Big Peepers – 1970 Opel GT

July 29, 2015

In 1970, you could get any number of compact sports cars that were based on designs and platforms from the 50s and 60s – look at any product from Triumph or MG, and while Fiat and Alfa were definitely more modern, the basic twin-cam 4/live rear axle roadster setup had its roots firmly in earlier cars. Even though those are fun machines in their own right, it was only later in the 1970s that automakers started releasing truly modern sports cars like the Fiat X1/9 and Triumph TR7. But while the concept of the Opel GT dated back to the early 1960s, the actual car came out in 1968. Check out this 1970 Opel GT for sale for $2500 in Portland, OR.

1970 Opel GT red left front

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Blockhead – 1972 Volvo 142E

July 24, 2015

Volvos are not obviously sporty cars, nor are they really oddballs, but there’s something appealing about their spartan, durable design. There are plenty of cars known for a 3-box design, like the 2002, but this car defines the word boxy (too bad about the round headlights). The only thing that comes as close is the Fiat 131. It’s a little bit like driving an old pickup or a Jeep – they’re not sporty by a traditional, handling-numbers-based definition, but the simplicity and unfiltered mechanical-ness of the experience makes it fun in its own way. Check out this 1972 Volvo 142E for sale for $3500 in Portland, OR.

1972 Volvo 142E left front

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BMW’s Alfetta – 1977 BMW 530i

July 23, 2015

Every classic car brand has an Alfetta – while some of their cars are very hot among collectors, or are gaining attention, the Alfetta is just as likely to be languishing for sale, week after week, as the owner’s price expectations continue to drop. For BMW, this is true for the E12 5-series – while the 2002 and E9 coupes have moved out of many budget-oriented car fans’ range, and the E3 sedans are going up with the rising tide, the old E12, which has many classic BMW characteristics, is still low on the list for many car enthusiasts. Of course, that means you get the classic BMW experience at a cut price – check out this 1977 BMW 530i for sale for $1200 in Portland, OR.

1977 BMW 530i right side

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