Man, I would pay that much for a NOS fender for my 1989 Cadillac Brougham just to have it on hand in case some knucklehead in a $25 Nova and no insurance hit me!
In many ways, that makes me think of the first 27 years of my '69 Chevy's life; the poor thing sat for 23 years completely unused. Amazingly, I had to do very little to get it running again and it is still going strong over 40,000 miles later. However, the price I paid for it clearly reflected the condition in which it sat. I wish I would have taken some photos before I extracted it and cleaned it up.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I'm probably going to go ahead and buy the fender. It's in Rhode Island, but my mechanic is going up there anyway, and said he'll bring it back for me, so I won't have to worry about shipping costs. I just better remind him to check and make sure it's a "real" DeSoto/Chrysler fender, and not a Firesweep fender, which was the same as a Dodge fender.
is about 8 years old, not too old and has just over 100k on it. for the last year or so, it has been pretty needy. i'd like to keep it another 2 years, without spending any more than i need to for maintenance/repairs. last month, it got new rear brakes and rotors, plus i had the rear axle fluid replaced because the limited slip clutches were acting up. anyways, my daughter the primary driver tells me the other day, a bunch of the electrical stuff has stopped working; remote fob, keypad, power locks, power seat, power pedals, and the radio won't shut off after you get out of the car. i also notice the automatic headlights, the mirror puddle lights and clown nose are not working. the clown nose has me worried the most because that is tied to the security system. i dig out the owner's manual and find a fuse that lines up pretty well to all these functions, but was still uneasy about the whole thing because at least at this point it starts and all the important stuff still works, lights, wipers, defroster, heated seat, radio. last 2 are a big concern for my daughter. i finally got the courage up to find and pull the fuse to check it with my electrical tester. it looked perfectly fine, but i could not get a tone on the continuity test. i reinstalled the fuse and it still started, so i got a bit of confidence. then i got the idea that i should test another fuse, but you have to understand i am VERY reluctant to mess with anything to do with electrics(another story or two). i test the other fuse of the same amperage, and get a tone, so i go the parts store and buy a pack of 5 of about $4.50. i check the new one, get a tone, plug it in, yahoo! everything is working again.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Even the super low mileage examples would be considered parts cars? Wow, I'd think you can change some belts and hoses and flush out the fuel system and be good to go with those.
Not with British and Italian cars that have been sitting for years and years. The reason I said "parts cars" is that's the price you should bid them at. If you get lucky, fine, if not, you can still bail out of a rat's nest of problems.
Keep in mind that these cars cost THOUSANDS of dollars for what would cost $300 on a Ford Explorer. The Maserati, for instance, has the Citroen hydraulics (not for suspension but for brakes, steering, windows, etc.) You think THAT's going to be okay with a battery jump? Ah......no.
And if you have to open up an antique Italian V-8 engine?
So on the Maser for instance, if you get lucky you'll just need battery, tires (which will be metric, so $$$) and hydraulics rebuilt, so figure maybe $5000 bucks on the get-go. And then it has to run yet. If it smokes, or the clutch is frozen to the flywheel, you're in another $20,000.
And if all the leather cracks when you sit on it, well then, another $8000 for that.
Probably the old Cadillac would be the easiest to bring back to life, presuming it doesn't have parts missing. They are such simple cars that there's not too much one can't deal with.
I actually owned one of those for about 6 months, back in the 1990s. It was a fun car. I do recall though that the engine was very rough and primitive compared to say a similar engine/year BMW. It was the basic 2.3 Ford ohc engine family wasn't it?
here is the wiki info: The XR4Ti came with one engine, the 2.3 liter turbocharged, in-line, fuel injected 'Lima' four cylinder using an EEC-IV computer. The 4-cylinder engine was generally rated at 145 hp (108 kW) when mated with an automatic transmission (8 to 10 lbf/in² [55 to 70 kPa] boost), and 175 hp (130 kW) when matched with the 5-speed manual transmission (12 to 14 lb (6 kg). boost). This engine weighs a surprising 450 lb (204 kg) in full (turbo) trim. This engine is basically the same as that found in the SVO Mustang and the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe of the time, though the SVO Mustang and Thunderbird Turbo Coupe differed by having an intercooler and better EECIV programming.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Yeah I do remember, aside from the sound of the engine resembling 25 lbs of ball bearings in a clothes dryer, that the power came FULL ON in an instant. Back in the day, turbo tech was not as sophisticated as it is now, so "lag" was a big problem.
But really, for $3K, this is a lot of bang for the buck----what else can you buy that would be anywhere near this fun and comfortable? You could get Debbie's clapped out Miata, or a Corolla with a JC Whitney wing bolted onto the trunk lid, or maybe an old Dodge Dart with bullet holes in it and rust-a-rama rocker panels.
I remember renting an XR4ti for a vacation in Northern California in the mid-80's. For the time, it was a great change from the typical cars of the day, and lots of fun along Rt. 1.
Problem is, these cars today are virtually worthless, so if you buy one, it has to be all done already, and one has to view its value as a good used car, not as a collectible.
I remember I thought the Merkur/Sierra was very futuristic too, and the spoiler was Euro-cool...I had the crazy idea I could get my dad to buy one, never happened of course.
I had a couple Matchbox versions:
And a Majorette too (sedan version never seen in NA):
I never cared for the things...IMO it looks like someone took an ugly-stick to my stepdad's 1984 Tempo! That one you posted is even the same color scheme as his was!
how did those old 80's aero T-birds perform with that little turbocharged 4-cyl?
When that engine first came out, it was slated to go in the Fairmont as well, but never made it beyond a few test cars and early sales brochures. Kind of a shame, because the Fairmont was actually the lightest of the Fox cars...actually a bit lighter than the Mustang. A Fairmont 2-door sedan (too boxy to really call them a coupe) would have made for an interesting sleeper with the turbo!
The first time I saw a Ford Sierra was in Poland in the mid 80s when they came out. As a little kid I was blown away by the styling as everything else on the roads in Poland during those times were boxy Ladas and Fiats based on 60s and70s designs.
It was a significant design...it predates the Tempo/aero T-Bird, and was the influence for those cars in NA. IIRC it was a flop at initial release - just too different looking - but in a couple years people warmed up to it, and it became a huge seller on the continent and UK.
Funny you'd post that...I was just thinking about those things. I think they only made something like 3000 of those things in 1984 and 1985. They used a hopped up version of the 302 V-8, with 165 hp. It wasn't quite in the range of what was going in the Mustangs and Mark VII's, which was more like 180-200+, but still better than the 140 that the T-birds, Crown Vics, etc were getting.
I always wondered why Ford didn't see fit to put that engine in the T-bird, and come up with a decent competitor to the Monte Carlo SS and Cutlass Supreme 442? The turbo T-bird was pretty quick as I recall, but only offered with a 5-speed.
My guess is that Ford built these things mainly for police car use, but released a few to the public to make a few extra bucks. However, they couldn't sell TOO many, because it would hurt their CAFE ratings.
When I was a kid there was an LTD LX in the small town where I lived, I think it was black or dark grey, with blackout trim. I am pretty sure it had different wheels than those, I want to say the design had several round holes.
Sadly, I can remember the wheel choices for ca. 85 Tempos, as we had one back in the day, and I remember the option packages. There were two different wheels available along with the wheelcover models, differentiated by the size and number of spokes.
my brother's girlfriend, in high school, drove one (it was her parents--they had some bucks), thus I kinda borrowed it when they wanted, um, 'alone time'. It was an '84 or '85, I think, gray with gray leather, dual power seats (and I remember thinking that even compared to my mom's Cressida, that car had a really nice interior). It was kinda doggy, of course, til the turbo kicked in, then it was a hoot. I was never too crazy about the shifter (had really long throws, a bit like putting a truck linkage in a sporty car), it was awkward and the clutch was kind of sloppy, too. But at the time, I thought it was a GREAT looking car (still do, really) and way ahead of its time.
Yeah, and they had a usable back seat. An average size guy could actually get in it fairly easily, and be fairly comfortable for more than a short ride.
I prefer the styling of the later XR4ti's with one wing to the earlier double wing design. That double wing looked too busy in my eyes.
Sadly, I can remember the wheel choices for ca. 85 Tempos
I'm like that with alot of homely 80s cars. I think it was just a victim of being a kid in the 80s. My Uncle managed a large Dodge dealership all through the 80s and I used to love going over his house because he always had some fully decked out new model. Daytonas, Shelby Chargers, Lancers, 600 convertibles etc. Thought they were so cool at the time with the digital displays and tape decks with equalizers, oh alot of them talked too. :shades:
Those wheels are awesomely 80s...if I had a Tempo, I would want those wheels. I have never actually seen those in person, but I remember them in old ads. Those were only offered in 84 and 85.
The more common Tempo wheels of those years were these "sport" wheels:
The completely loaded (power windows, power seat, power trunk and gas door, fancy velour seats, tape player, and other gadgets) regatta blue 85 Tempo GLX my mother bought had the "deluxe" wheels. That car was odd as it was a late production (August) car and it had some oddities like a factory 3rd rear light and what I think was a 1986 style (4 spoke) steering wheel.
I am slowly developing a soft spot for some 80s cars. As you say, it's part of being a kid then, like why boomers like 50s and 60s cars. Most 80s cars I wouldn't really want to own...but I like 80s Euro cars (especially German), some Japanese cars, and even some American cars.
I remember the talking Chryslers..."the door is ajar"..."the key is in the ignition".
I had a friend in high school who had a 2 door like that...I think it was an 84 as well. I also knew someone who had a completely base 85 sedan - hubcaps, vinyl interior, manual, power nothing...and it was red on red. Weird car...they don't make them like that anymore. He was envious of the loaded one in my family. Fun times.
That old car actually held up really well...long distance driver for my mother for a few years, then used as a backup car, then used off and on by 4 teenaged drivers...she finally let it go in 1999, when it had about 190K on the clock. The engine and transmission were never touched, but it did start puking up computer components at about 150K.
Image is denied...I suspect you mean a Chrysler E-class.
My uncle had one of those, but it didn't talk. However it did kind of copy the MB style lettering on the trunk, something I noticed even as a kid. It was a very plush K-car variant...but the period colors (kind of a gold yellow with a beige interior) don't warm my heart).
Comments
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
* Jensen Interceptor III
Mileage: 24,054
Estimated value: $3,700-$6,000
PARTS CAR
* Maserati Quattroporte III
Mileage: 960 miles
Estimated value: $10,500-$13,500
PARTS CAR
* DeTomaso Deauville
Mileage: 38,352
Estimated value: $10,500-$15,000
MAYBE Get Running but Don't Restore
* DeTomaso Longchamp GTSE
Mileage: 439
Estimated value: $12,000-$18,000
PARTS CAR? Depends.
* Maserati Khamsin
Mileage: 12,688
Estimated value: $15,000-$22,500
MAYBE---at least get running but oh boy
The rest I have to think about
* Bentley Mulsanne Turbo R
Mileage: 609
Estimated value: $30,000-$37,500
* 1934 Rolls Royce
Mileage: 84,211
Estimated value:$42,200-$48,300
* 1924 Cadillac V63
Mileage: 49,570
Estimated value: $42,200-$48,300
* Bentley Continental R Mulliner
Mileage: 20,871
Estimated value: $90,600-$120,500
In many ways, that makes me think of the first 27 years of my '69 Chevy's life; the poor thing sat for 23 years completely unused. Amazingly, I had to do very little to get it running again and it is still going strong over 40,000 miles later. However, the price I paid for it clearly reflected the condition in which it sat. I wish I would have taken some photos before I extracted it and cleaned it up.
for the last year or so, it has been pretty needy.
i'd like to keep it another 2 years, without spending any more than i need to for maintenance/repairs.
last month, it got new rear brakes and rotors, plus i had the rear axle fluid replaced because the limited slip clutches were acting up.
anyways, my daughter the primary driver tells me the other day, a bunch of the electrical stuff has stopped working; remote fob, keypad, power locks, power seat, power pedals, and the radio won't shut off after you get out of the car.
i also notice the automatic headlights, the mirror puddle lights and clown nose are not working.
the clown nose has me worried the most because that is tied to the security system.
i dig out the owner's manual and find a fuse that lines up pretty well to all these functions, but was still uneasy about the whole thing because at least at this point it starts and all the important stuff still works, lights, wipers, defroster, heated seat, radio.
last 2 are a big concern for my daughter.
i finally got the courage up to find and pull the fuse to check it with my electrical tester. it looked perfectly fine, but i could not get a tone on the continuity test.
i reinstalled the fuse and it still started, so i got a bit of confidence.
then i got the idea that i should test another fuse, but you have to understand i am VERY reluctant to mess with anything to do with electrics(another story or two).
i test the other fuse of the same amperage, and get a tone, so i go the parts store and buy a pack of 5 of about $4.50. i check the new one, get a tone, plug it in, yahoo! everything is working again.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
The DeTomaso cars there are interesting to me somehow, along with the Maseratis.
Keep in mind that these cars cost THOUSANDS of dollars for what would cost $300 on a Ford Explorer. The Maserati, for instance, has the Citroen hydraulics (not for suspension but for brakes, steering, windows, etc.) You think THAT's going to be okay with a battery jump? Ah......no.
And if you have to open up an antique Italian V-8 engine?
So on the Maser for instance, if you get lucky you'll just need battery, tires (which will be metric, so $$$) and hydraulics rebuilt, so figure maybe $5000 bucks on the get-go. And then it has to run yet. If it smokes, or the clutch is frozen to the flywheel, you're in another $20,000.
And if all the leather cracks when you sit on it, well then, another $8000 for that.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Seems like a love of love went into a obscure enthusiast car.
Could be a bargain for 3 Gs.
There was a young guy who showed up to the last autox of the year last year with one. Also in very nice shape (and red). He loved it.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
here is the wiki info:
The XR4Ti came with one engine, the 2.3 liter turbocharged, in-line, fuel injected 'Lima' four cylinder using an EEC-IV computer. The 4-cylinder engine was generally rated at 145 hp (108 kW) when mated with an automatic transmission (8 to 10 lbf/in² [55 to 70 kPa] boost), and 175 hp (130 kW) when matched with the 5-speed manual transmission (12 to 14 lb (6 kg). boost). This engine weighs a surprising 450 lb (204 kg) in full (turbo) trim. This engine is basically the same as that found in the SVO Mustang and the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe of the time, though the SVO Mustang and Thunderbird Turbo Coupe differed by having an intercooler and better EECIV programming.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
But really, for $3K, this is a lot of bang for the buck----what else can you buy that would be anywhere near this fun and comfortable? You could get Debbie's clapped out Miata, or a Corolla with a JC Whitney wing bolted onto the trunk lid, or maybe an old Dodge Dart with bullet holes in it and rust-a-rama rocker panels.
I vote YES on this one.
I am guessing bumpers and stuff for the merkurs are hard to come by so it was cheaper to put the jetta bumper on it.
I had a couple Matchbox versions:
And a Majorette too (sedan version never seen in NA):
When that engine first came out, it was slated to go in the Fairmont as well, but never made it beyond a few test cars and early sales brochures. Kind of a shame, because the Fairmont was actually the lightest of the Fox cars...actually a bit lighter than the Mustang. A Fairmont 2-door sedan (too boxy to really call them a coupe) would have made for an interesting sleeper with the turbo!
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I always wondered why Ford didn't see fit to put that engine in the T-bird, and come up with a decent competitor to the Monte Carlo SS and Cutlass Supreme 442? The turbo T-bird was pretty quick as I recall, but only offered with a 5-speed.
My guess is that Ford built these things mainly for police car use, but released a few to the public to make a few extra bucks. However, they couldn't sell TOO many, because it would hurt their CAFE ratings.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
These are the wheels I remember those having. IIRC these were also used on the Tempo
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Sadly, I can remember the wheel choices for ca. 85 Tempos, as we had one back in the day, and I remember the option packages. There were two different wheels available along with the wheelcover models, differentiated by the size and number of spokes.
I prefer the styling of the later XR4ti's with one wing to the earlier double wing design. That double wing looked too busy in my eyes.
I'm like that with alot of homely 80s cars. I think it was just a victim of being a kid in the 80s. My Uncle managed a large Dodge dealership all through the 80s and I used to love going over his house because he always had some fully decked out new model. Daytonas, Shelby Chargers, Lancers, 600 convertibles etc. Thought they were so cool at the time with the digital displays and tape decks with equalizers, oh alot of them talked too. :shades:
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
The more common Tempo wheels of those years were these "sport" wheels:
And these "deluxe" wheels:
There was also a wheel design I think only offered in 84, like this
There were also boring standard hubcaps:
The completely loaded (power windows, power seat, power trunk and gas door, fancy velour seats, tape player, and other gadgets) regatta blue 85 Tempo GLX my mother bought had the "deluxe" wheels. That car was odd as it was a late production (August) car and it had some oddities like a factory 3rd rear light and what I think was a 1986 style (4 spoke) steering wheel.
I remember the talking Chryslers..."the door is ajar"..."the key is in the ignition".
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
That old car actually held up really well...long distance driver for my mother for a few years, then used as a backup car, then used off and on by 4 teenaged drivers...she finally let it go in 1999, when it had about 190K on the clock. The engine and transmission were never touched, but it did start puking up computer components at about 150K.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
My uncle had one of those, but it didn't talk. However it did kind of copy the MB style lettering on the trunk, something I noticed even as a kid. It was a very plush K-car variant...but the period colors (kind of a gold yellow with a beige interior) don't warm my heart).