Posts Tagged ‘german’

Microcar Face-Off – 1969 Subaru 360 vs. 2005 Smart Fortwo Passion

December 24, 2015

When we think of the “golden age” of the micro car, it’s likely the 1950s and 1960s come to mind. For North American purposes, the thread of the microcar pretty much ran out once the safety bar was raised in the early 1970s, struggling on in the form of oddball electric cars like the Citicar and Zagato Elcar. In 2008, though, Smart put an end to that dry spell by bringing its Fortwo coupe to the market. Interestingly, the Fortwo and Subaru have as much in common as they do differences – quirky styling? Check. Small dimensions? Check. Good fuel economy? Check. Rear engine? Check. Speaking of checking, check out this 1969 Subaru 360 for sale for $3900 in Forest Grove, OR.

1969 Subaru 360 left side

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Lingering – 1975 BMW 2002

December 16, 2015

BMW’s 2002 is certainly a cult favorite, right up there with the VW Beetle, Volvo 122, and more in terms of its recognition among classic car enthusiasts. While it’s not the lowest-maintenance classic you can get, its issues are well-documented, and you could fairly say it’s a good starter classic for someone who would consider one of the above cars, or something in the same price bracket, like an MGB or Triumph TR6. While the engine isn’t quite as thrilling as some of its contemporaries, it’s certainly a fun car to drive with decent power and safe handling. So it’s surprising to see one linger on the market, especially when the price is on the fair side – check out this 1975 BMW 2002 for sale for $4000 in McMinnville, OR.

1975 BMW 2002 2 right front

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Up, Up, Up and Away – 1974 BMW Bavaria

December 3, 2015

For quite a long time, BMW’s E3 series of sedans (2500, 2800, 3.0Si and Bavaria) soldiered on in the shadow of their more famous E10 2002 and E9 coupe siblings, and they were a hidden secret in the BMW community. But it seems the internet does not conceal much, and those who own and sell their E3s are waking up to the possibility that they should sell for more money than in the past. So while these are still not as desirable, the way Alfa Berlinas are less desirable than Giulia sedans, they have gained value in the same way. Of course, with diligent searching you can still find what appear to be decent drivers at a fair price. Check out this 1974 BMW Bavaria for sale for $3999 in Burien, WA.

1974 BMW Bavaria left side

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