When it comes to Volkswagen customs, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can get everything from a Baja Bug to a Bugatti, Ferraris to Mercedes-Benz 540Ks, and GT40, 917K and even the Monkeymobile. But most of them look somewhat out of proportion, like a real example of the car stuck in funhouse mirrors. But sometimes, when they weren’t intent on making a copy of another car, these customs can actually look okay – and the Ventura Coupe is a good example of that. Sure, there are styling cues from Bitters, Toyotas and some Italian metal, but the Ventura has its own unique style and doesn’t scream “kit car” from its first impression. Looking lovely in red, this Brazilian-built Volkswagen is a rare sight on these shores:
Month: April 2014
We previously featured a modified 1967 Porsche 911 Sunroof Coupe that was built in this vein and like that car this definitely won’t appeal to everyone, but in their own way each of these are fantastic. The car featured here is a 1965 Porsche 356SC Coupe that has had extensive work to make it into a vintage hill-climb racer along with some visual modification to give it a hot rod/outlaw sort of look. Though modified, this 356 retains its original engine and transmission, and comes with the CoA for each, though both have been rebuilt by Vic Skirmants for improved performance. A car nearing 50 years of age that is in good condition is difficult enough to find, one that also possesses unique and well-documented modifications such as this one is a rare bird indeed.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1965 Porsche 356SC Coupe on eBay
Comments closedOne of the most popular automotive forbidden fruits for US car enthusiasts is the BMW E30 3 series Touring. Now over 25 years old and eligible for importation, it seems that a steady stream of these small estate cars are arriving on these shores. For E30 fans who may have given up their beloved rides years ago with the pressures of family and a changing lifestyle, this car solves many of those space needs. There was even a four-wheel drive variant available for those who may need added traction, but we have yet to come across one in the US. Imported from England last year, this right-hand drive 1988 325i Touring for sale in Florida is an original car with some tasteful modifications.
Click for more details: 1988 BMW 325i Touring on eBay
Comments closedAnother day, another musing regarding a potential future RV conversion for Nate. This one brings it a little closer to home, however. I’m a rowing coach, and a few years ago my former coach eschewed the Ford Excursions used as team vans and bought diesel Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. With the ability for 6’5″ dudes to stand up, serious A/C for hot races, and diesel efficiency, they are a great choice. It just so happens the brand of boats we race are German and come exclusively in a pale yellow – see where I’m going with this? I want to buy this van and turn it into my Race Headquarters, tastefully logo’d up and ready to analyze data, rewatch footage, and catch a nap. My coworker said she’d buy my Toyota truck for whatever I paid for this proto-Sprinter, and right now that’s looking like a great deal on both ends.
Click for more details: 1983 Mercedes-Benz 309D Van on eBay
4 CommentsThese final-year air-cooled turbos are where it’s at in performance, looks, and modern-day classic status. I love the understated nature of my neighbor’s all-black 993 Turbo, but his chrome turbo twists aren’t quite as attractive as these flat ones. The color and wheels will probably not be the deciding factor in the price here – with just over 31k miles, this is an epic example of a car that grows in desirability (and price) every year.