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Author: Paul

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Shift It Yourself SL: 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SL vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

Published January 14, 2015 by Paul

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The R129 Mercedes-Benz SL was a car met with much anticipation at the end of the 1980s, as the existing R107 SL had been in production since the early 1970s. Few models have had such longevity in the Mercedes product range. In a departure from prior models, both a six-cylinder (300SL) and V8 (500SL) would be offered in the new model. Customers could even opt for a 5-speed manual in the US market with the 300SL, but takers were few, making the early R129s with three pedals quite the rarity. The R107 was available with a six-cylinder engine all along in other markets, culminating with the similarly badged 300SL in 1986 that would cease production along with the rest of the range after the 1989 model year. These two 300SLs here represent possibly the best of the best when it comes to the six-cylinder/manual transmission combo in SLs of yore. We’ll start with this 1988 300SL for sale in northern Germany with a remarkably low 27,000 miles on the clock.

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1986 Porsche 944 Turbo

Published January 13, 2015 by Paul

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We’re always on the lookout for low mileage classics here at GCFSB, but it’s rather special when you find vintage motors with under 10,000 miles on the clock. These types of cars can be a window into the past, reminding restorers how these cars were made in the first place or taking collectors back in time to when they first saw a particular machine on the showroom floor. This 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo for sale in Texas is just such an example. With just under 10,000 miles on the odometer, it looks as if it just rolled off the production line in Stuttgart. The idea of turbocharging had been around for some time, but this was the first car that produced the same amount of power with or without a catalyst. Forged pistons, a ceramic port liner and Brembo four piston calipers and ABS came standard. With a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds, this was a very quick sports car in its day.

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1995 BMW 318ti

Published January 12, 2015 by Paul

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After reading a Car Magazine long-term test review of the new Caterham 160, my interest in base model vehicles was rekindled. Much like the rather basic BMW 518 that Nate featured back in 2013, this 318ti has caught my attention for similar reasons. When the E36 hatchback made its debut, I wasn’t particular fond of it. But time has changed my view of it, not in the least because it wasn’t the most common E36 3 series on US shores. It’s rare you come across a good example, as these were the most affordable car in the BMW range at the time, but sometimes you’ll find a hidden gem. Such is the case with this example equipped with a 5-speed manual for sale in Oregon.

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1964 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34

Published January 11, 2015 by Paul

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The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 was a curiosity at the Volkswagen shows I frequented in my youth. In the rare instances I would come across one, I wasn’t sure what to make of this two-door with the same name as the Karmann Ghia Type 14. This was the flagship model for Volkswagen at the time, styled by Sergio Sartorelli, who was also responsible for the design of the Fiat 2300 S Coupe and Fiat 126. Based on the Type 3 chassis with the pancake flat-4 engine, this was the fastest Volkswagen of the time and cost the equivalent of two Beetles. Just over 42,000 examples were produced over nine years, from 1961 through 1969. This example for sale in Washington state isn’t stock, but could be a good starting point for someone looking to return one to stock.

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1995 BMW 840Ci

Published January 10, 2015 by Paul

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I had to do a double take when I saw this 1995 BMW 840Ci for sale in California, as Carter had featured a strikingly similar example at the end of last month. Sure enough, this Oxford Green Metallic 840Ci is a different car altogether, but one which has almost 80,000 less miles. With the lower running costs of the V8 engine over the V12 and such low mileage, this could be one of the ultimate 8 series opportunities that we’ve come across here at GCFSB.

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