It’s time to recognize that while cars from the 1980s are still very much in the modern idiom, mostly with some modern luxuries, fuel injection, and disc brakes, by age they are moving into the classic segment. The cars most likely to be appreciated by aficionados could rightfully be those that best exemplify design trends, technical trends, and industry trends of their period. And while some might consider it ridiculous, there’s a case to be made that the AMC-built Renault Alliance, Encore and GTA fall in that category. They have the boxy styling of their period, low profile tires and a tasteful 1980s aerodynamic package, a thick-rimmed steering wheel, and a decently powerful but efficient engine. Check out this 1987 Renault GTA convertible for sale for $1500 in Rochester, NH.
Posts Tagged ‘convertible’
Le Ragtop – 1987 Renault GTA Convertible
August 29, 2014Better than a Messerschmitt – 1972 Triumph Spitfire
August 20, 2014The concept of a British roadster as a daily driver has more or less disappeared from our roads. And while the remaining cars are often restored, collector-quality examples, there are still driver-quality ones out there that more closely resemble what you might have chosen as your fun driver before the Miata showed up. And aside from pleasing the patina fiends, and people who say it’s only original once, there’s something fun in seeing a car that’s not perfect, and there’s almost a more nostalgic sense from seeing a car in the state it would have been as a 15-year-old used car instead of one that’s showroom new. A great example of this is this 1972 Triumph Spitfire for sale with bidding at $2550, no reserve, and only 2 hours left to go in Cicero, NY.
Better Than It Looks – 1963 Renault Caravelle
August 19, 2014After yesterday’s Mercedes 250 feature, here’s another car that’s not afraid to go slow. Don’t rush me, it says, I still need to have a croissant with un petit cafe, light une cigarette, and check on this year’s grape harvest. For 1962, the Floride, based on the Dauphine, was moved onto the R8 platform, and upgraded with a 956cc Sierra engine for a blustering 48hp – reasonably competitive with cars like the VW Karmann Ghia, Triumph Spitfire/Herald, and Fiat 850. However, it was one of the biggest and likely heaviest cars in its class. Nonetheless, how many other Ghia/Frua designed cars can you find at this price point? Check out this 1963 Renault Caravelle for sale with bidding at $2125, reserve not met, and less than one day left to go in Lake Worth, FL.


