Posts Tagged ‘Feature’

Depreciation King – 1989 Mercedes 300CE

March 10, 2016

If you’re looking for a youngtimer, to borrow the German term, that will remind you what made Mercedes great, pulls off the coupe transition far better than some of its contemporaries (here’s looking at you, Bertone Volvos), and will not inconvenience you with the ailments of a pre-emissions, carbureted car, it’s hard to go wrong with the Mercedes W124 coupes. Their sedan siblings have a durable if rather stodgy reputation, and while the driving experience doesn’t change with the transition to two door hardtop, the style certainly changes for the better. There is a surprising number of these available in the $5000-10,000 range, but what about something more accessible? How about this 1989 Mercedes Benz 300CE for sale for $3495 in Providence, RI?

1989 Mercedes 300CE left front

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Umm, 3 Wipers and 3 Shifters? – 1975 UMM Alter

March 9, 2016

When Jeeps, AROs, and Mercedes G-wagens are too boring, you have to do a deep search of online classifieds to find something truly unusual, at least on this continent: the UMM Alter. Conceived in France by a former manufacturer of military Jeep parts and upgrades, the rights were sold to the Portuguese União Metalo-Mecânica, who built the cars using Jeep running gear, a Peugeot diesel engine (among others), and some truly weird front end styling ahead of what could generously be called a big box on wheels. As with Land Rovers, many Alters went to utilities, municipalities, and other organizations needing utility vehicles, though they were not quite as successful in the private sector. They did enjoy a good reputation for durability, which is probably how at least one made it to the US – check out this 1975 UMM Alter for sale for $3600 in Hampstead, NH.

1975 UMM Alter left front

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All Faux, No Go – 1977 Triumph TR7 Coupe

March 8, 2016

Triumph’s TR7 makes a great alternative to more common sports cars of its time. It’s got a divisive notchback wedge design, flip-up headlights, gawky big bumpers, decent power which is sometimes hampered by smog equipment, as well as plaid seating, a useful trunk and the most modern amenities you’ll find on any affordable British sports car of its time. All those things make it a good alternative to cars like the Mazda RX-7 with its rotary engine, plaid seating, useful rear hatch and… wait, what? The Japanese car is weirder? Anyhow, TR7s seem to have suffered greater attrition, so let’s pretend it’s weird just for being rare and take a look at this 1977 Triumph TR7 coupe for sale for $3500 in Carver, MA.

1977 Triumph TR7 coupe right front

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