I spotted an (insert obscure car name here) classic car today! (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright

RE: Renault 15 --- I really liked the part about "needs new carb to run". Talk about reckless optimism! Hmmm...0 bids, as one might suspect. Might be worth $5 for parts.

RE: "The Sunrise Classic" Hahahahaha....those look like bowling trophies in front of the car! Makes your eyes hurt, makes my stomach turn.

RE: The classic "Susita" from Isreal. Ah, yes, well-known and highly sought-after collectible. Says it is made of "figerglass and wood". I wonder if that includes the engine?

RE: Facel Vega -- could be a valuable car but it's the type of vehicle you need to have rigorously (did I say rigorously?) inspected, as the old coachwork is always suspect on these Frenchies. Lots of horror stories with these cars.

RE: Giulia Super --- looks like a nice car but please, seller, we are at $5,700 and you still haven't dropped the reserve? This is a 4-DOOR SEDAN, wake up and smell the coffee. I can't believe this seller would let close to 6 big ones walk away. DOH!

RE: Honda 600---damn, I wish the car were closer, I'd bid on it. I wonder if I could have it mailed? I owned one of these and I loved it. A motorcycle shop helped me "breath on it" and that little guy could scoot right down the highway. I sold it one day after parking next to a semi and noticing that I had to look UP to read the lettering on his tires.

andre1969

damn, what a horrible thing to do to a 1982 Electra!

wimsey1

The Sunrise thingy "show winner". They have shows for those? And therefore enthusiasts? Well, I guess this guy is one so it is genetically possible. Lay any odds on whether the family has any velvet Elvis paintings and reads the Enquirer to get the real scoop? Didn't check if it was my home town, but it would be possible there.

Shifty-Bid on it! It can't cost much more than a Christmas ham to ship. ;^D

fintail

I want to see that "Sunrise" parked in front of a really gaudy 70s house. It's really just atrocious, almost like a neo-classic parody...one can't help but wonder if it is for real. I like the bowling trophy remark.

I bet the owner of that Alfa has priced it for the Euro market, where I could see such a car in that condition bringing 10 grand.

I saw a sort of oddball today. A Pontiac 6000 S/E wagon. The S/E appears to have been a very high trim level, with lots of special cladding and wheels. I have never noticed one before. I bet it's rare in wagon form. The car was pretty pristine, too.

andys120

They look the same to me (i.e. silly).

Mr_Shiftright

Nah, that Alfa is a 1.3 liter Giulia Super. Maybe you are thinking of a TI Super? Top price in Italy is maybe $3,500 US. They are even less valuable there than here.

Check out this price guide, very interesting:

http://www.carsfromitaly.com/alfaromeo/index.html

The seller really should take the $5,700 bid.

kyfdx

1500 mile round-trip.

1) Late '60s Chevy pickup.. Lowered in muscle car fashion.. a little lower in the front. That nice orangey-red color. Just outside of Knoxville... Almost perfect.

2) Traveling together near Asheville.. '66 Chevelle SS and '65 Mustang, both "muscled up", but very tasteful and with big-dollar paint jobs. Both looked to be $30K or more cars.

3) late '50s BMW 507 convertible.. perfect restoration.. less than 300 ever made. Anyone want to guess where I saw this one?

regards,
kyfdx

mini69

Andre1969

The Sweeney is cockney slang for "Flying Squad" - once part of the London Metropolitan Police, equipped with fast cars, axe handles, even guns to deal with violent criminals. TV series "The Sweeney" in the late 70's and two movies was known for its violence, gritty atmosphere etc.

To give this an on topic angle, the Sweeney movies are out on DVD and are a real time capsule of 70's British "motors" (cars)

fintail

Yeah, I was thinking of the 60s version of that car, I have seen those advertised many times in British publications for a pretty penny.

I like those Alfa 2000/2600 sedans. Cool 60s modern upscale Euro styling. I wonder if any are on the road in NA.

BMW 507...whoa...never seen one of those in person.

Aaah the Sweeney...I've also seen that referenced in Brit mags, as a highline Brit Ford Granada was often the star car. I can only find a pic of the toy, though

kyfdx

A BMW 328 convertible.. late '30s, I think...

The original Z3 from the James Bond movie.

Ralf Schumacher's Williams/BMW F1 car from 2000 season.

Any guesses on where I saw them?

regards,
kyfdx

jaserb

I'm pretty sure that IS a Euro spec car, with the 1300CC Carb'd engine in 1975 it would have to be. A '75 US car would be an Alfetta, first of all, and it would have Spica with the 2000 engine. Depending on your local smog police that could be a scary car to get legal. I know around here I'd still have to smog a '75.

-Jason

Mr_Shiftright

Safeway parking lot?

RE: ALFA- no way that car is coming to California. 1975 cars are still subject to all smog laws.

FINTAIL--I don't think I've ever seen a 2600 sedan, (and looking at the picture, not sure I ever want to), but I'm going down to the Concourso Italiano this year at Pebble Beach and if there is one in NA, it would show up there.

I have seen the 1900 sedan, to me a much prettier car, which is here:

http://www.carsfromitaly.com/alfaromeo/index.html

Check out this Lancia Flaminia 4-door sedan at about the middle of the page:

http://www.carsfromitaly.com/lancia/index.html

I'm thinking of buying one that's up for sale. Not a beauty by any means but an interesting car technically, with V-6 engine and integrated trans/diff in the rear end. What you can't see is that there are winhshield wipers on the BACK windshield, and also INSIDE the car! (no kidding).

jaserb

That would be the BMW museum in Spartanburg, would it not? We did that tour a couple months ago. Neat stuff - my wife especially liked the Isetta.

-Jason

jrosasmc

When you say 1975 cars are still subject to smog laws in CA, do you mean every '75 car?

andre1969

I saw a VW Phaeton in the parking lot at Home Depot. Really anti-climatic. Big whoop.

kyfdx

Yes.. not having been in an assembly plant in 20 years or more, it was really an amazing experience. It was worth the trip just to see a 507 "in the flesh", though.

regards,
kyfdx

Mr_Shiftright

Yep, every 1975 in California either passes smog or you don't drive it in California (race cars and museum cars excepted). Also in some high-smog areas, you have to put the car on a dyno to smog it, which makes it even tougher.

jrosasmc

Here's something for you- Yesterday while visiting my neighbor (the one who sold the '70 Cuda 440-6), I discovered that he had just bought a '78 Dodge D-150 pickup with a 440. Now I know late '70s Dodge pickups are hard to come by these days, but this one was really solid and in great condition. I couldn't believe it had a 440, since I thought Chrysler had dropped it entirely after '71.

andys120

are subject to smog regulations.

Shifty, I think the Alfa 1900 was probably the first sport sedan as we know them today. Imagine a sedan with a twin-cam in 1950!

andre1969

1978 was actually the last "official" year for the 400 and 440 engines. I say "official", because the big block was used in some motorhome applications, such as Champion, Travco, etc, up through 1980 or so, but my understanding is that those were leftover engines. And with something like a motorhome, there's enough lead time in building them that while it might be a 1980, the engine could very well be a 1978.

In 1978, there was a Dodge pickup called the Lil Red Wagon, or Warlock (I forget which, as they used both names) that had a copcar 440 in it, and was supposed to be about the quickest domestic vehicle around at the time.

jrosasmc

Andre- Apparently the stringent emission controls that were prevalent on all late '70s cars weren't there on my neighbor's '78 440 truck, because that vehicle could do a serious burnout!

jrosasmc

Andre- Apparently the stringent emission controls that were prevalent on all late '70s cars weren't there on my neighbor's '78 440 truck, because that vehicle could do a serious burnout!

jrosasmc

Oh yeah forgot to mention- that truck's not a Lil Red Express, just a regular D-150 Adventurer.

Mr_Shiftright

Currently 1974 and older vehicles are exempt in California, as are all diesel cars. But of course one never knows. The idea was that as a car hit 30 years old it would become exempt on a year to year basis, but I understand they may have frozen that rule at 1974 and older. I rather doubt they would retro-actively reduce the rule from 30 years, though. There just aren't enough older cars on the road to worry about.

jaserb

and yes, you still have to get all vehicles (newer than 1966) smog tested here, and there is NO rolling 30 year exemption. Figures that the one law CA passes that's good for enthusiasts is the one that our legislature decides not to copy.

-Jason

jaserb

if someone wants to host them and put them up here. I think a couple of them might have a cute pregnant girl in front of the cars, tho.

-Jason

seminole_kev

Spent a week on Anna Maria Island. Poked around Bradenton/Sarasota area while there.

Saw a nice looking, red 1959 Cadillac parked on the island off of Sarasota (Largo?...Lago?). Parked on the round-about there for those familiar with the area.

Saw a few 55/56 Chevys in good shape. A BMW 2002 that was in so-so shape.

Oh, saw a nice looking MGB and a good looking early Toyota Celica running around the island. Surprised me as I would have thought both would have rusted away long ago. Maybe they we're visiting.

Got back and yesterday saw an old Model T going down the road. Haven't seen it around here before.

seminole_kev

a late 80's/early 90's generic import box that was so badly beat to heck, that I couldn't remotely tell what it was. Missing fenders and just in terrible shape.....except it probably had 2-to-3 Grand in rims on the thing. Just shook my.

fintail

The Alfa 1900 Sedan reminds me of a ponton, where the 2000/2600 is a fintail. I like the fintails more. I've really got this thing for "modern" styling of that time period, all of a sudden.

That Flaminia is pretty cool! I bet if you're considering it, it's cheap too. Parts would be hard though.

tarik

jaserb, I'll gladly put them up for all to see, just e-mail them to me.

And next time anyone comes to Spartanburg (of all places...), let me know - I live about 20 minutes from the "Big Bimmer Store"!

jaserb

My MIL lives in Hendersonville, so I told my wife I'd let her drag me to Biltmore if I could drag her to the BMW plant. She liked it more than she thought she would.

So, do you care to guess what % of the Z4's being produced are driven by BMW employees ;-)

-Jason

Mr_Shiftright

Parts would not be "hard" to find for the Flaminia, parts would be non-existant for the Flaminia (unless you salvaged a parts car of course). Lancia parts in general are really tough, which is why all Lancia owners are pack-rats to the extreme. A set of wheels and hub caps for that Aurelia Spider cost the guy $5,000, used OEM. You can buy reproduction wire wheels cheaper, but wire wheels look cheesy on that Spider. The body style demands a chunky alloy to my eye.

fintail

I think I will stick to old MB. Parts are relatively easy.

Mr_Shiftright

Oh, way better. You can still go to an MB dealer and order some parts for your fintail! In fact, more parts than you could for an old Chevrolet (at a Chevy dealer I mean!), especially trim pieces, etc.

Owning an old Lancia in the USA would be like owning an old American car in Cuba. You would have to do a lot of improvising.

Alfa parts, on the other hand, are no problem. Go figure.

fintail

I remember several years ago, I need a new metal fuel line for the FI fast, and the dealer had it here in no time. I was amazed, for an engine that ceased production in 1965. From what I have heard, you can still actually even get body parts from the dealer...for a huge price. Bumpers and such at a couple grand a pop.

The only part problem I have had with the fintail was points. Couldn't find them anywhere. But I solved that problem 3 years ago by putting in an electronic ignition.

lancerfixer

Heck, that's IN Europe; check out the semi in the background. Either the seller's using pics of the car from when HE bought it in Europe, or what, I dunno. Sure as $%## ain't Plano, TX though.

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fintail

Good catch on the semi. Upon looking at the pics, the trailer/camper in the background also appears to be a slab sided Euro style one, I have noticed "caravans" there have a different look. I wonder what's the story.

kyfdx

Suzuki X90.. Really weird.. sort of a ... uh.. uh... It kind of defies categorization. What were they thinking?

andre1969

thanks for the info on the Sweeney. At least now, that song makes a little more sense to me! ;-)

andre1969

my uncle was actually sort of thinking about buying a Suzuki X90 as a spare car. He was rationalizing that it was small, cheap, and 4wd, and tall enough for my grandmother to get into and out of fairly reasonably. Thankfully, he didn't carry that thought too far...

michaellno

...a white Porsche 968. California plates, but a local dealership plate frame. Really nice condition.

Can someone remind me if this came with the 3.0L 4-cylinder or did it have a 6? My memory is fading.

kyfdx

Four cylinder... Nice car, but the four-cylinder thing killed it.

regards,
kyfdx

jaserb

he's one of those marketing types (insert style over substance comment here). I know for a fact that my 5-speed Sentra SE-R will beat his tiptronic 968 from a stoplight, although I'm sure he's got a much better top end. I much prefer a fast car that looks slow to a car that looks fast but really isn't.

All that said, it's still a very, very nice car.

-Jason

kyfdx

Automatic with a 4-cylinder in a Porsche.. shewwwwww.. That said, if it was the convertible, my wife would take one in a minute.. While on vacation, she and my ten year old son went to the grocery and came back raving about the one they had seen.

Ten years old and into cars.. wonder where he gets that from?

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michaellno

I sort of thought it had the mondo sized 4 banger in it. Style over substance, it seems like.

Also saw that yellow Lambo again over the weekend. Still can't figure out if it's the Murciealago or the Gallardo.

Oh! Oh! Just remembered ... was driving around looking at houses on Saturday and spotted a 50's RR Silver Shadow in a garage. All I saw was the tail end of it, but it looked to be in immaculate condition.

Then, coming out of that same housing development, I spotted another RR (or Bentley; didn't see the grille) coming in. This one was of a more recent vintage; say, the past 10 years or so.

And no, this wasn't a development with multi-million dollar homes in it.

Mr_Shiftright

Old Rolls and Bentleys, if they are not coachbuilt but factory bodied, are really a dime a dozen. Well not a dime, but you can buy 'em cheap all day long, and look rich for the price of a used Toyota....if you never drive it that is.

lemko

...I've encountered Rolls-Royce Silver Spirits and Silver Spurs going for around $25K or less - certainly cheap enough for the average slob to buy. When it comes to maintenance and repair, however, you'd better have a Bill Gates bank account.

andre1969

there was a Rolls parked out on the street for sale in my old neighborhood. It was parked behind a nice looking mid-60's Caddy that, sadly, had been hit in front and in back. The Caddy had a $2500 price tag on it. I forget how much the Rolls was...I want to say $10K? All I remember is one day I rode by, and saw that someone had smashed out one of the windows in the Rolls.

Also, I dunno what year Rolls it was. All I could tell ya is that it looked about like a '39 Packard...but then, don't they all? ;-)