Tag: 1983

1983 Porsche 911SC Coupe

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I said I wanted to look a some cheaper Porsches this week and now I’m finally getting around to that. As is many times the case that means checking out a 911SC. While not every 911SC is inexpensive – last week’s Talbot Yellow Coupe being a prime example – the majority of them lie very much on the value side of the air-cooled spectrum. Once we move away from the very-low mileage examples our choices expand a good bit. They’re also fantastic cars! I don’t want to say the 911SC was the savior of the 911, but after the difficulties Porsche suffered with consistent reliability of the mid-70s models the SC did return the marque to its heralded status and, along with its successor the 3.2 Carrera, cemented the 911 as Porsche’s top dog. That wasn’t always destined to be the case.

The one we see here, a Slate Blue Metallic 1983 Porsche 911SC Coupe located in Los Angeles, fits into my reasonably priced parameters more in theory than in current practice. The BIN price is on the high end and it’ll need to come down before we can truly consider this a good value. But as current bidding on this auction suggests, its true value should be a good bit below this BIN price so with some patience we should get there.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Porsche 911SC Coupe on eBay

Year: 1983
Model: 911SC
Engine: 3.0 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 118,510 mi
Price: Reserve Auction ($45,000 Buy It Now)

True, 2 owner car – this car is better than a barn find; it was meticulously cared for throughout the years Was kept indoors and only driven on sunny days since the mid 1980’s. Look at the pictures closely, it is nearly impossible to find a car so original, and in this condition.

118,510 original, well cared for adult driven miles.

Original 3.0 liter motor runs very well, 5 speed transmission shifts as it should.

Silver/blue/gray in color with a black interior. No rips, tears, or cracks in the leather, dash or headliner. All accessories works as they should.

Has A/C, power windows, power sunroof, power mirrors, headlight washers, older aftermarket radio, upgraded antennae.

Tires have less than 500 miles on them, new battery, new sunroof cables, new alternator belt.

Has full factory tool kit including air compressor for spare.

Has original owners manual/books from dealer.

45,000 or best offer.

From what we can see this looks like a very pretty 911 that is in good condition inside and out. I say “from what we can see” because frankly the pictures aren’t the best. It looks good, but we need either better pictures or an in person visit to truly assess its condition. The same goes for verifying its originality. It’s said to be original outside of the radio. That looks to be the case, but assessing the originality of the paint and interior will require more investigation. All of that is ok. Doing your due diligence on a cheaper 911 always will be necessary anyway given the importance of avoiding the potentially significant costs associated with having to make up for deferred maintenance. All in all, I think we have a reasonable place to start here and with bidding at $29,077 the current price isn’t all that bad. If the above concerns check out, then this 911SC could make for a really nice value and a very enjoyable drive.

-Rob

Right Hooker Week: 1983 Audi 200 Turbo

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After yesterday’s South African 500SE, this 200 Turbo is an interesting counterpoint for several reasons. First, if the age is correct, it’s from the very beginning of Type 44 production. In fact, it wasn’t until September 1983 that the turbocharged variant of the new Type 44 – the 200 – was available for the marketplace. So this car represents the beginning of the run compared to yesterday’s run-ending 500SE.

What’s amazing to me is how little change there was in that period. Outside of the interior refresh, a slightly different exterior color and some small details, the 1983 and 1990 model years could pass for contemporaries. Try that in other model ranges today! Of course, one other reason this car is interesting is the turbo. This would be an early 2.1 liter unit, rated nominally at 182 horsepower – a healthy bit more power than the late NF motor (130 horsepower). What’s unusual in this case is that it’s mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Of course, these were the days before the quattro drive setup moved into other models outside of the halo Quattro, so you’re stuck with a front-driver only.

Oh, and one more oddity? Well, it’s being sold in the U.K., but it’s left hand drive.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Audi 200 Turbo on eBay.co.uk

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1983 Porsche 911SC Coupe

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I do love a 911SC in a good color. The 911SC represents my first exposure to Porsche. It was the car my dad owned when I was a kid. As such, the model has always held a firm place in my heart. While I frequently will become attracted to later models I continue to be drawn back to the SC. Admittedly, it helps that these remain entrenched on the more reasonable value side of the 911 spectrum, but even when the rare low-mileage, and quite expensive, example comes along I can totally understand the allure.

This one here comes from the final year of their production: a Ruby Red Metallic 1983 Porsche 911SC Coupe, located in Alabama, with Tan interior and 105,592 miles on it.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Porsche 911SC Coupe on eBay

Year: 1983
Model: 911SC
Engine: 3.0 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 105,592 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

True PORSCHE survivor in excellent original condition.

1983 Porsche 911SC coupe with factory sunroof. Ruby Red color with tan leather interior. Air conditioning (Sanden compressor), power windows, Sony AM/FM/Cassette stereo, fog lights, leather seats and 16” Fuchs wheels. Original tool pouch and Porsche plug-in air compressor. Owner’s manual, car cover and windshield sunscreen included.

Recent service work included complete front end service with new brake pads, calipers, brake hoses, upper strut mounts, strut inserts, ball joints, tie rod and ends, steering rack boot and alignment

Engine service out of car included intake manifold gaskets, injectors and seals, spark plugs and ignition wire set, air mass meter boot, clutch kit, release arm spring, vacuum hoses, belts, heater ducts, hood insulation pad, oil pressure switch, cold start injector stand and seals.

At first I thought this exterior color was Aubergine, but that was just the lighting. I’ll admit Ruby Red is not as great as Aubergine, but it’s a nice color nonetheless and contrasted here with a light tan interior everything works really well. Even the interior itself possesses its own contrast, with black carpeting to offset the lighter seating. For those who are particular fans of a black interior, perhaps this is a worthwhile compromise of light and dark?

The general condition of this SC strikes me as a fairly nice driver quality example. The interior is reasonably clean and shows no signs of cracks or tears. There is the odd scuff or blemish here and there, but nothing too troubling. The exterior presents similarly; it could probably be cleaned up a bit, but shows little in the way of significant defects. I am assuming it has been repainted, but the ad doesn’t make that clear. As usual you’ll want a PPI and some perusal of its history, though it doesn’t sound like a ton of documentation comes with the car. So there is some risk, but for the right value it could all make plenty of sense. The mileage would certainly suggest there is plenty of enjoying driving left to be explored!

-Rob

Kiln Red 1983 Porsche 911SC Coupe

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Like yesterday’s Conda Green 911T, this Kiln Red 1983 Porsche 911SC Coupe provides a chance for me to revisit a color I had only recently come across for the first time. Back in March this Kiln Red 3.2 Carrera came up for sale (and is still for sale). With its very low miles and excellent condition the price was very high. This 911SC presents us with a much more reasonably priced option, but the condition remains quite good. It’s not quite as pristine, especially in the interior, but I actually would prefer this color combination to that of the Carrera, and with just over 71K miles on it there’s still a ton of life left in this SC. And unlike the 27K mile Carrera you can spend plenty of time behind the wheel of this SC enjoying the sound of that air-cooled six without worrying those extra miles will negatively affect its long term value. Winner!

CLICK FOR DETAILS: Kiln Red 1983 Porsche 911SC Coupe on eBay

Year: 1983
Model: 911SC
Engine: 3.0 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 71,241 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

Super clean 1983 911 sc coupe in Kiln Red metallic(looks like bronze and lighter in person). Complete car and all original with no modifications. Runs and drives great, pulls strong, transmission and gears are smooth with no grinding. Body is straight with no dings, dents or scratches. Everything seems to be in working order except for sunroof, it seems to work intermittently. Interior is all original except for radio and in excellent shape. Some normal wear on drivers seat bolster and very small hole on passenger seat, dash is free of any cracks. Very honest car that just needs a new owner. Feel free to call with any questions 917-282-3896.

For those on the market for either an early 3.2 Carrera or the very similar 911SC I think this 911 would be well worth investigating further. For some the more common Guards Red is simply too bright, perhaps too flashy, and Kiln Red provides just enough a reduction in those elements that buyers might feel quite comfortable with it. Yet, it isn’t Burgundy either. It still possesses the vibrancy that attracts most of us to these types of color in the first place. Contrasted with a tan interior the entire package looks really nice.

We’re told of, and can see in the pictures, a couple of blemishes to this SC’s seats and while these issues aren’t of significant concern they are a little bit of a bother. Perhaps of greater significance is that the sunroof sounds like it isn’t working well and we are provided little regarding its history. The Carfax doesn’t appear to show anything of concern, but it’d still be nice to see some detailed receipts. Perhaps those are available, but not shown here. On the bright side, these issues have left us with some pretty reasonable bidding so far as we sit at only $24,011. The reserve is unmet and we’re a good deal away from the BIN price, which is probably too high anyway. So we’ll see where this ends, but it looks like a promising driver-quality 911SC.

-Rob

1983 Porsche 911SC Cabriolet

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Searching for the combination of reasonable price and interesting model/color/options can be a tough row to hoe in the world of air-cooled 911s. This model tends to defy that difficulty: the 1983 Porsche 911SC Cabriolet. Of course, there are caveats. The model is interesting only to those who find a particular appeal in the first ever Cabriolet model Porsche offered for the 911. There are plenty of people for whom a 911 Cabriolet never will be a serious consideration. But I do think this model is interesting. It’s not only the first year of the 911 Cabriolet in general, but also the only year of the 911SC Cabriolet. And Porsche long has shown an interest in open-top motoring so the debut of that concept in its full form for the 911 – somewhat ignoring the short-lived Soft-window Targa – should attract our notice. The other caveat is that the 911SC Cabriolet isn’t always a reasonable value relative to other models of the 911SC. They don’t tend to be super expensive simply because few examples of the 911SC are, but value is always relative and in that sense the Cabriolet can seem a little pricey.

Here we have one in pretty standard form and I think it looks quite nice. The asking price ain’t too bad either:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Porsche 911SC Cabriolet on eBay

Year: 1983
Model: 911SC Cabriolet
Engine: 3.0 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 72,627 mi
Price: $37,995 Buy It Now

1983 Porsche 911SC Cabriolet: Beautiful black/black factory color combination; garaged California car; low miles. Stored for several years and not driven, recently tuned up and brought back to driving condition. During the period it was not driven the service history was lost or misplaced; all the documentation included is pictured. We provide extensive pictures to illustrate condition, please inspect them closely rather than requesting lengthy descriptions. Everything included is pictured.

Unlike quite a few cars where we are unsure about the level of documentation available to us, we know for sure here: there isn’t any other than the owner’s manual. Apparently the rest was lost while it was in storage. That leaves us flying blind somewhat, but at least we know and can proceed appropriately. A lot of what we see here – and there are a good number of pictures – looks good. The biggest area of concern appears to be the rear seats, which show so fading on the seat backs. I’m guessing they spent a little too much time in the down position while in the sun. Other than abrasion to the driver’s seat bolster much of the rest of the interior looks in reasonable shape. The exterior too presents pretty well. Naturally, we’ll want a PPI so we know the condition, especially considering we lack so much documentation.

The price seems to be factoring that lack in and if everything checks out the ask isn’t bad given its mileage and apparent condition. For those who might be interested in the way this model mixes first-year and one-year status and who also like the 911 Cabriolet this one should be worth further pursuit.

-Rob

1983 Mercedes-Benz 300TD

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Earlier this week I looked at a W124 diesel wagon and explained it’s probably as close are you are going to get to a true successor of the legendary W123 estate. Well today we have one of those W123 wagons that truly show how great these vehicles can really be and why they still command the prices they do. This 1983 300TD in Deep Blue with Palomino MB-Tex for sale in California sports only 71,000 miles and is nearly perfect in every way. But bring your check book, because this wagon will cost you dearly.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300TD on Benz World

Year: 1983
Model: 300TD
Engine: 3.0 liter 5-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 71,000 mi
Price: $32,000 Buy It Now

1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD turbo diesel station wagon. Code 900 deep blue with palomino MB-Tex interior. 71,200 original miles. Documented one owner California car with service history. The original owner, Mr. Solomon Levy, was a successful nuclear engineer in San Jose, who purchased the car for his wife. This vehicle has always been garaged and highly maintained. This is a numbers-matching, highly-original survivor, presented in a phenomenal color combination. Equipped with the optional rear facing third seat and roof rack cross bars. Much of the original cadmium plating and cosmoline (shipping wax) is still present in the engine bay and undercarriage. A lot of the factory paint markings are still visible on bolt heads. Every system on this car is fully operational; every button does what it should. The engine starts perfectly when cold, transmission is silky smooth, and steering is tight and straight. This is the best turbo diesel W123 wagon currently available for sale in the United States. It would be an excellent addition to a collection. Located Santa Maria, CA. I have gone through this car with a fine tooth comb to make sure it is mechanically sound and cosmetically beautiful. Andrew 805-720-5057

full album with 130 images.

Finalpics by Andrew Villasenor | Photobucket

Taking a really close look at this 300TD, this is probably as close to a showroom car as you are going to get outside of doing a full restoration. Everything is perfect aside for some underside parts that show some normal wear. I think I’m more impressed with the paint on the body and the wheels as it is outstanding for being in sunny California. Bundt wheels are notoriously hard to keep clean and these look like they are brand new which is astonishing for having over 71,000 miles on them. This wagon also has the third row seating option which, in 2017, is far more interesting to look at rather than travel with six or more people.

Now the price tag for the perfect 300TD. Are you ready? It’s $32,000. Yes, I know that is extremely high and you can probably find decent examples for a fourth of this price, but this is what you pay if you want the best. People are more than willing to shell out tens of thousands of dollars for the golden-era Mercedes cars and I don’t think one will be any different. It’s not going to sell tomorrow or next week, but someone with money to burn and strong nostalgia of the 1980s will find this car and have no problem spending over $30,000 on it. This is easily the nicest 300TD I’ve seen come up for sale recently, so if you’ve been waiting for the perfect wagon, this is probably it.

– Andrew

1983 Volkswagen GTI

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Is it true that you should never meet your heroes? I remember the stigma surrounding the Porsche 911 growing up, and when I first got a chance to drive one as a late teen – a ’77 911SC – I wasn’t very impressed. It made nice noises but basically felt a bit like a fast pogo stick to me. That was reaffirmed by my second drive in a 911, a close friend’s ’85 Cabriolet. Both were very pretty – the requisite turn and stare every time as you walk away after shutting the door type of pretty. But driving experience? Well, maybe I completely missed the point, and perhaps neither of those cars were particularly well set up, but I wasn’t really blown away either time.

I think it’s more likely, though, that my expectation level far exceeded what the car could ever deliver in either case. For my first drive, I was moving from the vehicle I learned to drive on – a clapped out, seven-time crashed 1984 Toyota Pickup – to a goddamn Porsche 911. I’ve finally been accepted to be an astronaut, I thought to myself, this will be the best drive of my life! Plainly, it was not. I haven’t completely sworn off the 911, mind you, but since I’ve never looked at them the same.

Contrast that with my Volkswagen GTI experience. I bought what may have legitimately been the absolute worst example of a GTI it was possible to buy in 1998. Non-running? Check. Rusty? Check. Partially disassembled? Check. Crashed at some point? Check. Westmoreland build quality? That, too. It was impossible at times to find gears in my car. You could look through gaps in the body structure. The radio didn’t work. Neither did the air conditioning, or the heater, or occasionally the lights, and sometimes the starter. Or the brakes. Or the driveshafts. How the car was ever able to make it through a single inspection is still beyond me. It smelled bad, and looked worse.

But I rode that GTI hard, and even if it was a very frustrating experience 99% of the time, that 1% was pretty rewarding – so much so, that I still love to see them. They’re just neat little cars! And unlike meeting a superhero and finding out they’ve got a closet full of skeletons, it’s just about left of impossible to be disappointed by a GTI. Seriously, how high could your expectations be? You know it doesn’t have much power, or awesome brakes, or a tight chassis, or all the power features in the world. This is basic transportation with a slighty turned up motor and neat looks. That’s it. Unless your daily is a Roller and that’s your level of comfort and refinement that you expect, it will leave a smile on your face.

Imagine, then, if instead of my trash heap of an example, I had bought this clean 1983 two decades ago?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Volkswagen GTI on eBay

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The Porsche 911 Cabriolet – An Air-Cooled Chronology

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I don’t know what exactly has lead to my decision to feature Porsche’s various air-cooled Cabriolets. I suppose it was a confluence of circumstances. During one unseasonably warm February weekend, I found myself sitting outside enjoying a beverage and the warm sunshine. As one does. A very pretty 3.2 Carrera Cabriolet drove by. The condition looked very good and it was one of those subtle but interesting color combinations. The exterior was some shade of metallic grey and it had a nicely contrasting green interior. Perhaps the exterior was Granite Green Metallic; I’m not really sure, but it was nice looking. It was a perfect afternoon for enjoying such a car.

Then I started coming across some interesting 911 Cabriolets for sale. After a couple of them I wondered if I could find one from each air-cooled model. I was successful and a post was born. I’ll say from the outset these aren’t from the value part of the 911 spectrum; interesting enough they are all priced within a few thousand dollars of one another. None is inexpensive, but all look in very good shape and promise enjoyable drop-top motoring. We’ll look at them chronologically starting with the first 911 Cabriolet Porsche produced: this Guards Red 1983 Porsche 911SC Cabriolet, located in Illinois, with just 19,016 miles on it.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Porsche 911SC Cabriolet on Excellence Magazine

Year: 1983
Model: 911SC Cabriolet
Engine: 3.0 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 19,016 mi
Price: $69,000

19,016 miles; 1 family ownership; Last year of the 911 SC; First year of the 911 Cabriolet (only 5337 made); Numbers-matching collector car; Guards Red original paint; Meter confirms factory specifications; Full black leather interior; Black leather sport seats; Heated & tinted windshield; Blaupunkt Monterey AM/FM/Cassette radio; Factory alarm
Black top – excellent; rear window – perfect; 16” Fuchs alloys – excellent; Yokohama tires; 3.0 liter engine; 180 hp, 5-speed 915 trans; All tools, air pump, jack, etc.; All books, manuals, touch-up paint, etc.; Window sticker & original dealer paperwork; No winters, no rain, no bad roads; 19,016 mile time capsule; No modifications since new.

Typically I wouldn’t think a 911SC would have much chance of selling at this asking price. This is very nearly the highest asking price of the four cars we’ll see here. But the 911SC Cabriolet is a different animal. As both a first year and one-year-only model there is extra appeal over and above most other SCs we come across. Add to that the very low mileage, original paint and sport seats and we have a very appealing 911. It’s a fairly standard color combination and I think that’s the only thing that will hold the price down some, but everything looks great. Obviously, this wouldn’t be the best option for actually enjoying some top-down miles, but as an excellent example of the first 911 Cabriolet it’s a nice option.

Let’s now step forward a few years to the last of the classic 911 Cabriolets with this Linen Grey Metallic 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, located in New York, with Burgundy interior and a low 31,249 miles on it.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet on eBay

Year: 1989
Model: 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Engine: 3.2 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 31,249 mi
Price: $64,995 Buy It Now

This is a 1989 Porsche 911 Cabriolet with 31249 original miles.This car is in exceptional condition and has been well serviced. Car was recently serviced at well known Porsche specialist Rennwerke LTD. in September of 2015 ( 31090), new oil, filters, battery, 4 new tires, all new brakes front and back. Car had a new clutch installed at 27000 miles. Car comes with original owners manual and service booklet and service records. Car runs exceptionally well and is one of the best G50 examples we have seen. For more details call 631-283-8819

You might not believe, but this is the lowest priced of the four. Again we have a pretty low mileage Cabriolet that presents very well. While a much less traditional color combination this Linen Metallic over Burgundy combo works quite well and reminds me a lot of the Cabriolet that passed me on that sunny day. There’s always debate among buyers of the 911SC and 3.2 Carrera about which to get; the differences between the models are minimal though with this final-year model you’re at least getting the most refined of the bunch: a bit more power than with the SC and with the more stout – though heavier – G50 5-speed manual. Both models are great and both of these look to be fine examples, though both come with pretty high prices.

From here we’ll see quite a few more changes with the final two models. The 964 was a near full redesign of the classic 911 and the 993 itself move on quite significantly from the 964. Changes came quick and fast. For the 964 we have another Guards Red example, though this time with a Tan interior and a few more miles at 54,186.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1994 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet on eBay

Year: 1994
Model: 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Engine: 3.6 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 54,186 mi
Price: $69,684 Buy It Now

1994 Porsche 911 Cabriolet

Red Metallic Exterior over Tan Interior

I’m usually indifferent to the 964 Cabriolet, but this one really grabbed me and I found it very striking. That’s the good part! The bad: of the four cars here this one is the most obviously over priced, especially given that we are offered no description to provide even a modicum of detail to understand its history or condition. It does look very good and as another final-year model there’s certainly appeal, but for this price it needs to be about perfect and documented. Perhaps the documents exist. I don’t know, but I’m going to move on to the 993.

For me this one is the most interesting of the bunch. I think it’s easily the most sensibly priced and the most interesting color combination. I wouldn’t normally go after this sort of color, but here I think it works: a Grand Prix White 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, located in New York, with Chestnut Brown interior and a low 29,164 miles on it.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet on Excellence Magazine

Year: 1996
Model: 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Engine: 3.6 liter flat-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 29,164 mi
Price: $67,900

1996 PORSCHE CARRERA CABRIOLET for sale.

Motorcar Classics is proud to present this beautifully original 1996 Porsche Carrera Cabriolet featured in L908 Grand Prix White with BM Chestnut Brown leather interior and matching Chestnut Brown convertible top and boot cover. This Porsche has been cherished by its local second owner since 1999 and has covered only 29,464 miles. This superb Carrera has the 6-speed manual gearbox and it has never been damaged, modified or restored. The original porsche AM/FM/CD stereo is still in place.

The 993 is Porsches internal designation for the version of the Porsche 911 model manufactured and sold in model years 1995-1998. The 993 is not just the last air-cooled 911, but also the last of the hand built 911s. The 993 is often called the best and most desirable of the 911 series, not only because of its beauty, but also because its performance is very good, even by modern standards. The book “Porsche 993 – Essential Companion” refers to these cars as the “King of Porsche,” and it is widely acknowledged as “The purists’ Holy Grail.”

This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase an investment-grade example of the last air-cooled Porsche model in arguably one of the prettiest color combinations.

Questions or concerns please call or text Reid 516-655-0940

My biggest quibble with this 993 is that it looks like it might have gotten caught in the rain with the top down as the passenger seat looks at bit mottled. This can happen with a Cabriolet, but in this case the leather doesn’t appear to have come away unscathed. Perhaps there’s something going on with the lighting. Otherwise, this Cabriolet looks great and I do think the more elegant shape of the 993 in general provides a nice canvas for a refined top-down sports coupe. As the very last of the air-cooled models there’s obvious appeal and I think this one is priced such that buyers will still feel comfortable putting additional mileage on it. It’s current owner has had it for a while so hopefully it will even come well documented. If that’s the case, then this looks like the winner.

I don’t know if I’d necessarily consider myself a convertible guy. I do own one, but I bought it because I wanted something light weight, rear drive, and with a manual transmission. That the roof came down just happened to be part of the package. I do enjoy those top-down drives though. The senses are fully stimulated and while sacrifices to rigidity certainly can make it a little less sporting the overall experience definitely doesn’t lack for purity. The 911 will be no different. It may not be your track machine, but there are plenty of other drives to be taken.

-Rob

Green with Evny: 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300CD

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I’ve confessed my love for green cars before and today’s featured vehicle is no different. This 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300CD in Moss Green up for sale in Florida combines my favorite color with one of my favorite cars in the W123. It’s not often that I see a Moss Green car come up for sale and even better, the interior is green as well.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300CD on eBay

Year: 1983
Model: 300CD
Engine: 3.0 inline-5
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 186,000 mi
Price: Auction

I have owned these cars for over 10 years. I scour the country daily for them and of all that I have ever owned this is the coolest most unique 300CD. It might have been a one off special order. I have never ever seen the color combination in a turbo diesel. Moss green with green interior. The car is completely original and the paint is exeptional. It shines as new and there are only two dings that I can find. Quarter sized and likely removable. The paint is 100 percent original. No accidents ever. The rims have no curb rash and the tires are matching with plenty of tread. The glass is all original and excellent with the exception of the rear window. The defrost has left a green blob at the bottom. Not visible when driving but from the outside is noticeable but not crazy offensive. I would change it. The interior is nearly flawless with the exception of two wood pieces readily available on eBay. There is also a small tear in the armrest easily repairable and the window switches are worn. I will include two switches that are mercedes and in excellent shape. I cant overstate how nice the car is. The last one I sold for 20k was not as nice. The car has stacks of mechanical records and was purchased here in Florida at Lokey Mercedes. It has been fully serviced from day one. I have thousands in service records. There are no shimmys or rattles or shakes. The climate control works as it should. It even blows out of the center vents. Only about 1 in 10 do. The transmission shifts as softly as any I have felt. The last great one I owned had 50k miles on it. I am more disappointed to have to sell this one than that. This car feels as good as any I have ever had. I have a very fair number in mind for the car and it is for sale locally. I can be reached at 813-777-7628. This car will likely sell by Monday so if you are looking for a collector quality 300CD in the very coolest and rarest of colors grab it. No disappointments here.

This W123 is probably one of the better ones I’ve seen come up for sale except for one big thing: the shifter wood surround is destroyed. I don’t understand, the rest of this car shows great for 186,000 miles and is probably going to fetch a hefty price tag. Why not spend the few hundred to find a clean piece of replacement wood to finish off the interior to make it really outstanding? That just seems really odd to me. Otherwise, the green MB-tex is very rare and I can probably count on two hands on how many I’ve seen in this color. I’m glad it is in a car this nice and hasn’t been neglected by someone who just wants to drive the wheels off this car.

I’m really curious to see where the bidding ends up for this car. Generally, the W123 coupe has always brought a premium over sedans and this one should follow that trend. It being a Florida car and the condition it is in, even with the bad wood, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it crack $10,000. You don’t see a combination like this one come up for sale often, even at all, so this one has potential to be a nice payday for the seller.

– Andrew

1983 Audi Quattro

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It’s strange to follow up Rob’s ostentatious 911R with a 1983 Audi Quattro and remember that, at one point, they were competitors in the marketplace. Though the basis for what made the Quattro legendary; inspired racey styling, boxflares, turbocharging and all-wheel drive with a near-luxury interior seems almost trite, the Quattro really was a revolution in design. Some ten times more dear than an E30 M3, in recent years the Audi has gained a lot more respect in the marketplace. There are those that say you can’t really compare the Quattro to the M3, or even the 911 – though the pricing was quite similar. But isn’t that the point? In period, the other car you could have bought for the same money was a basic 911. And the market spoke: in 1983, Audi sold some 240 Quattros in the U.S.. Porsche, on the other hand, traded 5,707 911SCs between the Coupe, Targa and new Cabriolet models. There was basically no market overlap with the other two major contenders – the 944 Turbo and the M3. Both those cars, and the 911, were finished to a higher level of quality with better components, arguably, but the real difference was the type of owner who bought the Quattro versus the 911. These cars were built to be used and abused, and many were.

But the difference in value has started to be erased because of the scarcity of the Audi in today’s market and a focus on being a bit different. I wonder, in all honest, if the 60 Minutes scandal had never occurred what the result on values of these cars might have been. Today, finding lower mile, clean and original examples like this Gobi Beige Metallic example might be a lot more commonplace:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Audi Quattro on eBay

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