MalaiseGB – 1979 MGB Limited Edition

July 30, 2014

Rubber bumper MGBs have long been disparaged by enthusiasts, but thanks to attrition driving supply down and prices up, people are starting to recognize these for what they are – while they were burdened by the weight of safety equipment, and the performance reductions of emissions equipment, they are still simple, reliable drivers that can better withstand the beatings of a daily driver life. The latest years also benefit from improvements and refinements that make them quite capable, and if you’re unhappy with them in stock form, you can retrofit chrome bumpers to start, and also remove the smog equipment if you’re not subject to testing. Check out this 1979 MGB Limited Edition for sale for $1300 in Bakersfield, CA.

1979 MGB right rear

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Long Lost Cousins – 1981 VW Scirocco and 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

July 30, 2014

One of the major shortcomings of most car shows, aside from the fact that the owners aren’t driving their cars, is that they’re mostly arranged by marque or by year. What if show organizers arranged cars by more esoteric themes, such as designers, design trends, or social themes? You could tell much more interesting stories that way – juxtaposing Engle-designed Lincolns and Imperials, for example, or a progression spartan post-war European cars through the 1980s. Or you could set various cars from the wedge styling trend together so you could look at a VW Scirocco, Isuzu Impulse/Piazza, Lotus Esprit, Lamborghini Countach, and Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT all in the same row. Well, some of those are out of our budget, but perhaps these two cars can get you started on your own wedge collection. Check out this 1981 VW Scirocco 16v for sale for $3000 in West Hollywood, CA.

1981 VW Scirocco 16v left front

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Straight Outta Compton – 1965 Plymouth Barracuda

July 25, 2014

Smaller Mopar cars are not terribly popular here, perhaps because for the longest time, you could get stuck behind a smoking one of these doing five under the speed limit. Of course, things are different now, and these cars are mostly survivors that are at least in decent mechanical shape, and driven by young hipsters instead of old grandmas. Both were attracted by some of the key characteristics of these (and the related Valiants), including the distinctive styling and the cockroach-like slant six. The latter is great in terms of its ability to survive adverse conditions, but cockroaches aren’t exactly universally popular. Check out this 1965 Plymouth Barracuda, for sale for $3500 in Mission Hills, CA.

1965 Plymouth Barracuda right front

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