Archive for Uncategorized
2005 MINI Cooper S with RennTech Supercharger
The MINI Cooper has been hailed as one of the most fun and best handling cars for the money but many owners have been left wanting more oomph out of the tiny 4-banger. While I haven’t driven the JCW, I can imagine it offers a good bump in performance. An alternative to these straight-from-MINI upgrades is a RennTech package, which doesn’t quite make sense seeing that MINI is a BMW brand and RennTech is a Mercedes tuner…
Anyway, the RennTech package, which I couldn’t find any information on, consists of a RennTech Supercharger with larger Pulley and Air Intercooler. In addition, this Mini received a Race Short Shifter, Pagid Brake Pads with Red Calipers, Borla Exhaust and powder-coated 17’s which adds up to roughly $10K in upgrades.
This Cooper also carries the added significance of being owned and driven by Bob Snodgrass (1942-2007), President of Brumos Racing. The auction says Bob specifically made this car for himself and described it as “truly like driving a Porsche”.
With low miles, nice upgrades and the status of the previous owner, I doubt that this Cooper will get away for a MINI price…sorry it was just too easy.
-Ben
Low Mileage 1983 VW GTI on Craigslist
The original hot hatch is still one of the cleanest and most fun, routinely ranking well on “Best Drivers’ Cars” lists. Ever since my hand-me-down 1981 VW Caddy I’ve wanted a GTI. With lines as tight as its handling, A1 GTIs turn my head more than most modern sports cars. Simple, useful, and fun, it just doesn’t get much better. This example has a mere 95k miles on it with a freshly rebuilt gearbox.
1983 VW GTI for sale on Craiglist SF
It shows it’s age in some spots, but the interior looks very clean (great Recaros!), as does the engine. Though less-than-safe, GTIs look awesome without the bumpers. 95k well-documented miles means there’s plenty of fun left, and $3200 is a fine price for this condition. It’d be mine if I had the means/space.
-NR
1976 Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer
I have to admit, I’m not an SUV fan. For my purposes, at least, these vehicles are of little use. That being said, there are a few I admire for their capability and design. The original Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen come to mind. Oh yeah, and this thing, the Pinzgauer. While this vehicle isn’t German, it’s made in Austria by the same folks who had a hand in developing the Geländewagen, Steyr-Puch. Production of the first generation Pinzgauer ran from 1971 through 2000 in both 4×4 and 6×6 models. Powered by an air cooled inline four cylinder engine with dual carburetors, these vehicles are noted for their durability. Other features include a two speed transfer case, hydraulically actuated locking differential hubs and a 24 volt electrical system. While they don’t have a huge following in this country, you do see them around from time to time. Incidentally, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger owns two of them.
If you are familiar with the 712 Pinzgauer, you know it is a “go anywhere” vehicle! With three driving axles and dash lock-in hubs on all axles and high ground clearance, it truly will go anywhere. I purchase it in 2006, have added 100 miles and always stored inside. Includes tool kit, space tire and English manuals. The vehicle is in very good condition, everything works. Vehicle is” for sale” local, Seller reserves right to end sale at any time. Thanks for looking.
During the last blizzard here in Arlington, Virginia, a 4×4 Pinzgauer passed me on the street. I instantly knew what it was but had to do a double take because I had never seen one in person in the US that I can remember. This beast didn’t miss a beat through snow drifts measuring several feet high. This particular Pinzgauer is the 712, or 6×6 model. I can only imagine what it is capable of. Bidding is currently under $10,000, but there is a reserve. I recently saw a 4×4 for sale at $18,000, so I’m guessing the reserve would be in the $20k range somewhere, at the least. Not too bad for a vehicle that could conquer just about anything you throw at it.
-Paul H.
Pinzgauer’s are awesome. They take the S out of SUV, but sure emphasize the U.
~Evan
Please Welcome Our Newest Authors
You’ve probably noticed a few changes around here. Dan and I are glad to have landed several new authors who have fit right in with their posts. This will help us bring even more great cars to you at an increased frequency. We’ve put together an About Us page so you can read a bit about the new contributors. We still welcome the occasional guest post and are happy to hear about our readers’ own cars and finds, as well as any suggestions or feedback you might have about how we are doing. Shoot us an e-mail at dan@motoringblogs.com.
~Evan
Happy Holidays 2009
Evan’s 250C in fresh snow.
All the best for 2010.
~Evan and Dan
Dampf-Kraft Wagen DKW / Auto Union 1000SP
Here is a a unique opportunity to own the German equivalent of the 1955 Ford Thunderbird. Great looking little coupe at a $22,400 buy it now. The Thunderbird does have it over the DKW in terms of power, with this engine being a tricky 3 cylinder two stroke powering the front wheels. I wasn’t sure what to expect soundwise from an engine like this, two-strokes can really sound awful, but check out the videos online from inside a 1000SP on the road. The 3-2 combo sounds great, you get the sense that you are going a lot faster than you actually are.
The seller provides some good history and promotes the rarity of the vehicle. The seller says this one is # 202, so it is an early car, out of the 5000 built. This one has just over 1,000 miles on the engine, no mention of how many the rest of the car has traveled.
If you want to stand out with out being overly ostentatious at your local car show this is the car for you. Plus you Audi guys have to like the four ring logo on the trunk. It is hard to say what the investment potential here is. At this point I’d guess most all the good 1000SPs left driving are probably being well maintained so numbers shouldn’t shrink anymore. The early production # may make this an appealing collector piece if fully restored as the seller suggests.
This car appears to be in good company as that looks like a Euro Mercedes silbergrün 450SEL lurking in the background in some of the pictures.
~Evan
New Site Improvements Added Today
Just a brief note to let you know there I’ve made a few enhancements to the blog this morning.
- You can now subscribe to comments on posts you’re following and be emailed as more enthusiast join the discussion.
- A brief note to first time visitors is displayed to encourage them to subscribe to the RSS feed or email subscription box. You’ve subscribed already right?!
- And related posts will now be displayed at the end of each entry on the site and in the feed.
Please let me know if you experience any issues with these additions or if you have any comments about the site. Just leave a comment below!
Thanks,
dc
Shameless Cross Promotion: Check out RareSportBikesForSale.com
As you may have noticed in the sidebar of this site, I also blog at Rare Sport Bikes For Sale, posting my favorite motorcycle classifieds. I recently posted this 1978 BMW R100RS Motorsport edition:
If you’re a fan of rare and affordable sport bikes, you’ll want to subscribe at RareSportBikesForSale.com Here are some recent standouts:
- Surfing the Local CL ads: 1997 Yamaha YZR1000R Thunderace For Sale
- Shopping Abroad for NC30 Honda VFR400’s
- 1994 Suzuki RGV Lucky Strike 250cc race replica street bike For Sale
Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming!
dc
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