Red Porsches have become fairly ubiquitous on the second-hand market due primarily to their popularity in the ’80s and, to a lesser extent, the ’90s, but that popularity has not always been the case. And judging by their lack of prevalence among newer models, we may see their presence gradually wane over time. Among the earliest models they remain somewhat rare, yet they can be incredibly striking. Such is the case with the car here, a Polo Red 1968 Porsche 912, located in Indiana, with a reported 88,800 miles on it. I remain a huge fan of the 912 in general. These were the simpler, 4-cylinder, entry-level counterparts to the 911 that eventually were phased out when Porsche introduced the 911T as its lowest-cost offering. For a long time now the 912 has made for an excellent alternative to the 911 for those seeking a vintage driver for lower cost, but who still desired that 911 shape. That said, as prices for good models increase they do become a more difficult proposition. We’re still at a point where the best examples of the 912 only begin to reach the prices of a decent 911T, so we are not yet dealing with equal levels of condition, but given more time we may see an increased convergence of the market for these two entry-level Porsches.
German Cars For Sale Blog Posts
Few automobiles make a bolder style statement than a vintage Mercedes-Benz SL. The original 300SL Gullwing and later Roadster were going to be a tough act to follow, but Mercedes succeeded in producing a smaller, more agile roadster for the 1960s, the 230SL. The W113 chassis SL would last into the early 1970s, culminating in the form of the 280SL. Many who bought these roadsters preferred the option of the automatic gearbox, but a few came equipped with a 4-speed manual. One option that appeared in 1966, however, was the ZF 5-speed manual gearbox. This was a very rare option on the 230/250/280SL and would be discontinued in 1969 and available only as a special request through the end of the production run. This 1970 280SL is one such SL so equipped, having undergone a complete frame-off restoration. For the W113 fan, it doesn’t get much nicer than this car right here.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL on Hemmings Motor News
4 CommentsAlmost five years on, every time I slip behind the wheel of my 2006 MINI Cooper S, it still puts a smile on my face. I remember the first time I drove one of these supercharged pocket rockets almost a decade ago. I thought to myself “someday, you’ll be mine.” After four years of running a 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230, I finally had enough of the 7-speed automatic AKA the gearbox with a personality disorder. I was lusting after something more fun, and with a manual gearbox. And seeing how much my father enjoyed his 2002 MINI Cooper, I went to work in search of a final year R53 Cooper S. It’s been a fairly trouble free ownership experience and I don’t see myself selling it anytime soon.
Two years before the R53 hardtop disappeared, MINI payed homage to their past with the Cooper S MC40. Dedicated to Mini’s historic win at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, this car was equipped with the Sport Package, driving lights, special interior trim, magnetic body decals and a numbered plaque with Paddy Hopkirk’s signature. One color was offered, Chili Red with a White roof. This MC40 for sale in Florida has just over 60,000 miles. Even with the limitless color and trim combinations MINI offers, this special edition is a good way to stand out from the crowd.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2004 MINI Cooper S MC40 on eBay
Comments closedWhen 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
3 CommentsIs there a better known name across multiple marques than Cosworth? From the DFV formula one engine to Can-Am, Touring Cars to Rally, I can’t think of a more versatile or storied engine supplier. Just the other day, Paul took a look at an expensive and questions asked 1986 190E 2.3-16V Cosworth, and that got me thinking about some listings I’ve run across. Today, then, I have an interesting question and two very different cars that share one word – Cosworth. Both are legends in their own right and both are rare to see in the U.S.; and each for each model I have a valuable original and a replica. Which would you choose?