The restored 1964 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible we featured last month is back up on offer, having failed to meet its reserve last time around.
Author: Paul
Certain cars, like the BMW 3 series, have been evolutionary over the years. While they’ve gotten a bit larger over the years and the model has split between the 3er and 4er (sedan and coupe), they are still recognizable as the compact executive machines that endeared them to the upwardly mobile in the 1980s. Then you have cars that are more revolutionary, such as the BMW i3 that you see here, brought to our attention by our reader Tony. I recently came across this glimpse of the future at a BMW dealer outside of Philadelphia. After seeing one in person, I can safely say that pictures don’t do it justice.
There’s a lot of things going on with this vehicle. Let’s break it down. First, the design is what grabs your attention first. It could almost be described as a blend of Picasso and Mondrian elements. The look is funky, but it works. Then you get down to the powertrain, which is an electric motor with the option of a small, two cylinder engine dubbed REx, or range extender. Sure, that’s nothing new but you have to take note when it’s being marketed by the company with the old tagline “The Ultimate Driving Machine.†Then, less visible, is the way the i3 is constructed. As automotive manufacturers scramble to meet CAFE requirements in the coming years, BMW is exploring use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic construction in the i3, helping to keep the weight down. Folks, the future is here.
Click for details: 2014 BMW i3 on eBay
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The 1970s were generally seen as a pretty harsh time for the automobile. It was the end of the era for large American sedans with big V8s under the hood and muscle cars. Consumers in the US turned to a myriad of imported subcompact cars to combat ever rising fuel prices. Things stayed fairly consistent at Mercedes-Benz, with exception of some larger bumpers and lighting differences as compared to their European market counterparts. Through it all, from 1972 to 1989, there was one car that defined the brand, the R107 SL roadster. Whether it was cruising the Sunset Strip or going on a weekend jaunt to The Hamptons, the SL was the car to be seen in during that era. I generally prefer the later 300SL and 560SL variants, but this 1977 450SL for sale in California has caught my attention. For the mileage, the car presents very well and the Anthracite Grey over black MB-tex livery gives it an almost timeless vibe.
Click for details: 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SL on eBay
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Following on the heels of the 1990 BMW M3 we featured last week, here comes an even later model 1991 M3 for sale in New Hampshire. This car has slightly less mileage and has a rebuilt, blueprinted motor under the hood and wears the iconic Alpine White on the outside. Bidding is strong on this one, eclipsing the $30,100 that the M3 from last week fetched.
Click for details: 1991 BMW M3 on eBay
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The low-mileage 1995 Mercedes-Benz C220 Feature listing from last December is back up on offer, with a few days before auction end. Surely there is someone out there who would like to put a big red bow on this for someone for the holiday season?