Some say that Mazda’s Miata is the perfect modern interpretation of the classic sports car. But with the Miata going on 25 years, and the 4th generation just unveiled, there are plenty of old beater Miatas out there, which means they’re a great creative canvas. They’ve been used for Lemons racing, converted to different powertrains, converted to look like other cars, and just made into things that are plain weird, like station wagons. With all the limo services in the US, you’d think a few would have been converted into stretch limos, but as it turns out a roadster does not really lend itself to convertible conversion. So if you want one, the pickings are slim, but this 1993 Mazda Miata stretch is for sale for $3400 in San Diego, CA.
A Bit of a Stretch – 1993 Mazda Miata
September 15, 2014RPO Z09 – 1975 Chevrolet Vega Cosworth Twin Cam
September 15, 2014Originally slated for a 185hp Cosworth 16-valve version of the Chevrolet Vega’s inline four, the final horsepower number was dumbed down from the original 1971 forecast to 140hp in 1973 and finally 110hp in 1975 at the car’s release. However, put yourself back in the early emissions-strangled dark days of 1975 – catalytic converters were a new requirement, and manufacturers were still learning how to reduce emissions without heavily impacting performance. Well, okay, they had not learned much yet, and to make things worse, the 1972 change to net horsepower ratings means converted to net hp, the original number could have been anywhere between 130-170hp. And with roughly similar cars putting out similar figures (see twincam Fiat and Alfa engines to get you started) the power numbers are actually pretty respectable. Check out this 1975 Chevrolet Vega Cosworth for sale for $3900 in Eastern Long Island, NY.
Norwegian Sunset – 1974 Saab 99 EMS
September 14, 2014Why is it a Norwegian sunset? This is a Swedish car, you idiot! Is what you might be thinking, but after the jump you’ll see why it’s Norwegian. Since Saabs are like catnip to the oddball car nut, and one-year-only safety colors also give us the warm fuzzies, you’ll see why today’s car was so easy to choose. Adding the top-performing fuel injected engine is just icing on the cake – have a look at this 1974 Saab 99 EMS for sale for $1250 in St. Paul, MN.


