu of SPG
Large scratch on one SPG panel
Scratch on rear quarter panel (A kid keyed the car)
No cruise control (newer stalk, easy fix)
A/C was marginal and last used in 2003
CD player in lower cubby
Cupholder and coin holder in dash
Kenwood speakers
Bridgestone Potenza tires with about 15k miles of life left

Fun Car. I also owned a 1987 Saab 900 8v non-turbo for 11 years.

1988 Saab 900 SPG

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