1972 Opel Manta 1.9 GT/E

by Paul on May 21, 2013 in Opel with No comments

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With the introduction of the Mustang in 1964, Ford was successful in taking the rather ordinary Falcon and turning into something extraordinary that consumers lusted after. While the Plymouth Barracuda went on sale two weeks before the Mustang, it was when the Mustang was launched that the Pony Car wars begun. A similar trend followed across the pond, with the introduction of the Ford Capri in 1969 with the tagline “The Car You Always Promised Yourself.” One year later, Opel decided to have a go at the coupe market with the Manta, which was based on the Ascona. This car had a cult following amongst the youth in West Germany and even had a movie named after it entitled Manta, Manta. The Manta was also one of a handful of Opels that would be sold on Buick forecourts in the US market.

This Manta for sale south of Nuremberg, Germany is the hot one, the GT/E, which has the 1.9 liter engine with Bosch L Jetronic fuel-injection.

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Year: 1972
Model: Manta GT/E
Engine: 1.9 liter inline four
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 34,700 km (~ 21,500 mi)
Price: €18,900 ($24,335 USD)

Click for Details: 1972 Opel Manta GT/E on Mobile.de

Manta A 1.9E (GT/E) in 1a condition. The car was rebuilt at the end of the 1990s with no expense spared. Overhauled engine, 5-speed gearbox, brakes, internally ventilated Supersprint exhaust system with headers, new headliner and new carpet, sports seats from the i200, ATS 7×13 with 205 tires. Recent TÜV inspection, service, H-plate. A very nice vehicle that is hard to find in this condition. Sit down, drive on, have fun.

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I’ve always liked the look of these early Mantas, as they foreshadowed a bit of the E24 6 series in their front profile. My father bought a 1972 Manta Rallye new from the Buick dealer. The Rallye was a sport package that included a different gear ratio, tighter suspension, fog lights and a gauge package. It also could be differentiated by its hood, which was painted black. He still looks back on that car fondly and it’s not surprising, given their excellent handling and noted racing successes.

Over $20,000 for a Manta is serious coin. Even though they are different cars, the closest thing we got to the GT/E in the US was the Rallye. On a good day, the best Rallye out there might fetch $7,000 to $10,000 in this market. Then again, the Manta is beloved in its domestic market, so this car might scratch the itch for someone on a serious trip down memory lane.

-Paul

1992 BMW 325i with 48,000 Original Miles

by Paul on May 21, 2013 in BMW with 2 Comments

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With the E30 3 series gaining popularity by the minute, the E36 has now become the go-to 3 series for those on a budget. Not too old yet not too young, these compact Bimmers offer a lot of bang for the buck. They are a little more complex than the simpler E30 that it replaced, but they are still fairly straightforward as compared to vehicles of today. While in college a little over a decade ago, one of my good friends purchased this very car, a 1992 325i sedan with a 5-speed manual. He ran it for many years thereafter, and it was a trusty, entertaining drive, if not the most practical for New England winters. This low mileage 325i for sale in Salt Lake City is in amazing condition for a first year E36 and is a tempting alternative to some newer compact sedans at this price point.

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Year: 1992
Model: 325i
Engine: 2.5 liter inline six
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 48,500 mi
Price: $8,900 Buy It Now

Click for Details: 1992 BMW 325i on eBay

48k original miles. Despite friends, co-workers, neighbors and family members using the phrase “like new” when describing this car, I will say it is more so like a well maintained two year old vehicle. Never driven in snow which will be obvious when you see the vehicle in person. Super shiny paint. Near perfect interior. I like my cars – 100% correct, stock and functioning in every way. This is not the ordinary low mileage older car that only looks good in the picture and sounds good in the text – I’ve seen and owned them and every time had looker’s or buyer’s remorse. Everything on this car is near as supple as the day it was driven off the showfloor. No saggy headliners, no cracked plastic bits around, perfect glass, unused spare wheel/tire, etc. Features cold A/C, power moonroof, power locks, power mirrors and cruise control. 5 speed manual transmission. This car is quick and fun to drive. Freshly tuned up with new ignition coils and spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter. Brakes and tires are at about 80% life remaining. No accidents, No body work. As close to new as a car like this can be. Call or email Brent with questions. 801-706-4181 or brent@brentwilliam.com

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It’s refreshing to see one of these 3 series sedans in such mint condition. At first, under $9,000 for such a well preserved E36 seems like a bargain, but truth be told, there are M3s of the same generation out there to be had for similar, if not less money. Granted, these M cars will more than likely have higher mileage than this 325i, but if its speed you are after, there’s some temptation out there at this price point. I don’t think we’re far off from what this car will fetch, but if you want the best E36 325i money can buy, I’d wager to say you’re looking at it.

-Paul

2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 Estate

by Paul on May 20, 2013 in Mercedes Benz, Sponsored Listing with 1 Comment

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The E class AMG Estate is a favorite of ours at GSCFSB. In this virtual used car lot of ours, there’s always a few of them kicking around. Rare and unique in today’s automotive landscape, these fast five-doors could very well be the last of a dying breed amidst the push for greater economy. Then again, with large SUVs still out there on the streets gulping down petrol at rapid rates, I tend to believe that may not be the case.

Hot on the heels of the E63 AMG Estate that Ben featured last week, here comes another fast Stuttgart hauler from our friends at EuroWerkz in Pleasantville, Iowa.

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Year: 2006
Model: E55 AMG Estate
Engine: 5.5 liter supercharged V8
Transmission: 5-Speed automatic
Mileage: 70,658 mi
Price: $34,000 OBO

2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Estate at EuroWerkz

2006 Mercedes E55 AMG Wagon – Silver/Black – 1 of approximately 64 imported in the US in 2006.

History – Bought new in CA and I brought it to IA September of 2011 with 59,487 miles on it. Since day one it has been enthusiast owned. I have driven it sparingly and stored in my climate control garage as well as secured covered parking at my office location. Professionally detailed 4 times per year. The car currently has just over 70,000 miles on it.

This is a pride of ownership, open check book maintained super rare E55 Estate. All services are up to date and the car is not in need of any reconditioning. Sale includes, two sets of wheels and tires, all books, documented service history at MB dealer, and three factory keys.

Options – Distronic Cruise, 6 CD, Satellite Radio, Dynamic Driver and Passenger Seats, Heated and Cooled Front Seats, 4 zone climate control, Third Row Seat, Rear Window Shades, Xenon Headlamps, Keyless GO, Phone Module

Condition –

Exterior: Factory Paint and Panels, there is not one ding or dent on the car and there are no scratches on the car. A few pin sized nicks from bugs and road grit. All trim is original and in excellent condition. Two sets of wheels: 18” AMG split 5 star wheels as well as 19” AMG 5 star wheels (as pictured). Both sets of wheels are straight and free of rash. All eight wheels have Continental Extreme Contact DWS all-season tires mounted and each set has approximately 5,000 miles on them.

Interior: Leather is in beautiful condition showing very little wear to driver and passenger seat bolsters. Middle seat and third row seat are both as new. No rips or tears in any seats. All door panels are as new. All wood trim is beautiful and free of scratches. Suede headliner is free of any stains or blemishes. Carpets are perfect. Floor mats are original and while showing slight wear are still in very good condition. All rocker panel and other trim is in very good condition. All switch gear is in excellent condition. EVERYTHING is in working order.

Service History Since my Ownership:

61,613 miles at MB Dealer 11/8/11: Brake Fluid Flush and B Service – Lube, Oil and Filters, Topped off Fluids, Inspected Vehicle, installed Flat Hood Ornament (have original): $420.93

61,764 miles 11/21/11: Mounted and Balanced 4 new Continental Extreme Contact DWS Tires: 245/40/18 & 265/35/18: $1,110.40

62,091 miles at MB Dealer 12/22/11: Replace Front and Rear Brake Pads and Rotors, Replaced Supercharger Belt, Replaced Rear Center Armrest Assembly, Replace Spark Plugs, Replace Dual Air Filter Elements, Replace all Fuel Injector Seals and Gaskets: $4,302.17

64,321 miles: Mounted and Balanced 4 new Continental Extreme Contact DWS Tires: 245/35/19 & 275/30/19: $1,320.30 (After purchase of OEM 19” AMG wheels and professional recondition $1,500)

67,969 miles at MB Dealer 11/15/12: Complete Transmission Service and A Service – Lube, Oil and Filter, Topped off Fluids, Inspected Vehicle: $588.20

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This is clearly a well maintained and well documented E55 Estate. The Pewter Metallic is possibly a bit too sublime for a car with such a beastly nature, but this is a car that doesn’t need to shout about its capabilities. Those who know these AMGs know full well of how awesome they are. The amount of servicing in the last 10,000 miles should be reassuring to any weary of taking on an AMG with just over 70,000 miles. Good examples of E55 Estates are fetching in the high $20,000 to low $30,000 territory, so a well sorted example like this isn’t far off the mark in terms of price.

For those interested in this E55, you can contact Doug Wittkowski of EuroWerks at witt@eurowerkzlc.com

-Paul

Setting the bar: One-owner 1988 BMW E30 M3 with 77k miles

by Nate on May 20, 2013 in BMW with 3 Comments

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Last week I wrote up a heavily-modified E30 M3 that, while decently executed, tended towards the impure and thus more-accessible end of the spectrum. Reflection on the first M3′s still-accelerating prices usually involves an example with many caveats and speculation on what a fictional “creampuff” might reach. Well, folks, today is that creampuff. One owner has taken it 77,000 careful miles between nights in the garage, it’s Alpineweiss over red leather, and is completely unmodified. Look up “perfect stock E30 M3″ in your dreams and the pictures show this exact car. So the question lies: what does the most unblemished and cared for E30 M3 cost these days? Almost 40 bids have pushed the reserve-on price over $30k. What do you think? $10k more? $15k? $20,000 more?!

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Year: 1988
Model: M3
Engine: 2.3L S14 inline four
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 77,000
Price: Reserve-on auction at $30,000 at time of writing

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 BMW E30 M3 for sale on eBay

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In the face of most omissive and annoying descriptions, I can’t get angry for one that is TOO informative. A wikipedia-worthy M3 history and thoughtful dealer questions are too long to be copied here but a decent read on the eBay listing:

The M3 is certainly one of the most original, long term ownership (virtually one owner from date of purchase in 1987 – July, 2012) unmodified to be offered in years. It is rare to see M’3 offered for sale as most are coveted by collectors / enthusiasts but to come across a car that has been “hidden” for over a dozen years is remarkable. As important is the fact that when the car was new it was used very sparingly by its mature physician owner, never abused, and, of course, never tracked or raced.

This particular M3 has signs of being very well cared for by the one adult owner for all of its life. An inspection of the undercarriage and photos (part of the listing) suggests the car may not have even been driven in the rain! The body is perfectly straight with excellent original paint and even the “M” pin-striping as applied by the dealership when the car was delivered.

FEATURES OF THIS 1988 BMW M3 E30 – SUMMARY

-Early production car (4/87) Note: Virtually all USA delivered M3′s were titled as 1988 models despite production dates that ranged from 3/97 on.
-Finished in factory correct & rare combination of Alpine White & Cardinal Red leather
-Tri-Color BMW “M” Pin-striping
-Numbers matching engine & 5-speed transmission
-Factory stock and correct BBS wheels
-100% BMW body panels with excellent gaps & fitment
-New, correct Michelin tires added within 500 miles
-Original factory AM/FM radio and correct rear package tray mounted factory speakers (Note: Radio shows “Code” in photos but we have the original code to enter and the radio works fine)
-Totally stock engine and engine bay (no added aftermarket air cleaners, strut bars or other items)
-Like new trunk with factory rear mat / carpet & spotless spare tire well with absolutely NO Rust
-Factory spare, & tools (Never removed..refer to photos)
-BMW Owner’s Manuals including:
-M3 Supplement Owner’s Manual
-BMW Anti-Theft Radio Manual with Installation Instructions
-NOAA Weather Radio Booklet
-Limited Warranty Booklet – BMW
-BMW Roadside Assistance Booklet
-BMW Service Locations Booklet
-Roadside Assistance ID Cards
-100% Stock Interior in beautiful condition
-Front seats just professionally recovered using matching correct leather “hides”
-Excellent rear seat with beautiful patina but NO damage, rips, tears
-Seat belts totally free from fraying / signs of wear
-Perfect headliner
-Stock and perfect sun-visors
-Fully functional sun roof
-Factory BMW / BBS mesh wheels
-Stock 4 wheel disc brakes
-Stock widened M3 fenders
-Clear California Title
-Totally 100% Clean Auto Check and Car Fax Reports IMPORTANT NOTE:
AutoCheck rates the BMW at “45″ with the range for similar cars being 11-29! This represents the highest rating on a car of this vintage that we ever seen on AutoCheck. Car Fax also shows a totally clean report and “Adds” a significant amount “Above Retail” due to the BMW’s exceptional history and low, low mileage.

SUMMARY

The E30 M3 represents a rare, low mileage M3 that has a history of being cared for by one owner for close to 25 years. The car is in absolutely magnificent condition and is arguably one of the, if not the finest example in the United States.

The cosmetic quality of the car is superb with even the most minor flaws requiring close critical inspection to be noticed. The front of the E30 is free from rock chips and damage and the car was garaged and properly stored for its entire life (and it shows). The interior is the same high quality and the photos accurately reflect the overall quality of the exterior, interior, underside and engine bay.

The car has been inspected by BMW specialists with the following observations:
-Tires appear almost new
-Remaining brake pads 10mm (Front) / 8mm (Rear)
-No rust or undercarriage damage
-Fully functional lighting systems (Passed safety inspection)
-In 100% stock condition with the exception of the change of “wear” items
-Straight damage free body & exceptional paint quality

We ask that you review the 100~ photographs carefully since, in the case, the old adage “A photograph is worth a thousand words” is very appropriate. Please contact us if we can answer any questions regarding this lovely M3 (925-846-1451).

A DRIVE IN THE E30 M3

Over the years, we have driven literally hundreds of BMW’s and owned almost as many! They have been our choice as our regular high performance “drivers” and we love that they offer a wonderful combination of performance, handling, comfort and good looks. The E30 is popular for good reason but locating original examples has become extremely difficult.

Whether cold or warm the BMW fires up immediately with a smooth idle. The engine is free from any noises and the car does not leak fluids. The clutch engages properly and without fuss and as you shift from first to second gear you notice how solid and tight the car feels. No rattles, squeaks or indication that you’re driving a quality high performance BMW.a nice feeling.

As you begin to drive you also appreciate the “green-house” affect that the BMW M3 offers resulting in great visibility. Additionally you are reminded that the driving position is excellent and that the car would make a great long distance touring car in addition to being a practical, fast and fun everyday or weekend car for use on those twisty back roads.

Once you gain momentum it is clear that this car is considerably more fun to drive than a stock “3-Series”, especially in the “Twisties.” The suspension is taut, well damped and the steering precise and certain. The braking system is excellent as a result of the improved M3 components, the M3 stops straight and sure. The emergency brake is properly adjusted and fully functional.

The BMW has the perfect exhaust note from the stock exhaust system and the combination the high-revving 16-Valve engine and the wonderful suspension makes this car and absolute delight to drive. While the stock sound system is fully functional, we would much prefer to listen to the sound of the engine instead of the radio!

This particular car runs and drives as it did when it was delivered new to its original owner. The BMW is extremely comfortable under all driving conditions ranging from a regular high end driver to a car that will be appreciated at any BMW gathering, show or special event.

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I’ve never seen pinstriping on the M3, and while different, I don’t mind how they accentuate the fat fenders. I never thought I’d like stripes on an M5 either, but mine have certainly grown on me. I’m intrigued to see where this one lands. While the wave of a valuation bubble can be entertaining, it’s getting to the point where I want them to slow down a little so a few more normal people can buy and enjoy them.

-NR

2000 BMW M5 in Le Mans Blue

by Ben on May 20, 2013 in BMW with 1 Comment

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It’s been far too long since we had a proper E39 M5 on the site. Arguably the greatest modern sports sedan of our time, the handsome brute captured our hearts with its stunning blend of style and strength and its incredible performance coming from M division’s first eight-cylinder engine. I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count the reasons why I love the E39 but I can share with you this beautiful 2000 Le Mans Blue example on eBay.

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Year: 2000
Model: M5
Engine: 4.9 V8
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Mileage: 77,313
Price: No Reserve Auction, $8,500 current bid

Click for Details: 2000 BMW M5 on eBay

Hi everyone, I’ve sold a couple of my motorcycles on eBay over the last few months so I thought I’d try my luck with one of my cars. I just bought a new car so something old needs to go, unfortunately this is a favorite of mine. I bought this 2000 BMW M5 from Autohaus BMW here in St. Louis this past January. From my understanding it’s been a local car and the last owner was somewhat of a BMW collector, being his fifth BMW before trading it in for a new one. When I bought it, the vehicle was fully inspected by BMW and had a new set of tires installed. (Since purchasing it, I’ve put on about 2,000 miles with current mileage around 77,313). If you’re looking for an E39 M5, this is the one to get. It is a relatively low mileage example and has a few awesome modifications:

• The upgraded Mark III navigation system
• Euro spec front headlights (clear turn signal indicators instead of the amber North America spec lights)
It also has a few Dinan performance upgrades. From my knowledge, it has:
• The Dinan M5 High Flow Cold Air Intake System (the two aluminum rings in the front grill, MSRP $1,399+ installation)
• Dinan’s Free Flow Rear Muffler Exhaust System (my absolute favorite part of the car, it sounds amazing, MSRP $2,599+ installation).

It’s also important to note that the exhaust isn’t obnoxiously loud, if you stomp on the gas, it will sound like an exotic, but if you’re just cruising, the car is quite and luxurious, just as any other M5. See the video for a better idea, especially during the in-car driving portion. The vehicle may have additional modifications, but I am unaware of any other specifics. During my short ownership, I’ve never had any issues with the car. I never drove it in the snow or harsh weather. There are no warning lights, malfunctioning systems and I am unaware of any issues.

The paint is in perfect shape and there aren’t any dents, save for a small ding in the left rear door (some people just don’t hang on to their doors in parking lots), having said that, the ding is extremely small and almost unnoticeable, as you can see from the photos. The interior is also in excellent condition all around, photos speak louder than words, but there are hardly any scratches or signs of wear. All the electronic systems work, the automatic windshield wipers work great, and everything fits together very well. I’ve never tracked or raced the car, it’s been driven very gently and I’ve never crashed the vehicle either.

Please see the photos and video below, sorry about the large number of photos, I just want to provide the best representation of the vehicle as possible, it really is in near perfect condition. Two sets of keys and all service manuals are included.

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Of the 24,482 M5’s produced between 1999 and 2003 almost half came in either Carbon Black or Le Mans Blue (22% each). Carbon Black is a lovely color especially when the sun hits it just right but in my opinion LMB makes everything about E39 M5 even more bold and pronounced. This particular example is one of the lower mileage E39 M5’s that I’ve seen on the market in past month. In addition to some light cosmetic upgrades like the euro spec headlamps, the owner has taken a popular route and upgraded the stock exhaust and intake to Dinan units. Within the next five years I see the E39 M5 attracting an E30 M3 cult like following. These M5s are the last example of BMW’s handsome four-door muscle car. Such a lovely M5 should fetch $18-20K depending on how the buyer feels about the modifications. If I was ever going to own a German four-door sports sedan, this would be my only choice.

-Ben

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