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Gray Market Goodness: 500E, 190 2.3-16, and CTR2
Some really tasty gray market goodies are for sale online right now. I had to get these posted fast, so I’m putting them all together. Enjoy!
Mercedes-Benz Euro W124 500E 1992 For Sale at EuroClassicMotors.com for $42000
quote from their website:
Mercedes-Benz Euro
500E 1992Model: Mercedes-Benz Euro W124 500E 1992 Anthracite Grey Metallic/Black Features: Fully loaded, Rare onboard computer! (Similar to E34 M5 ) Mileage: 89K since new, second owner car, imported from Germany 1993 by the original owner all the DOT/EPA is done, Currently the new home is Los Angeles area. Availability: CURRENTLY FOR SALE $42000- call/email. Technical Data: This is legendary M119 engine, Euro spec is 326hp 354 nm / 261.1 ft lbs @ 4900 rpm. Exhaust: Custom made from the headers all the way to the Remus, the sound is awesome !!!
Soon will have dyno test on the car, estimated around 356hp at the crank…Suspension: Koni yellow sport (adjustable). Brakes: High-performance double-drilled and slotted rotors with high performance brake pads. Transmission: Is set to start from 1st gear every time and
operates very sensitively in downshift mode with no lock moment… The result is impressive!Differential: 2.47 LSD (Limited Slip Differential) Wheels: 19” inch AMG (style) Front 245 35 19 Rear 275/30/19.
Is this the finest W124 500E for sale… anywhere?! It sure looks like it, and duplicating this car would surely cost more than the asking price. Make sure to check out their website which has probably 100 images on it. This car is beautiful!
quote from eBay listing:
This is the one! Anthracite gray with black leather interior, 5-speed manual with the higher horsepower, higher compression european spec engine. 75k miles and very tight. Very good to excellent condition throughout.
Yes, this is a 1985 model and that means it was produced for the European market and imported here. In the case of the Cosworth 190E, this means that this car has higher horsepower (185hp vs 167hp), torque and compression ratio.
This is a really nice example of a very desirable and collectible car. This is not a show car, but it certainly is in much better than average condition and has a relatively low 75,000 miles on it. It is probably too nice to take racing — even though it is a race car — but could make a great base for a project street car. Or do like me and just drive it! I have driven a lot of Mercedes in my life and this is the only one that really feels like a sports car. It’s nimble handling, high revving Cosworth engine and great exhaust note make this car a blast to drive. Please come buy it before I get into trouble!
• 75,000 Miles
• Five-speed transmission
• 4-cylinder 2.3 liter engine
I like the opening bid of $8000 and the honesty of this listing. While not quite as nice as this example posted a while back, the combination of European specification, recent respray, and very good miles, make me think this is a great example for an enthusiast. I wish I was in the market right now, I’d bid!
1997 Porsche Ruf CTR2 Sport for Sale at SunsetClassics.com
quote from their website:
We have an exceptional Yellowbird Yellow 1997 Porsche Ruf CTR-2 Sport for sale. This RUF was the fastest production car in the world in 1997. This ultra rare Porsche Ruf CTR2 Sport ranks right up there with Ferrari’s F50 and Jaguar’s XJ220. The CTR2′s air-cooled engine whips out an impressive 580HP with 0-60 times under 4 seconds, and a blistering top speed of 217mph! There were only 16 of these street legal super cars made from 1995-1997 so this is obviously a really rare chance at owning a piece of automotive history. Not to mention it is one wicked car to drive.
This is the fastest car I’ve ever ridden in, and we didn’t even juice it anywhere near its full potential. This particular car was featured in the February 1998 issue of European Car magazine when it was owned by the previous owner Steve Beddor. This car has only 8k original miles since new, a beautiful sounding Blaupunkt stereo system and looks to kill. You are looking at a very fine investment opportunity for any Porsche enthusiast – and one fun sports car that craves some hard driving.
Not much needs to be said here. An opportunity like this doesn’t come along very often, and it’s appears to be titled! The real deal, not a conversion, and has only 8k miles. I’ve always said that I think the 993 series was the last of the real Porsche 911′s and this one is the ultimate tuner car of it’s generation. Sure it’s a Powerball fantasy for most of us, but if my ticket hits, this guy’s phone is going to blow up the next day! Make sure to click through and check out all the images they have and bunch of videos too.
dc
Volkswagen Corrado, Affordable, Fun, Collectible
There are a good number of VW Corrados out there for the taking, in all different flavors, aftermarket blower 1.8s, turbocharged 2.0 liters, bone stock 2.8 VR6s, etc. For those non-Volkswagen aficionados out there, let me remind you that before the narrow angle VR6 came along the Corrado was offered with a G60 engine package that left the factory with a supercharged 4 cylinder. The G standing in German for G-lader, describing the G shaped scroll type supercharger. Not a bad setup and being able to say your car has a supercharger is almost always a cool selling point. The engine won International Engine of the Year in 1989. Plus they had ads like this:
When I was younger a customized VR6 Corrado was one of the favorites amongst the European tuner kids to go up against the Japanese imports. For this post I stuck with VR6 models, but if you do some looking on your own you’ll find some nice G60 models out there as well. I went looking and found matching models on Craigslist and eBay for you with this post. A blue, a black, and a red, from each site.
1990 VW Corrado with goodies on Craigslist.
This custom take on the Corrado seems to be a work in progress. A later model VR6 engine is in the car and some extra parts are included. Seller has $20k invested and is looking for $12k. I say work in progress as the seller also mentions that there is no radio and a few bits still need finishing. Though it is pretty nice looking I don’t think it will realize $12k unfinished and even then that seems high. Perhaps the amusing vanity license plate number adds value.
Black 1993 Corrado VR6 SLC on Craigslist
A good reason why I think the blue Corrado above is overpriced is this black, quite original looking example. 81k on the clock, original paint, and a still functioning rear wing, all for $3600. When the cash for clunkers program is offering $4500 rebates, this is a lot of car for the money right here. This is likely the deal of the bunch.
Red 1993 Corrado VR6 SLC on Craigslist
The west coast sure has the Corrado Craigslist market wrapped up. If black isn’t your color here is a red version. I wouldn’t normally list two cars with such high miles in one post unless they were really special, but perhaps the great photos struck my fancy with this 153,000 mile one. $4995 will get you a 5 speed, black leather, Speedline wheels, and a Neuspeed chip.
This Corrado features a Jetta engine, fancy headlights, and some other personalized touches. Another seller who also wants to make sure you know the rear wing works. Not the best looking of the bunch.
The other high mile car of the group. Vanity plates strike again on this 158,000 mile model. A younger VR6 resides inside. It looks like about $4000 will get you this one, which appears loved.
Keeping up the pattern of this post of identical models on Craigslist and eBay, a very good looking, lower mileage red 93 SLC recently ended on eBay unsold with bids up to $6200. Keep an eye out for it to be relisted.
The Corrado is a future collectible, maybe not so much as early M3s or 190E 16Vs, but nice examples are going to start rising in value. The difficulty is finding ones of collector grade withoriginal engine and paint, let alone low miles. Many Corrado owner’s have swapped in later versions of the VR6 to replace a thrashed original. The sporty, nimble (the G60 was lighter than the VR6),vehicle already has a good following of fans, with several Corrado clubs. VR6 models are bound to be less troublesome than G60s and there are plenty of VR6 parts around.
~Evan
A few nice custom 930 Porsches, sublime or ridiculous
****UPDATE**** 9/14/09
It was brought to our attention by a reader that the yellow widebody Porsche listed below has some discrepancies with VIN #s and seller legitimacy. If you see this Porsche listed proceed with care.
There is something about a 930 Porsche that just feels right. Nice proportions, fine performance, and fewer/simpler electronic gizmos than more modern 911s. They have that great Porsche sound. Really a work horse and driver’s car for the 80s Porsche enthusiast. I put 930 Porsche’s in that category of car that offers a pure driving experience in a package that begs to get out on the road rain or shine. Not quite the same as the new GT3 your neighbor owns that will never see its true potential as it only gets out of the garage on the trip to the golf course and even then only on cloudless days.
Prices seem very solid and stable for good 930s. This shows positively on how collectors view these models. $15k should get you an almost daily driver worthy Porsche, that you can enjoy most of the year (year round down south), and that you could probably sell in a few years for what you paid. The $25k ask for this Gemballa in need of work seems a bit high, particularly when for a tick over $20k and a Strosek bodied 1986 sold at $20k. 
eBay is notorious for making it hard to sell damaged cars for decent prices. An auction format is supposed to show true market value, but I rarely see auctions for damaged cars like this, that have a seller’s reserve actually complete successfully. On the other hand someone else is out there asking .
Along the lines of the Flachbau or slantnose, you have to admire a car company that offered the option to the customer to completely alter the appearance of their car straight from the factory. This one with a widebody kit is bid up to $15k and it sure is wide. I hope the spindles are strong enough to take such a wide stance, with 50k on the clock I’d say things are ok. From the seller:
1985 PORSCHE TURBO 935 GAMBELLA [sic] SLANT NOSE , CARBON FIBER WING, KINISES WHEELS, MICHELIN PILOTS, KOKELN TURBO, KOKELN INTERCOOLER, 500 HP, CUSTOM YELLOW INTERIOR, THE WIDEST , COOLEST , TURBO I’VE EVER SEEN, FAST!! SHOW WINNER!!
Do you have other examples of German models that offered such dramatic bodystyle changes as factory options? BMW should have provided an option to de-Bangleify the E65 7 series.
1978 Porsche Kremer Turbo 3.5L
And finally at the uber high end of the spectrum is this listing at $99,500 from Windsor Specialty Auto Sales in California. The car is also listed in Hemmings. From the seller:
This 1978 Porsche Turbo started as an early 3.3L, made its way to DP Motorsports where it received a body, and to Kremer for some minor modifications and badging. Because this is an early car, it
is likely to be one of the first to get the Kremer/DP Motorsports “treatment”. The car has extensive modifications (see below) by S-Car-Racing that raise output to about 550 HP. It is being
offered as a track or show car.
The seller states they will ad more photos, I hope they do, I’d love to peek at the engine. I’m sure photos can be furnished for you serious buyers out there.
~Evan
1984 BMW 323i Pickup
There really isn’t much to say about this eBay oddity, other than it has to be overpriced.
The seller says:
Only 2 cars were authorized by BMW to be custom modified to pick up version.
I’d like to know more about what exactly that means. I’m not sure I can see the fine folks in Bavaria back in 1984 thinking “You know Rolf we really need to compete with the Subaru BRAT segment”.
It has some nice goodies from Hartge and Schrick, but I really can’t explain what they were going for with that paint job.
If this can really be documented as a factory BMW project its rarity might give it some added collector value. It is going to take a special someone to want to take this one home at $25k. Besides, I know Mercedes already locked up the German El Camino (or would that be Die Straße) bragging rights. Below photo from my archives.
~Evan
1987 Mercedes 300 Wagon with AMG 6.0 litre twin cam motor
There are several Mercedes 300 Wagons in our neighborhood. I often think that if I had one I’d want to lower it an inch, put on period AMG monoblock rims, color match the lower panels, and upgrade to European spec headlights — which would make for a great family ride.
But this 300 wagon takes it to another level. It has the AMG 6L motor, 3 piece rims, and very rare body kit, to name a few of the tasteful and rare upgrades. Here is the majority of the seller’s listing from the eBay ad for this 300 AMG Wagon:
quote from seller’s listing:
987 Mercedes 300 Wagon with AMG 6.0 litre twin cam motor, complete AMG car in excellent condition. I have owned this car for 13 years, originally from Canada a built for Mr Feingold I aquired the car through Renntech from Hartmuth, the car was in for a major service and Mr. Feingold decided to sell me the car after a $17000 complete service.
The exterior of the car is finished in a blue similar to Ferraris Tour de France, it has a complete AMG body kit including the 3 pc AMG wheels color keyed to the body, these wheels were recently refinished and sits on new Pirelli tires, Complete amg Mods, suspension, Exhaust, header, adj transmission, it is a real 6.0 motor and has had all services to date it runs outstanding has 44,000 kil. it has the 320 AMG speedo. The car has never sustained any damage, the paint is excellent with the acception of the front spoiler that has some minor rashing at the bottom corner, the front spoiler has air intakes for the cooling of the front brakes, it has never been tracked or abused I use the car once in a while when I need to take the kids somewhere and I need the seating for 7 it has the rear folding seat.
The interior is gray leather in excellent shape no dye work, suede dash, orthopedic driver and passenger seats, carpet not stained and door panels not cracked, and upgraded stereo with XM and I pod connection in the glove box, front and rear hidden K40 radar.
The car runs outstanding recent AC upgrade, Aligned and balanced, A real piece of AMG history
The starting bid for this car is $25000.
Many thanks to Ali for tipping us of to this great car!
If you have a suggestion for us, please email me: dan@motoringblogs.com
dc
4 BMW M1s for the 4th of July
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With July 4th being this weekend, a little red, white, and blue, is in order. So my thoughts were immediately drawn to some of the great BMWs that raced under the Motorsport tri-color livery. What better way to illustrate this than with a 1979 M1 in the proper Motorsport colors.
Red, White, and Blue 1979 BMW M1 on Craigslist
This Craigslist offering from Munich Evolution, in Seattle seems to fit the bill perfectly. The seller says this vehicle has unique history, and if you are going to spend $175,000 a little unique history would be nice. The Procar body, this was a single make race series M1s raced under, on this M1 and the great color scheme enhance the value. If you really want BMW’s arguably first and only true supercar they can be had for less (see below), but this seems a fair ask price. The seller mentions that more info will be added about the car soon.
1981 White M1 Procar Widebody on eBay.
If the patriotic paint scheme is not your thing, than why not start with a blank slate in this all white 1981 M1 widebody currently offered on eBay. $150,000 gets you a AC Schnitzer installed Procar bodied M1 with 22k on the clock. It looks pretty clean and check out that vintage Blaupunkt equalizer.
Lastly, two non-Procar M1s are available through Motorcar Gallery Inc in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Perhaps an homage to Michael Jackson we have a black 1980 model and a white 1981 model. They have the white one listed on Hemmings for $173,500.
All else being the same the Motorsport colors look the best to me and the black looks better than the white. Ah decisions.
Only 456 M1s hit the market. The rear mounted 3.5 liter 273 horse power engine makes the thrumming sound that comes from a big inline six. It is a bit more raucous sounding than the deep cabin cruiser yacht sound you hear from the 1st gen M5. This nice clip shows an M1 at Nürburgring with no silly music or voice over to wreck the exhaust note.
In race tune, where up to 850 horse power could be had, the sound is powerful, as witnessed by this M1 at Lime Rock Park.
Do you have examples of some patriotic U.S./German automotive collaborations to help us celebrate the 4th?
Happy BBQing.
~Evan
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