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When considering the large BMWs that preceded the 7-series, most in the U.S. will only remember the Bavaria like the 1974 example Paul wrote up the other day. But before the name Bavaria tipped its hat on these shores, BMW was importing both 2500 and 2800 sedans of the New Six platform. The E3 isn’t usually a fan favorite but it really did pave the way for models like the later 5 and 7-series cars; luxurious, sporting sedans. Largely forgotten and with most rusted to oblivion, today we have a neat 2800 that really ups the sport quotient of the E3:
We’ve seen cars like this before. An impact-bumper Porsche 911 that has been backdated to the look of a long-hood 911, but all the while retaining its higher output engine. These 911s come in all sorts of builds, but I think this one stands out for two reasons. First, I find it incredibly striking. The Slate Grey paint looks wonderful and works well on the widened rear. It also works really well with the red accents that are eye-catching, but do not overpower the overall look, especially of the interior. The second factor in this car’s favor is that it lacks the typical six-figure price tag we see with many such builds. One of the most common criticisms of these cars is that the sellers simply are asking way too much money. Not only does this one not have a six-figure price, but the reserve on this auction has already been met so it looks like it will be going to a new home. It still isn’t cheap – bidding currently sits at $60,300 – but at least the market is having a chance to establish the value rather than an overly ambitious seller.
One of the consistent criticisms of cars like the one we see here is that their level of execution and performance never seem to match their high price tag. I guess we can call this the Singer problem. Singer, as most are aware, produces bespoke backdated 911s that combine many of the best performance parts with the best aesthetic features, both inside and out. Each build is individual and in many ways a work of art. They are also incredibly expensive. Some builders seem keen to follow Singer’s lead without nearly the same quality and performance, and then hope to still extract high prices (even if they aren’t as high as those charged by Singer itself). The car here comes with the typical very high price tag, but in this case there is a lot more going on performance-wise than in other builds we’ve come across. This 911 started life as a 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo-look. The appearance was backdated to that of a ’73 911 RSR while the engine was replaced with a 3.8 liter flat-six built to 993 Carrera RS specs. The interior received alterations to suit its increased sporting pretensions. The seller describes it as minimalist and that description seems apt. It was then painted in Ferrari Rosso Corso, presumably because the owner was a Ferrari enthusiast. The result is a very striking 911 whose RSR roots are clear on the outside, but which packs a very potent and more modern punch. I would imagine the performance of this 911 would be quite exhilarating and it is in that regard that this build significantly distances itself from many others we have seen. Does it justify the high price?
The first-generation Scirocco only gets better with age, the classic Giugiaro design combining rectilinear lines with personality in a way that would characterize German cars for the next two decades. From the low, snub-nose to the glorious, mantis-like C-pillar window frame that exaggerates the Hofmeister Kink to an extreme. Original examples have their own charms, but today’s is just about perfectly done with a ground-up restoration and OEM+ modifications throughout. Some clean Euro retrofits on the exterior combine with an interior that will remind you every day that this car is from the 70s; the plaid makes the Mk1 GTI’s classic fabric look subtle. The 16v 2.0-liter completes the package, making this a looker and a mover – and about as good as VWs get.
The Volkswagen Type 2 “Bus” is one of the most iconic vehicles of all time, perhaps second only to the Type 1 Beetle. They draw smiles everywhere they go, and are perfectly acceptable as rusty survivors and perfect, climate-controlled-storage classics. The one my brother drove for a while was of the no-muffler beater variety, but today’s examples are gorgeous, show-quality items that will blow minds with both their looks and their prices. Both are modified to take on the look of the desirable “21-window” bus, but the first one has significantly more than that…
