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Author: Nate

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1984 Volkswagen GTI

Published March 6, 2014 by Nate

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Have you ever wanted a Mk1 GTI? I have since about 6th grade. My 2.0’d Caddy is as close as I’ve gotten, but some day the original German hot hatch will inhabit my car barn (so will another Caddy). If the car barn ever happens, it would be a good indicator that I have the kind of money where I can drop $10k on a GTI and feel good about it. Considering how GTI prices have been creeping up these past few years, getting this one for that price suddenly seems reasonable. Seriously, start by looking at the undercarriage; it’s painfully immaculate. Then you pull back to the clean-but-unique exterior and tip your head in to a tastefully improved cabin, and you’re looking at a GTI that is unhyperbolically listed as “possibly best in state.” It might be the best period.

Click for more details: 1984 Volkswagen GTI on Central New Jersey’s Craigslist

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1985 BMW 535i

Published March 2, 2014 by Nate

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As I picked up the M5 from the shop today (finally), they were still working on a woman’s beat E12, into which she was dumping $5k so that her daughter could inherit it as a daily driver. Despite admittedly being the pot calling Mrs. Kettle black, it seemed silly to drop that kind of coin on a car that seemed unspecial to me. Today’s E28 adds an interesting juxtaposition to her and my situations; advertised as “lady owned,” this 535i is rough on the top, but the sides through the interior are commensurate with the nice 115k mileage.

Yes, it’s an automatic. Yes, the up-facing surfaces look like the skin of someone who has been retired and at the beach since 1985… but it’s not too far from being a 30 year-old sugar momma in a beach house.

Click for more details: 1985 BMW 535i on eBay

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1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16

Published February 26, 2014 by Nate

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Some forbidden fruit today, coming to us from Japan via Canada. It’s the beefier 2.5 Cosworth that we never got in the US, bringing with it dual timing chains and 17 extra horsepower. The optioned automatic gearbox is interesting as most 190E 16s came with a dogleg 5-speed to keep the racy feel. The 2.5-liter 16-valve should keep things at a nice pace though, even if it needs some love. The whole car needs some attention, from a few interior and exterior blemishes to the too-low suspension. Sitting on Lorinser monoblocks, though, it’s hard to deny the appeal of this E30 M3 counterpart, especially when you take into account that it will cost at least 75% less than the Bimmer.

Click for more details: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 on eBay

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1988 BMW 535is

Published February 25, 2014 by Nate

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As I find myself knee deep in an expensive bout of repairs for my E28 M5, I’m reminded of the appeal in the flexibility and relative ease of replacement/improvement with the 535is. While I feel beholden (and am often required) to buy M5-specific parts, if it were a 535 it’s much easier to rationalize replacement seats in a new color, or using repairs as an opportunity for some OEM+ modification. The description of today’s 535is leaves some details to be desired, it appears to be a good-looking E28 that could be the basis for a beautiful car.

Click here for details: 1988 BMW 535is on eBay

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1982 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup

Published February 21, 2014 by Nate

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Last year I wrote up a very cool Caddy, almost completely redone with great mods like a 16v and Brat seats in the bed. At the time, the seller was asking almost $15k, which seemed a bit optimistic. Today’s fully redone Caddy is gorgeous and leans a bit more towards the subtle end of aesthetics, but has a 16v ABF engine among a very nice list of performance improvements in addition to the cleanliness that can only come with ripping something all the way down. Unfortunately, while $15k seemed optimistic (and was… it sold for $10,900), this seller has started his auction at $12k and is asking $19k. I love Rabbit Pickups, it was my first car and I will own one again etc., but that white one represented the top of the crop. This one may be there, but that market is still short of the opening bid.

Click for more details: 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup on eBay

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