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Month: June 2015

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1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SE

1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SE

Published June 18, 2015 by Paul

Oscar Wilde once opined “I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.” Every time I lay eyes on a Mercedes-Benz S-class from the 1980s, those words come to mind. The W126 was sandwiched between two worlds of luxury cars. That of the W116 S-Class and it’s evolving safety and emissions equipment and the W140 S-class with its girth and over the top engineering. The W126 hits the sweet spot when it comes to executive sedans. It’s advanced without being overly complex, stylish without being trendy and comfortable without feeling like you are driving a sofa down the interstate. The short wheelbase 300SE was the “entry” level S-class towards the end of the production run, perfect for someone who wanted something just a tad smaller who didn’t need the oomph of a V8 engine. This example spotted by our reader Craig is for sale in New Jersey and belies the fact that it’s about to hit six figures on the odometer. It’s appearance looks almost fresh as new.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SE on eBay

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Boxflare Showdown: M3 v. Quattro

Boxflare Showdown: M3 v. Quattro

Published June 18, 2015 by Carter

This one has been brewing in my head for some time, and required only two things; the right two cars. I think, in this case thanks to the help of our reader Martin, I might just have the right two candidates. While BMW enthusiasts love to tout the virtue of the boxflared M3, they often overlook the importance of the Quattro. The chunky, Giugiaro-designed Audi made it to the market with its bulging quarters a full 5 years ahead of the M3, yet the DTM star is arguably much better known than the all-wheel drive Rally champion. Both were certainly important to the development of their respective corporate brands; both have illustrious careers as race cars and both are considered by connoisseurs to be the best design of those that followed. Quietly, while the market-star M3 has soaked up the headlines, good condition Quattros have also been appreciating, and with far fewer of them produced than M3s they’re a more rare sight today. They’re also, generally, much older and fewer were taken care of in the way that the M3s were pampered. Add little factory support and an even worse balance of the number imported to North America – only around 10% of the total of North American bound M3s – and it’s a hard match up. Yet, today we have two overall great condition cars to consider. Who wins the boxing match? Let’s start with the odds-on favorite M3:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 BMW M3 on eBay

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1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Carat Weekender

1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Carat Weekender

Published June 18, 2015 by Nate

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My recent project of converting an inherited minivan into a camper has reinforced my interest in tin-top Vanagons. The Westy is certainly the way to go when a whole family is involved, multiplying the available sleeping space – and the price too. Besides affordability, tintops bring a much sleeker look, especially with subtle upgrades like today’s 1990 Carat Weekender. With a South African grille and 17″ Audi wheels, this Vanagon looks like it could be a Porsche Racing support vehicle. Alas, this is no Vanagon B32 (the Porsche-produced and -engined monster) but it’s still a sweet van that shows few, if any, signs of its 279k miles. Thankfully it won’t feel that well-traveled either, as it had an engine rebuild and transmission replacement 100k miles ago; it should have many roads and adventures ahead. While a lot of the Vanagon-love out there is steeped in overindulgence, this is a great example of how minimalism can still provide great versatility.

Click for details: 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Weekender on eBay

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Double Take: Volkswagen Transporter Diesel Pickups

Double Take: Volkswagen Transporter Diesel Pickups

Published June 18, 2015 by Nate

I’ve seen a few DoKas running around this area recently, and can’t help but smile every time they rumble by. My affinity for Vanagons is well documented on this site, but the truck versions are a great mix of funny proportions, classic style, and no-nonsense pragmatism. With that combination, any engine other than a small four-cylinder diesel would seem excessive. Luckily we have two clean examples coming from the same seller in New Jersey that – considering how small the niche market of T3 Diesel Pickups is – provide interesting options for the buyer to decide on. Double cab or single? All-original or spruced up? Turbo or no? Crazy-low mileage, or just very low? Tough choices in this Transporter Pickup Showdown!

$_57 (6)

Click for details: 1990 Volkswagen T3 DoKa Diesel on eBay

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Teens Well Spent 2: 1994 and 1995 BMW M3 Coupes

Teens Well Spent 2: 1994 and 1995 BMW M3 Coupes

Published June 18, 2015 by Carter

A few weeks ago I wrote up a lightly modified 26,000 mile Dakar Yellow M3 coupe; in that post, I said that the $25,000 asking price was out of line with the market in my opinion. Perhaps it was the mods that really threw me off, but I set out to prove my point the following week by showcasing two original M3s that I thought were better propositions in my “Teens Well Spent” post. Both cars were available in the mid-teens and both highlighted how for about $10,000 less than the asking price of the 26,000 mile example you could get a neat, original M3 still with low miles and in great condition. Well, this week I have two more to once again underscore that point – as the 26,000 mile example continues to languish on eBay with no bids and an unchanged $25,000 asking price, I have a stellar original Dakar Yellow example and a mysterious ’94 Canadian one to consider:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1995 BMW M3 on Craigslist

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