Nineties 02 – 1992 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

March 9, 2015

So you want a nimble, light sports sedan that’s not heavy with power windows and seats, airbags and other safety nonsense, and a good driver 2002 has moved out of range? All is not lost, by far. Twenty years after the 2002 went out of production, you could get quite a few sporty sedans that were relatively light, similarly quick, and fun to drive, with technology that was not available on the 2002 – things like electronic fuel injection and four-valve-per-cylinder heads, plus you might get somewhat better handling in poor conditions. Check out this 1992 Volkswagen Jetta GLI for sale for $3000 in Edmonds, WA.

1992 Volkswagen Jetta GLI left front

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Saloon Racer – 1954 Austin A40 Somerset

March 8, 2015

The Austin A40 was a compact sedan designed to handle British post-war roads, but also to conquer markets abroad with its record-breaking (according to period advertising) 42bhp OHV engine. Shown together with responsible, pipe-smoking family men, listed at £467, it was a rather frumpy-looking thing, designed to be durable, and considered to have respectable acceleration for the time. However, handling was not impressive, and 42bhp probably didn’t conquer much more than the odd 2CV or Fiat 500. Nonetheless, there is something kind of fun about the bulbous styling of this A40, so what can we do to make it more fun? Check out this 1954 Austin A40 Somerset for sale for $2500 in Seattle, WA.

1954 Austin A40 Somerset 2 left front

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Longroof Nickel and Dime – 1971 Datsun 510 Wagon

March 7, 2015

With the cars they were designed to undercut coming back to full strength in the collector car market, Datsun 510s have made their own comeback. Most 510s at the bottom of their market have been subjected to poorly-done modifications, are missing parts, or need plenty of catch-up work. So it’s nice to occasionally find an example that looks like a good driver, as well as a good value. Check out this 1971 Datsun 510 wagon for sale for $3500 in Sunriver, OR.

1971 Datsun 510 wagon right side

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