While there are more popular options in the large executive sports sedan market, there are few that are quite as well rounded as the C4 Audi S4/S6 twins. The C4 might have been slower out of the box than the M5 and 500E/E500, but as the only turbocharged version quick tuning meant it was easily capable of pushing the same power. The real key to driving these inline-5 wonders, though, is the torque that’s available once the turbo kicks in. A wave of power seemingly able to extricate you from any situation is suddenly available, picking that heavy nose up and launching the car forwards in a symphony of rally-inspired wooshes. Add to that the legendary quattro all-wheel drive and the Audi was a useable, year-round package that has maintained a serious cult following in all areas of the country. Especially sought after these days are clean, original examples that don’t carry the easy to show wear Ecru interior. Despite the all-too-predictable Emerald Green Mica of this example, the insides are Darth Vader’s own palace – black leather with carbon trim:
Month: August 2014
About eight years ago, I had the chance to visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum outside of Stuttgart, Germany. Of all the exhibits, the one that intrigued me the most was a car transporter with models from the early 1980s on it, including a W123 230E sedan in the same metallic blue as we see here on this well-preserved 1984 300D. We’ve poured over the qualities that make these mid-sized Mercedes sedans, coupes and estates great throughout the years, but rarely do they come as showroom fresh as this one for sale in California.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D on eBay
6 CommentsMercedes-Benz has been one of the mainstays in diesel passenger car offerings in the United States. However, into the 1990s, the selection became a bit thin. If you wanted a diesel engine with estate carrying capacity towards the end of the W124 E class production, you were out of luck. In fact, Mercedes has not offered a diesel estate in the US since 1987, as 1988 saw the introduction of the 300TE to replace the 300TD. One intrepid Mercedes mechanic, though, has gone the extra mile to create what never was on this side of the Atlantic, with this 1994 E300 Diesel Estate.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1994 Mercedes-Benz E300 Diesel Estate on eBay
Comments closedIt’s time to turn our attention back to the 3.2 Carrera and check in on the market for these excellent cars. The 3.2 Carrera, along with the very similar 911SC, remains one of my favorite variants of the 911 for reasons that defy the logic of performance and even appearance. These were the Carreras of my youth and I still feel a great deal of excitement when I see one on the street. For a time they also represented the best values on the 911 market, but with the general rise in values of the air-cooled 911 it has become increasingly difficult to find one at a good price. Without the seller coming down on the price here, this 1987 Guards Red Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe won’t set anyone’s heart aflutter for its value, but it still represents an excellent looking example of the breed. 1987 was the first year the G50 5-speed transmission was offered on these cars so sellers are always seeking a premium.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera on eBay
3 CommentsPerhaps a bit ahead of the market, six months after I initially wrote this 965 up it remains for sale at the same $74,995 asking price. It would seem that my original thought that it was a bit overpriced was on the mark. The color combination probably isn’t the most iconic 965 pallet, but it’s understated and pretty. What would you be willing to pay for this example?