With the markets for prime E28 M5s and E24 M6s gaining some steam recently, we’ve seen mid- to low-mileage examples stretching over $30k and sometimes much higher. Today’s is a real monster in just about every way. Under 50k miles and perfect condition make it a high-dollar Shark to start, but this M6 is one of 24 M6s that got the full meal deal from Dinan including a turbo bringing the S38 to a bonkers 460hp and Stage 3 suspension. Black with M-pinstriping on later 17″ Dinan 5 spokes give the aesthetics to back up that this is a Bavarian sledgehammer.
Author: Nate
Mk1 GTIs grow more fully appreciated as classics each day, the Mk2 retains its affordable performance status in a package that is still superior to the Mk1 in the ways VW intended at its inception – more space and more comfort while retaining fun performance and German looks. This example takes those last two elements to extremes, bringing a modified G60 engine under German flag stripes front and rear. He doesn’t mention what suspension is helping it sit so low, but whatever it is is matched with Scirocco brakes to create a package that should be able to handle at least some of the increased speed and power. With well over 300hp to the front wheels, it’s not going to be able to handle all of it, mirroring the exterior’s placement on the edge of out-of-control. This is fast and loud in Mk2 form.
Click for details: 1991 Volkswagen GTI on eBay
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The VW DoKa, ubiquitous in Europe but rare in North America, is a unique and funky approach to trucking. It’s not powerful, but it can carry 5-6 people and a light payload out back, making it well-suited for small business owners or amateur project enthusiasts. With a little over half of a Vanagon present, DoKas cut a familiar shape, just with a truncated rear. The Pritschenwagen (flatbed) models, with their significantly longer bed and just two doors, look much more like the cab-forward trucks produced by most Japanese manufacturers.
This clean white example can have folding sides or be a full-on flatbed lined with LineX to handle whatever your project is that day. Almost as endearing as the rarity and funky shape are the two checked option boxes – rear window defroster, fair enough, but also a power driver-side mirror! Isn’t that the easier one to reach? It’s like my grandma’s 1994 Subaru that didn’t have a passenger mirror because it was an “option.” With just 73k miles, it’s a sharp-looking worker with just enough flaws to keep it reasonable.
Click for details: 1988 Volkswagen T3 Pritschenwagen on eBay
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When looking at E36 M3s, there are many different approaches. Do you want the lowest mileage example around in case they go the way of the E30-dodo? Perhaps you’re looking for a driver-quality, mid-mileage example. Is it four-doors or nothing? (For my money it would be!) Or maybe you’re a bit more adventurous and 240hp just won’t do so you’re after some performance mods, maybe even a supercharger?
These are all rational approaches to one of the best performance bargains available today and illustrate what a broad spectrum of driving enthusiasm the E36 M3 can fulfill. For today, however, just one item composed my rubric: WHICH ONE HAS THE BIGGEST WING? Well, folks, I’m confident I’ve found it, and as opposed to the rear-view problems monster wings typically present, this one avoids that problem altogether by just placing the spoiler higher than the roof!
Now, the reason this car has a GT3RS-rivaling spoiler is because it’s been fully outfitted for the track. A supercharger and upgraded exhaust/suspension/brakes combine with a rollcage in the bare interior to make this M3 all about the go, not show. Which rationalizes the wing a bit – sure, it looks silly, but with the S52B30 putting out over 400hp at the crank now, some high-speed stability is a prudent priority. Somehow registered for the street, this complete track build clearly demands a closed course so you can exercise this E36’s full potential instead of garnering Nelson Muntz-ish “Ha Ha!”s from the general public.
Click for details: 1995 BMW M3 on eBay
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Much like its E39 5-series competitor, the C5 Audi brethren were clean with simple designs and plenty of modern amenities without overcomplication, and came with performance variants that were true wolves in sheeps’ clothing. The S6 Avant wasn’t quite up to the M5’s monster benchmark (leaving those duties to the rare, sedan-only RS6), but it was still a full-sized family wagon packing a silky V8 with 340hp. Today’s example is in nice shape and looks just a touch more aggressive with adjustable Bilstein coilovers. There are surprisingly few blemishes after 132k miles and, other than the typical Audi dead pixels in the screens, it’s hard to find any major faults with this car.