Definitely the gas is superior, but the diesel seems like a fun curiosity, if it runs as well as assumed by the ad. Most diesels I see are Eldos and DeVilles, a Fleetwood seems rare these days.
Speaking of interesting but not insanely valuable, I took the old dear out today. I was thinking how traffic didn't seem less than usual, then remembered today is Saturday, and I tend to drive the car on Sundays - so traffic was indeed maybe half of normal. Car started right up and drove smooth, turned some heads. I revved the engine more than normal, keeping it in lower gears or just driving faster - I think it's good for the car now and then. Obligatory pic, this time in the garage as I forgot to take one outside:
Speaking of interesting but not insanely valuable, I took the old dear out today. I was thinking how traffic didn't seem less than usual, then remembered today is Saturday, and I tend to drive the car on Sundays - so traffic was indeed maybe half of normal. Car started right up and drove smooth, turned some heads. I revved the engine more than normal, keeping it in lower gears or just driving faster - I think it's good for the car now and then. Obligatory pic, this time in the garage as I forgot to take one outside:
As always, looks nice. How often, and what do you use to keep the whitewalls white? I used Brillo or SOS pads or sometimes, Fantastic. I hate dirty or dingy whitewalls.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Once or twice a year I use whitewall cleaner with a scrubber (a retired "scrunge" from my kitchen). Otherwise, I wipe them down every time I drive the car, just a few sprays of water and a cloth towel. Those tires are 7 years old now, and holding up pretty nicely.
As always, looks nice. How often, and what do you use to keep the whitewalls white? I used Brillo or SOS pads or sometimes, Fantastic. I hate dirty or dingy whitewalls.
The daughter was contacted 3 years after her dad's 1947 Lincoln was dropped off at the Santa Rosa shop for repairs and upgrades. “It looked better than I thought it would, but the engine is gone and the transmission is gone. My parents drove it to the shop and now it’s undriveable,” she said.
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
"I'll take the Peacock Blue Rolls." How often in this life can one say that? After the 70s were over that is... And then adding, "Love the Turquoise leather!" Good times.
'77 Dodge Maxiwagon time capsule. Vin Plate intact with "Dodge Plymouth Fargo" and "DeSOTO" logos. I'd park the Green Machine next to the Peacock Roller and play The Tymes "It's Cool" over and over.
"For The Good Times" pours out of a '78 LTD Country Squire with a working 8 track player! Kristofferson wrote that tune just 10 years earlier. He'll turn 84 this year. Sensory overload...I already want the Maxi-Green-Machine! Steven Wright said "You can't have everything...where would you put it?"
'79 Eldorado St. Moritz Convertible with the GM engine supplied by some other GM division which isn't Cadillac. Pass. (I'd like to forget that part of the 70s.)
1991 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC sold by Ed Potter. Really nice and current bid at $36k but who knows? I kept scrolling the comments until I found the Bobby Brown reference that I knew would be there! Brock Yates neatly summed up the SEC in C&D back in the 80s. Yates remarked that it was simply a more substantial automobile in comparison to almost anything else on the market at that time. Mercedes Benz can't build a car like this one any more.
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
The Eldo has an Olds 350 under the hood, I believe the same fuel-injected version used in the Seville. I want to like the car but conversions like that always concern me. You are looking at a very expensive (custom) convertible top repair/replacement and the electrical gremlins would be a worry. The carpets would need to go.
The Country Squire wagon is magnificent although as a car it was not great. However it is the last of its kind in remarkable condition so that makes it noteworthy.
I like that E300 - might be an interesting car to have.
I think that our local auto museum has one of these old R&L electrics. Very neat cars, though I can't imagine why the bids are going so high on this one given the condition.
OMG. That Dodge wagon is so 1977 it is sickening. Too bad it has the 318 2bbl in it. That has to be one gutless machine!
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 think someone should buy the LTD wagon and the Dodge Van so everyone could be Green with envy.
In all honesty I kinda like the wagon. Last of the run before the Panther came out. Loaded up too.
As mentioned the Eldo seriously needs new wheels and the correct carpet as mentioned. The exterior color is fantastic. I wouldn't care that is has the Olds engine. I'd rather have that than the 4100.
Love the 94 SL as well. That would be a great weekend cruiser.
van is cool to look at and maybe be seen in once or twice, but I doubt it would be enjoyable to drive much (hence the miles it has. lol.)
With the 3-speed torqueflight, a swap may not be as easy as you think. On my Dodge, you have to modify the trans tunnel for any kind of swap (because you obviously wouldn't keep the stock tranny, unless you swap a period engine).
'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
I wonder what that wagon will bring - not my most beloved car either, but objectively it's an amazing specimen and worthy of a high bid.
The original MSRP of that SEC gets me, that was serious money then. The market has shifted away from caring about over-engineering and timeless design. MB was at its zenith in the 80s and early 90s. Having the car mentioned in a song is key cultural relevance, although those cars still make me think of "Road House".
I don't know what it is about old money pit Rolls-Royces that attracts me. Even in peacock blue over turquoise, it is more dignified than a new Phantom.
W210s like that E are underrated cars. Keep em away from rust, and they seem to be able to soldier on with lots of neglect, and keep moving. However, they can rust fiercely for a modern car, so they need attention.
I like that E300 - might be an interesting car to have.
I think that our local auto museum has one of these old R&L electrics. Very neat cars, though I can't imagine why the bids are going so high on this one given the condition.
OMG. That Dodge wagon is so 1977 it is sickening. Too bad it has the 318 2bbl in it. That has to be one gutless machine!
Sambar would be more fun with a VW conversion - this is apparently a big thing, I saw one in Vancouver a couple years ago. Oh, to have more reasonable private import laws:
Wondering how BaT is still going? Not seeing them finishing auctions with shipping, DMV, etc. with the country rapidly being locked down. Looks like Easter now will be everyone staying home since won’t be allowed to travel in NYS.
At least if keep our jobs, saving a bundle now that will be up to 3 trips cancelled, and no recreational activities at home to spend money on.
This text in this piece is long and sometimes rambling, being the transcript of a speech by Frank Winchell of GM fame made at a convention in 1979, but it is really instructive regarding the Corvair, the news media, trial lawyers and Ralph Nader.
In the course of its defense, the ownership record of the Corvair by General Motors engineers and decision-makers was compiled as evidence that, at least, we thought it was OK. For example: Ed Cole, its father, had two; I had four and Chairman Murphy’s mother drove one from May 26, 1961 to Sept 8, 1970. Mrs. Murphy was 77 when it was broadsided in a parking lot and expired…. Struck down, no doubt, by another defective product. (Someone shouts “Probably a Ford!”) Right on brother.
Right on Frank! My family had 2 Corvairs in the 60s. They did leak sometimes but that's ...alright.
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
Visited a friend who has some tools/equipment, tested the fintail's quirky turn signals. The turn signal regulator/actuator is receiving power, and it's a little too coincidental that both the new part and the one in the car both aren't working. I have a stronger suspicion now that the issue is with the assembly at the base of the stalk.
The blue one I posted sits at $5100 with 2 days left. How can you tell if it has a reserve when still open for bidding? I must be overlooking it somewhere.
'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
I still regret never getting a British roadster. I guess my brief ownership of a Miata was close as I will get.
but this MGB is really pretty. Seems mechanically nice, but of course the BaT posters picked every nit underneath. But most likely, for a sunny day toy, more than fine.
that is somewhat interesting. Could have done a nicer looking interior after all that work. And wonder how much extra work and cost to upgrade to a 5 speed transaxle?
this is interesting. I assume a few people here like these.
I absolutely love this. fits my weird tastes, and could be the perfect BMW toy if it is clean and well sorted as presented. Certainly less complicated than a new one!
Though nothing wrong with a nice convertible. I remember looking at one (I think the next generation, so E36?) that actually had a manual top. I was fine with it, for just this reason (worried about expensive failure)
Comments
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Santa Rosa mechanic arrested on grand theft charges.
The daughter was contacted 3 years after her dad's 1947 Lincoln was dropped off at the Santa Rosa shop for repairs and upgrades. “It looked better than I thought it would, but the engine is gone and the transmission is gone. My parents drove it to the shop and now it’s undriveable,” she said.
Final run, low mileage, sky is the limit
Other than the wheels, not too bad
Low miles for one of these, solid roof is rare
Outclass your local Tesla cultist
I've got a disco era wagon and they call it a woody
Restored, healthy bids
Top of the line, depreciation floor is nigh
Lovely period color
Cool wheels
I had the twin to this car once. Surprising bids, if these become the next thing...
Big green on green on green machine
Wow that interior color
'77 Dodge Maxiwagon time capsule. Vin Plate intact with "Dodge Plymouth Fargo" and "DeSOTO" logos. I'd park the Green Machine next to the Peacock Roller and play The Tymes "It's Cool" over and over.
"For The Good Times" pours out of a '78 LTD Country Squire with a working 8 track player! Kristofferson wrote that tune just 10 years earlier. He'll turn 84 this year. Sensory overload...I already want the Maxi-Green-Machine! Steven Wright said "You can't have everything...where would you put it?"
'79 Eldorado St. Moritz Convertible with the GM engine supplied by some other GM division which isn't Cadillac. Pass. (I'd like to forget that part of the 70s.)
1991 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC sold by Ed Potter. Really nice and current bid at $36k but who knows? I kept scrolling the comments until I found the Bobby Brown reference that I knew would be there! Brock Yates neatly summed up the SEC in C&D back in the 80s. Yates remarked that it was simply a more substantial automobile in comparison to almost anything else on the market at that time. Mercedes Benz can't build a car like this one any more.
The Country Squire wagon is magnificent although as a car it was not great. However it is the last of its kind in remarkable condition so that makes it noteworthy.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I think that our local auto museum has one of these old R&L electrics. Very neat cars, though I can't imagine why the bids are going so high on this one given the condition.
OMG. That Dodge wagon is so 1977 it is sickening. Too bad it has the 318 2bbl in it. That has to be one gutless machine!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
In all honesty I kinda like the wagon. Last of the run before the Panther came out. Loaded up too.
As mentioned the Eldo seriously needs new wheels and the correct carpet as mentioned. The exterior color is fantastic. I wouldn't care that is has the Olds engine. I'd rather have that than the 4100.
Love the 94 SL as well. That would be a great weekend cruiser.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
With the 3-speed torqueflight, a swap may not be as easy as you think. On my Dodge, you have to modify the trans tunnel for any kind of swap (because you obviously wouldn't keep the stock tranny, unless you swap a period engine).
'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
The original MSRP of that SEC gets me, that was serious money then. The market has shifted away from caring about over-engineering and timeless design. MB was at its zenith in the 80s and early 90s. Having the car mentioned in a song is key cultural relevance, although those cars still make me think of "Road House".
I don't know what it is about old money pit Rolls-Royces that attracts me. Even in peacock blue over turquoise, it is more dignified than a new Phantom.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-subaru-sambar/
'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
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'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
Nice color for that Wagoneer, too.
And love this Jeep. Not at that price of course. But would be fantastic as my spare car.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1998-jeep-wrangler-13/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
At least if keep our jobs, saving a bundle now that will be up to 3 trips cancelled, and no recreational activities at home to spend money on.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
'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
"With the 3-speed torqueflight, a swap may not be as easy as you think. On my Dodge, you have to modify the trans tunnel for any kind of swap[..]"
It just blows my mind the kind of thing folks on this site know off the tops of their heads.
How Frank Winchell defended the Chevrolet Corvair, in his own words
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
'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
Right on Frank! My family had 2 Corvairs in the 60s. They did leak sometimes but that's ...alright.
from looking at the picture of the seats all folded down, seems like a Japanese version of a shaggin wagon
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
'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
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I still regret never getting a British roadster. I guess my brief ownership of a Miata was close as I will get.
but this MGB is really pretty. Seems mechanically nice, but of course the BaT posters picked every nit underneath. But most likely, for a sunny day toy, more than fine.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-mg-mgb-18/
This, however, is the car I always really wanted from this genre. Still do!
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-triumph-tr6-84/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
this is a nice clean looking contemporary.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-plymouth-gtx-4/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
This is an interesting build:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1982-volkswagen-vanagon/
'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
this is interesting. I assume a few people here like these.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1989-buick-reatta-3/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1982-bmw-320i-26/
Though nothing wrong with a nice convertible. I remember looking at one (I think the next generation, so E36?) that actually had a manual top. I was fine with it, for just this reason (worried about expensive failure)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-bmw-325-34/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yowza, and even a great color - shame you can't really drive it, but you'll knock their socks off at MB specific events
Pretty Ponton
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.