Posts Tagged ‘hatchback’

Proto-WRX – 1988 Mazda 323 GTX

October 6, 2013

Often forgotten, the Mazda 323 GTX was the first all wheel drive turbo hatch on US shores. Sure, the Audi Quattro had been here for a few years, but this was based on an economy car that was more attainable for your average person. Equipped with bolstered sports seats, a 132hp turbocharged engine, all wheel drive with a driver-lockable differential, and redesigned platform with reinforced sills, the car was a significant step up from the regular model, and was priced accordingly. This led to weak sales at about half the expected rate, but the car is still prized among enthusiasts who were pining for a rally car for the street. You can find this 1988 Mazda 323 GTX in San Francisco, CA for $2800.

1988 Mazda 323 GTX black left rear

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One More Time – 1986 Saab Turbo

October 6, 2013

Frequent coverage of available Saabs will make this entry no surprise, but there are a couple of remarkable things about this car that merit a feature. While Saabs have a reputation for durability, for reasons that are not immediately apparent, we don’t see as many high-mileage examples offered as we would for other very durable makes. Perhaps collapsed driver’s seats have rendered them all undrivable? You can find this 1986 Saab 900 turbo 5-speed 3-door hatch for $2500 in North Seattle, WA.

1986 Saab 900 turbo interior front

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Quattre Portes – 1981 Renault LeCar

October 2, 2013

As mentioned here before, the Renault LeCar was a revolutionary car for Renault, in the way the Golf was for VW, or the Mini was for Morris/Austin. And in the feature of this 1978 LeCar, we discovered a LeCar that was actually quite sporting. If you decided to pass on that car because it was a non-runner, or not smog-worthy, we have another opportunity to make your own sporting Renault with the convenience of 4 doors. You can find this 1981 Renault LeCar in Heron Lake, MN with bidding at $1025 and about 7 1/2 days left to go.

1981 Renault LeCar left rear

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