Import Relics

These basic vehicles were designed to fit into a very specific category, small lightweight people movers. Originally designed as 4×2 city cars, they evolved to include a 4×4 version as well. This particular example appears to be in excellent condition, and though the add doesn’t specify, because it’s list as a “Pony Jeep” we suspect its a 4×4 version.

The seller claims it only has 55,748 miles on it and has new tires, brakes and exhaust. If this truly is the 4×4 version, it would be a great weekend getaway vehicle for the mountain trails. If it is only a 4×2, it would be equally fun for touring around town and enjoying the puzzled looks you would get from people.

Find it on eBay in Templeton, CA.

At the end of the 1970′s everyone was still reeling from the oil crisis of ’73 and looking for vehicles that were miserly on fuel. Having long been the imports of small, efficient vehicles Datsun cashed in with the B210. At the time the EPA rated these little people movers at a optimistic 50mpg and with their unique styling they still felt a little sporty, particularly with the coupes. But as with all these cheap rides, they haven’t held together over the years. Even the popular B210 are now completely unseen on the roads today. And since they have nowhere near the cult following of the iconic 510, they are even harder to find.

This particular example appears to be complete and runs with a cornucopia of spare parts to get it back up to snuff. The current owner started to prep the body for paint, but it looks that it has sat long enough to get a fair amount of surface rust. The pictures also seem to suggest that the rocker panels might need a bit of TLC. For some reason this B210 has had a spring over axle lift applied to the rear. Why? We don’t know.

As a 1976 model this sports a 1.4L inline four pushing an anemic 65hp, but it appears to have a Weber carb fitted to it, so who knows, maybe its a little peppier. But if you want to go big, these cars were fitted with L16 and L20 four bangers over seas, so you should be able to drop one in without much hassle.

At $1000 this would be a fun project to dive into, and with all those spare, you are ahead of the game already. Find it on KSL.com in Orem, UT.

Along with the 3 series from 1984-1991(E30), the E24 six series is the iconic ‘Beemer’ of the 1980′s. Lost are the facts that a ‘Beemer’ should indicate a BMW motorcycle and the E24 actually started production as a 1976 model. Though more of a grand tourer than a proper sports car the E24 was the spiritual successor to the CS ‘Big Coupes.’ This is an early E24 or ‘shark’ as they are sometimes known. First generation sharks draw their running gear engine, transmission, suspension et al, from the E12.

This shark is a useful mix of components. It sports the free revving 3.2 liter straight six that also saw use in the 733i. It also sports an upgraded manual transmission. While a 4 speed was the norm this car has 5 cogs. This vintage of BMW’s had 2 very different 5 speeds available. The far more common and nearly bullet proof Getrag 265 5 speed manual transmission offered an overdrive fifth gear that greatly improves its freeway character. The far more exotic choice is fairly rare and like many exotics a bit higher strung. This 5 speed is a close ratio gearbox which won’t help much on the freeway but definitely make it more fun from stoplight to stoplight. Nomenclature for this variant differs, some call it the 262CR, some call it the 265/6 and other call it a ‘dog-leg’ after the a typical shift pattern.

Whether this car has the overdrive or the close ratio gearbox it is a bargain. This car has been up for sale for several months by the same dealer. The current listed price is almost the value for parting it out. It is far from perfect but it runs and drives and appears to be without major rust or body damage. The interior isn’t great but not terrible. Parting this 6 series would be unfortunate, so if you can save it we encourage it! It is currently for sale in Bountiful, UT posted on Craigslist.

This is probably one of the most beautiful MG designs. Most people, even fans of British cars would not be able to identify what exactly they are. They may be mistaken for the Mk I or Mk II Jaguar Saloons but the ZA/ZB Magnettes are a different animal. Though more pedestrian than their Jaguar stable mates due to a small 4 cylinder pushrod engine compared to exotic dual overhead cam big sixes that the big cats had, the Magnette is every bit the quintessential British Car.

The ZA/ZB’s are steeped in ‘British Car’ DNA. A door to door walnut dash and leather seats are among the creature comforts that the Magnette provides that are expected of British cars. This ad is painfully scarce in details. But it provides an opportunity to have a beautiful, unique piece of history. This specific example could be a ZA or a ZB since 1956 is the bridge year between the two models. The amazingly handsome Varitone model with its two tone paint is the only significant difference between the ZA and the ZB. The drive train for either can be upgraded using parts from the ubiquitous MGB.

La Verkin is probably the last place anyone would think to find an obscure British sedan, but that’s where this one is. The absent details will determine if $3500 is optimistic and overpriced or perhaps a bargain. Included are some stock Magnette photos, not of this specific Magnette. This specific example is for sale on KSL.com in La Verkin, UT.