There are some cars that just haven’t been properly replaced. It might be because of safety and emissions laws; in other cases its because the manufacturer changed their focus (or went out of business). Me though, I would buy a brand new Mercedes W123 if they still made ’em. I just love the bulletproof build and the dictatorial image. What car would you get, price not being an object, right now if you could get your hands on a new one? (And no, picking random exotic cars from the past so that you can resell them at auction is not part of the game).
Click through for my favorite Nigerian scam.
DEAR SIR.
I am HAJIYA MARYAM ABACHA, I am managing director of the modern Nigeria
MERCEDES-BENZ OF NIGERIA, LTD. l am contacting you in view of the fact
that we will be of great assistance to each other likeness developing a
cordial relationship.
I am very proud to inform you that the MERCEDES-BENZ OF NIGERIA, LTD. is
now re-entering production of W123 MERCEDES-BENZ series. W123
MERCEDES-BENZ is very reliable, proven sedan design that offers a lot of
advantages to the newer designs on African roads. W123 is the old body
style that predates the V-boot Mercedes of Europe that were made from
late 1980s.
We currently have within our reach the sum of THIRTY FIVE MILLION US
Dollars (US$35,000,000.00) which we intend to use for late investment,
and to set up import/export business specifically in your country.
Production of W123 MERCEDES-BENZ is already been planned starting in
2004 and apart from the sum mentioned above we have done a lot of
research and also receive help from MERCEDES-BENZ, STUTTGART (GERMANY)
which was given to us in a bit low-key approach as the number of W123
MERCEDES-BENZ car finished in Nigeria will certainly be low and not
satisfy every customer’s needs.
However, we also stay in contact to a Russian Firm on behalf of our
countries multi-billion dollars Ajaokuta Steel Plant Project which will
help the production of the Proud Nigerian MERCEDES-BENZ W123.
The Russian Partners returned my husband’s share of USD$35,000,000.00
after the death of my husband and lodged in my husband’s car supplier
company of which l am director right now, the new Civilian Government
have intensified their probe on my husband’s other financial and oil
company. In view of these, we are now finally able to start production
of W123 series MERCEDES-BENZ as follows, and would like to invite you
for asking more information material, or place your order now to be one
of the first to enjoy this Proud new Automobile.
W123-SERIES PRODUCTION PLAN
W123-MODEL: 240 SEDAN
this is base model with 4-cylinder 8-valve 2.4 litre Engine. The engine
is very reliable design from Toyota/Hindustan which will be of perfect
power for the W123-series MERCEDES-BENZ. Power output is 94HP-DIN and
car will be equipped with 6-speed gear box of W210 which we were able to
source in big number from MERCEDES-BENZ STUTTGART. This exiting project
of cooperation between TOYOTA and MERCEDES-BENZ and gives you the very
best in quality from JAPAN AND GERMANY THE TWO LEADING CAR MANUFACTURERS
IN THE WORLD!!
THIS ALL IS NOW PRODUCED IN NIGERIA – ORDER NOW !!
choose model 240-SEDAN:
base
USD 8.490,–
w/bi-fuel installation gas/petrol
USD 9.232,–
w/aircondition system TOYOTA
USD 8.832,–
w/aircondition system TOYOTA and bi-fuel installation gas/petrol
USW 9.522,–
Due to the current situation in the country concerning government
attitude towards my family, and production facilities in LAGOS/NIGERIA,
we encourage you to place order NOW to be able to get one of these
fascinating classic MERCEDES-BENZ cars brought to you with NIGERIAN
CRAFTSMANSHIP. If you order now I can assure you to receive 30% low
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number given below in this letter.
We propose you to pay in advance as follows: a percentage of 30% of the
total sum to you for the expected service and assistance, 10% for
offsetting minor expenses incurred in the course of this transaction.
Your urgent response is highly needed as to be on the top line to get
first production cars MERCEDES-BENZ OF NIGERIA.
All correspondence must be by the email address and / or phone number
below.
l have decided that this transaction be kept in utmost secrecy, remember
to include your private Telephone or fax number for easy communication.
TO PLACE ORDER NOW FOR BRAND-NEW W123 MERCEDES-BENZ CAR PLEASE CONTACT
MERCEDES-BENZ OF NIGERIA LTD.
Addo Kaloma
HELP STUFF SENIOR MANAGER FOR SALE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
on his telephone number:
+234-8033-053799.
email:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Best Regards.
DR. (HAJIYA) MARYAM ABACHA.
MERCEDES-BENZ OF NIGERIA LTD. (c) 2002 NOVEMBER
I’m weird. Gimme a Vega with galvanized body panels and an Ecotec engine… or a Fiero with an Ecotec. Or not.
2002 E-class. It’s classically beautiful and feels like a tank.
Mazda Millenia. Beautiful and luxurious. :)
1995 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series Spinnaker Edition in blue
EZ. Last gen TSX. 6 speed MT, of course.
Ford Focus SVT. No, really. By now all the gremlins woulda been worked out.
1993 Cadillac Allante in Pearl Flax Metallic with contrasting black fabric top.
Pearl flax was a kind of a buttery yellow and was only ever used on the Allante in the 1983MY. Only 88 were produced in this colour and I passed on one many moons ago.
Suzuki Samurai, or an AMC Pacer.
69 Camaro.
Wait, you said out of production. Does it count that it’s not in production again until spring? Oh, never mind. Make it a 55 Nomad.
I’d love a W123 6.9. In fact, I recently found one here in Boise (California car) but it had a poor respray, some shoddy re-wiring under the hood, and a few small puddles underneath. But damn was it a solid car.
Oh, I’d go with an AMG Hammer Wagon. Classy. Or maybe a 50s SL/SLR.
Assuming we are looking at relatively recent vehicles, i.e. 80s and up, I’d have to say the last generation Supra turbo.
Nissan 240 SX or last gen RX7
manual transmission e39 bmw 540i
Alfa Romeo GTV… I wish they could revive that sexy little sports car and bring them over here (in North America) with their newer products… I saw the Alfa when I visited Hong Kong, and every now and then, I kick myself for not taking pictures of that beauty. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind if they bring 156s, also. It’s def. better looking than current Brera faced 159s.
1995 Nissan 240 SX – It was the best car I ever owned. Not too big (my G35 6MT sedan), not too small (my MR2 Spyder), just right. Alas they have all been riced to hell, crashed or both. Unmodified ones in good condition, but often with over 100K, are regularly listed for $7-9K. For a 14 year old Japanese four-banger.
Runners Up:
Toyota Corolla AE86
Porsche 914
Datsun 510
A modern Corvair, in all its ass-engined glory.
I would have to go with a W123 as well. Or maybe a Jaguar Mk. 10.
Mercedes 500E
Skyline R34. Or a Quattro Sport
BMW M Coupe, the high-top sneaker looking one.
A Volvo 240 with an updated engine and transmission and the heater fan relocated to a place where you can easily replace it if needed. Skip the dorky black tape around the windows as was installed on later model versions.
Or, a W123 wagon priced under $30k!
“Or maybe a Jaguar Mk. 10.”
Huzah! Talk about obscure references. I happen to own a very nice Jaguar Mark X and it is nice to know that at least one other person in the world likes them :).
Datsun 510 (north american spec) with modern rustproofing and a more powerful motor.
Volvo P1800ES
FD RX-7
Jeep Commanche
Suzuki Samurai with a pick-up bed
TEXN3
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/880321452.html
I’d go for the 1987 300 td wagon with a modern 6 speed manual.
I’ve got a soft spot for the Mazda 323 GTX too.
Easy: BMW E36 M3. Currently in the middle of buying one used, and it was a bitch to find one in good condition.
Ah, what a great question.
I drool for the late-80’s BMW M6. They still haven’t built a car with such perfect proportions.
Other than style, I’d also got for a mid-90’s Porsche 928 GTS: the ultimate GT car.
Thanks for the fantasy.
Oh, I want to add a sedan:
A Mercedes-Benz 500E “Hammer”.
Cause it’s called “Hammer”.
Cause it was the first Super-Sedan in the same groundbreaking way that the BMW 2002 was the first sports sedan.
Euro-spec 450 SEL 6.9 or a 63 or similar Lincoln Continental.
Probably an FD3 RX-7 for fun and a Volvo 240 wagon for utility. I do have a soft spot for the 98+ Honda Preludes, 92-95 Honda Civic hatchbacks, and the first generation DSM cars (AWD Turbo forms), but really the RX-7 with a warranty would make me happiest.
The crackhead in me would sell the house, cars, and valuables for a Ferrari F40, though.
1988 Pontiac Fiero GT
So many vehicles I’d like…
Subaru Brat – preferably with turbo and T-tops.
1st gen Toyota 4Runner – my ’89 is in dire need of restoration. I keep telling people I’d buy a new one if Toyota still made this 4Runner.
’91 Audi 200 Avant quattro – preferably with the hydraulic systems properly sorted.
My first auto love, yes the first crush is hard to kill, might still be rekindled.
My 1982 Golf/Rabbit is available as a 2008 in S-Africa.
http://www.vw.co.za/models/citi/colourandtrim/
Toyota MR2. The original one, from the 80s. Why doesn’t Toyota make cars like that anymore?
E30 M3
Oh wait, money no object?
Ferrari F40 perhaps…
If I’m allowed a European option, a Peugeot 205 GTI would be on my test-drive list as well. Hang on, if we’re going there a Lancia delta integrale has to be worth a mention too…
People may laugh…but I had a 95 Ford Probe GT that I actually liked. Drove a few hundred thousand miles til it started to be worth more to fix than it was worth. A car that size, with a more power.
Late 80s Honda Prelude.
Studebaker Silver Hawk
1971 BMW 2800CS. White, 5 speed. It’s the first car I ever went fast in. Everything about that car feels light and alive.
We encourage you to place order NOW to be able to get one of these fascinating classic MERCEDES-BENZ cars brought to you with NIGERIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP
It’s a bit ambitious to jump directly from spears to automobiles. I’d wait for version 2.0.
hmm…
Dodge Neon SRT4 (I know I can still get them not-very-old, but not the point)
Jeep Scrambler
AMC Eagle SX4
Dodge Omni GLH/Charger GLHS
Lots of old school Mopar stuff, but answering with 1969 Dart GT Convertible just sounds too easy.
Hmm lets ee..
1st gen AWD DSM, 1st gen rx7 gslse, 3rd gen rx7, v8 w124 Mercedes, Mark iv supra turbo, mark 1 and 2 MR2 sc/turbo, mark 1 golf gti, 16v scirroco and vr6 corrado.
Regarding the 89 4 runner, I just found and purchased a 91 Toyota Pickup (4cyl, 4wd, stick) with 57k orig miles from orig owner. This thing is going to last me a very long time!
PG :
October 17th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Toyota MR2. The original one, from the 80s. Why doesn’t Toyota make cars like that anymore?
Because they can’t sell enough of them to make a profit. At some point, Toyota realized that the non-Lexus sports/sporty cars they made all sold so poorly that they basically never recouped the tooling costs. So, they said screw it, and stopped making them. Toyota doesn’t do loss leaders. This is how they make ten billion dollars a year.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider with a modern powertrain, maybe from a Miata.
Mercedes 190SL, updated powertrain too.
I still have my Fiero, but wished GM kept refining subsequent models. It was close to being a great car, but never close enough.
I also had a Vega at one time. Again, GM threw it into the marketplace without completing the project. It was possibly a good in concept.
Other cars I’ve driven before and wished they still made, Fiat X/19, Alfa Romeo GTV…actually anything Alfa with the twin spark motors.
Any small-ish Chrysler with the slant-6 engine in it.
Many more…
Datsun 510
Lancer Evolution III
Nissan Pulsar GTi-R
Honda CRX Si
FD RX-7
another vote for the w123
I can’t believe someone said AMC Eagle SX/4. That was my first car and I loved it so much. I’ll second it!
Quasimondo beat me to the CRX, so:
86 Regal T Type
3000GT VR4
And something with a 454!
So many cars, so little time… brand new old cars, eh?
1967 Peugeot 404 Luxe sunroof diesel sedan, burgundy
1973 Citroen DS Pallas, dark blue
1964 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk, supercharged, power steering, power front disc brakes, air conditioned, T-10 four speed, black with red interior
1963 Chrysler Turbine (the bronze blowtorch)
1934 Packard eight dual cowl phaeton
That’d be the top 5 for me…
1973 BMW 2002Tii.
Chevy S-10 Pickup, regular cab, short box with ZQ8 suspension. Stick. Bucket seats. Red.
And a 69 Camaro Z28, orange with RS equipment for the weekend.
Second vote for a Volvo 240 wagon. Or the mid-eighties RWD 6 cylinder Cressida wagon with a 5 speed manual.
Chevy Astro
Saturn SW2
1987-1990 Nissan Pulsar NX/EXA
1978-1987 GM Intermediate coupes
-Mercedes W123 station wagon (5-cyl turbodiesel, of course)
-’68 Pontiac Firebird Sprint convertible
-Mazda 323 GTX
-Ford Taurus SHO Mark 2
-GMC Typhoon
-BMW 2002tii
-Audi V8 Quattro
Porsche 944
1971 Dodge Challenger RT Convertible with a 426 Hemi… And then it would IMMEDIATELY be taken to the next Barret Jackson Auction… and I would smile all the way to the bank.
Lancia Beta Volumex. Kids, ask your parents.
Or a Porsche 928 with the upgraded 5.0 motor.
64 Mustang Fastback 289 V-8
A long time ago my old friend offered me his for 400 bucks.
( Was moving out of state, had to decline)
1963 Mercedes Benz 220, black red leather interior. 4 speed on the tree.
Another friend of my had one, it was rusting, but felt like a safe on wheels.
I was drooling for weeks and made my self real obnoxious bathering about it.
I would have to agree with the Mercedes-Benz W123. Just last night I was dreaming of owning one. I honestly think that it is the best car Mercedes-Benz ever built.
Others include:
1986 Ford Taurus LX (loaded)
1996 Ford Taurus LX
1996 Ford Taurus SHO
1997 Eagle Talon
1997 Eagle Vision
1992 Plymouth Voyager
2005 Ford Five Hundred (oh, wait, I actually can buy one of those brand new right now, just with a Taurus badge on the back. My bad.)
Oldsmobile Aurora (The sole reason why I don’t think that Oldsmobile should have been given the needle)
First-gen Ford Focus
Duh,
Miura P400 SV – it would still look just as stunningly gorgeous if it was released for the first time tomorrow.
If that’s too rich for your blood, how about a Series II E-Type? They do still make “new-old” E-types with upgraded chassis, brakes, suspension and engine tuning, but you have to have a healthy stock portfolio to buy one.
OR for a family hauler, MB 300 SEL 6.3 – it’s still one of the best hot-rod four doors (if it isn’t a rust heap or a wallet busting daily driver). And the air suspension was way cool in the late 60s.
Ahh nostalgia is great. Thanks for this QOTD.
PS I restored a W114 coupe with my father when I was younger. 250C 2.8L. Beautiful car, built like the proverbial bank vault, with a stunning suspension that would crush pavement into submission, but it was (and is) a complete money pit. And it’s slow, and the fluid coupling auto is jerky, and the North American engine is fiddly to tune with dual Zenith carbs, and the interior is pretty simple. It’s comfy and beautiful, but not economical or exciting.
starbird80 :
1st gen Toyota 4Runner – my ‘89 is in dire need of restoration. I keep telling people I’d buy a new one if Toyota still made this 4Runner.
Yes! I’m trying to get my 85 back to new, but it’s taking me forever. That or a brand new fj40 would get me to go sign papers for sure.
abaddsm :
Regarding the 89 4 runner, I just found and purchased a 91 Toyota Pickup (4cyl, 4wd, stick) with 57k orig miles from orig owner. This thing is going to last me a very long time!
4/4/5 is the magic recipe on the pre 96 toy trucks, that thing should last a really long time, and from what i can tell it’s probably done depreciating.
Others
bmw 2002
original mini
alfa GTV or even the older alfa coupes
scout 2
original bronco
but mostly i just want a brand new 85 4runner, or the 70 series LC australia gets.
I would like to buy an E24 BMW M6.
They embody a beautiful, classic, BMW big-coupe design, complete with awesome straight 6 power, 6 speed tranny, and a timeless performance personality.
I love BMWs…I love M6s…and the E24 is a CLASSIC. If I could buy it new..now that’d be a dream come true.
This may seem ridiculous, but I’ve had a fascination with the 1993 – 1996 Cadillac Fleetwoods of late. The last Big-Body RWD Caddies, preferably ’94 – ’96 with the Corvette LT1 engine. In my mind, the most handsome and stately Cadillac of the ’90s. I’m sure I’ll catch some flack for that answer.
I’ll take mine black, with black leather interior and Landau-top deleted option!
A red Jag XKE convertible and a black 59 Caddy convertible.
Now that i’m done school and working i’m on the prowl for my first car I bought from my dad and learned to drive in. A 1995 Ford Thunderbird V8, chamellion paint, the first time I ever saw a paint job like that was on that car. Bought it with 150,000 km’s on it and drove it to over 500,000 without ever having it off the road for any serious problems. Other than the door pins wearing out once a week because of the 8 foot long doors the car was perfect to me.
Saab 99 Turbo three-door in Darth Vader black.
I also think the Nigerian W123 scheme sounds a lot better than the Tesla Roadster, even though Tesla’s syntax and spelling is better.
VW Corrado VR6 I loved that car.
Audi Quattro circa 1985.
1969 Dodge Daytona
1969 RS SS(sic) Z28 Camaro
A Mercedes-Benz R107, ideally with the 3-liter Turbo-Diesel 6. (yes I know that combo was never offered, but plenty of them have been Frankendieseled!)
I already have a Series 1 E-type (eat your hearts out guys) so how about an XK-SS? I could race Steve McQueen up some canyon road in my dreams.
Jesus… just about any Alfa Romeo made from the mid-30s up until… well… now.
–chuck
1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe.
What, no Buick GNX?
Also, 1st gen Jeep Cherokee, and ditto on the Ford Taurus SHO and Honda CRX.
Late 80’s/early 90’s Saab 900T 5 door, prefferably in blue.
Porsche 930 Turbo
1st gen Audi RS4 Avant
early 90s Toyota Celica GTS
early 90s BMW M5
Citroen DS, no doubt at all. Hydraulic suspension and demented French engineering. We’re talking Style ladies and gentlemen.
Almost forgot to add the Opel GT. Great cars…when they ran.
C-Type
Miura
SVX
SM
Charger Daytona
D-Type
and a replica of the XJ-13
ok, ctoan, you got me. I’d definitely want to add the Buick GNX to my bizarro 80’s collection with the AMC Eagle SX/4. Hell, i’ll take 2 if they’re cheap enough (always good to have a spare)
VW Vanagon Westfalia syncro, with a few more HP, DSG trans, ABS and airbags.
Celica All-Trac of either the 4th or 5th generation preferably outfitted like a rally car. Then mod the hell out of the engine and take it racing.
seanx37: People may laugh…but I had a 95 Ford Probe GT that I actually liked. Drove a few hundred thousand miles til it started to be worth more to fix than it was worth. A car that size, with a more power.
I vaguely recall a Ford skunkworks project that would have put the SHO V6 in an AWD Probe.
tulsa_97sr5: 4/4/5 is the magic recipe on the pre 96 toy trucks, that thing should last a really long time
I do like the extra power of the V6 in my 89 4Runner but for longevity the 4 is the correct choice – previously owned an 84 with the 22R engine.
karo: VW Vanagon Westfalia syncro, with a few more HP, DSG trans, ABS and airbags.
This would be on my list too if I hadn’t limited myself to three. Check out gowesty.com – looks like they rebuild ‘better than new’ – if you’ve got the budget.
1. Integer
2. Peugeot 404 wagon (Menno you beat me to the 404)
And then, maybe
3. CRX
4. 1960 Valiant
1. Hudson Terraplane
2. Any 1983-1988 GM G-body V8 coupe
The Hudson is just awesome, and there has never been a decent replacement for the G-bodies.
Mazda Millenia in all its Miller Cycle glory
Acura Vigor/2.5TL for having a better 2.5L 5 pot a decade ago, than VW makes now
Volvo V70R/S60R
Saab 9-3 hatchback from the hatchback era that ended in 2002
Mazda6 hatchback or wagon
Volvo 780 Bertone Coupe, with the 1991 only Limited Slip Dif
Chevy Malibu Maxx, the perfect car for now. It was safe, got 30mpg on the highway according to modern epa figures and it was roomy enough for a family of linebackers.
I have a friend, a professor of classics who still has the ’68 Volvo wagon her parents bought (in California) when she was a little kid.
Lotus Elan? Fiat X1/9?
A Volvo 240 Wagon and a Saab 900…
oh… and a 23 window microbus in teal/white
Supra, RX-7, Taurus SHO.
1973 BMW 2002 – a stunningly simple design
1996 Honda Del Sol Si – great concept, sweet motor
1982 Fiat Spyder – elegant lines
updated last gen Trooper – I love everything about mine (comfort, design, reliability) and wished they hadn’t punted on the US market
Jaguar XJ220
Pontiac Banshee (show car)
…and since this is a wish list (and file this under “Why Not?”),
The one and only Yugo ragtop. I’m betting all of them have returned to their base elements, but it would get a billion miles per gallon and there still is something so wild about owning some ex-Eastern Bloc “engineering!”
A 1968-72 Olds Cutlass, preferrably a 442, especially the ’70 with the 455/W-30.
A mid 80s VW Jetta (preferrably turbo but normally aspirated OK) diesel.
An early 80s K-car that I could rag out and F— up just for fun.
1950s/60s Jeep CJ-5.
2nd Gen CR-X Si
71 240Z
I want a 1984 Rabbit GTI. Light, simple, practical, fuel-efficient, and fun. Keep it simple with a small (1.6L) twin-cam engine, 120 hp or so. I still like he look of the body but think something like this with a higher quality interior would be awesome, not the 3,000 lb. car of today. Keep the crazy seat fabric and the golf-ball shift knob from the original.
Along the same lines, the CRX Si was a car I lusted for in high school so I’ll second the vote for that one.
Seems to me that Honda also quit making the Insight hybrid just a couple of years too early. If they offered it over the past 6 months they couldn’t have imported enough of them.
For something a bit less frugal, I still love the look of the Mercedes 280SE 3.5 coupe and cabriolet from 1971. I couldn’t afford one but I did buy a 1994 E320 Cabriolet, another really over-buil car from Benz… perhaps the last of them.
“the number of W123 MERCEDES-BENZ car finished in Nigeria will certainly be low and not satisfy every customer’s needs.”
Ya think?
“The engine is very reliable design from Toyota/Hindustan which will be of perfect power for the W123-series MERCEDES-BENZ. Power output is 94HP-DIN”
Won’t the tires shred with such insane amounts of power? I’ll need to start strengthening my forearms to deal with the torque steer from that massive 94hp mill?
“get one of these fascinating classic MERCEDES-BENZ cars brought to you with NIGERIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP.”
The palms are greased. The chassis has not.
And did you notice that for their price you could get an actual used Mercedes? Like a used E-class. That comes with a Mercedes motor, not a Hindustan one.
1956 Continental Mark II in black with a white interior
1958 Edsel Citation. 4 door in turquoise and white two tone
1959 Cadillac Eldorado convertible in red with white interior
1971 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham black on black
1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V Diamond Jubilee Edition in Lt Blue Metallic.
Love them all!
“Volvo P1800ES”
Hey, I have one of those too!
“Fiat X1/9”
Got one of them as well … er, a Bertone X1/9
I’ve got some fun cars stashed away in the garage :).
BMW 850csi
Alfa Romeo GTV V6
1996 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Station Wagon
1991 Honda Civic CRX Si
2000 Lexus SC400
2002 Mercedes-Benz SL500
Hmmm.
Quite a few cars…
Just because they’re cool:
-Isuzu Bellet GT-R (awesome little sports sedan)
-Datsun 510
-Ford Escort Mexico
-Alfa Romeo Sprint GT
But as a serious, daily driver?
I’d like to buy four more copies of my Protege, please. And with that new MZR engine in it instead of that rubbish piece of low-revving junk it inherited from the 626.
A supple ride, talkative steering, decent interior space and driving dynamics not far off from a Bimmer (and not categorically worse than sportier new cars)… I still love driving it after handing back the keys on long-term testers (which can be anything from a 3-series to a Miata).
Citreon SM
I don’t think I could limit myself to just 5 cars but I might get it down to the following 5:
1. 1971 Mercedes Benz 300 SEL 3.5 Sedan
2. 1971 Mercedes Benz 280SE 3.5 Hardtop Coupe
3. 1956 Chrysler New Yorker Newport Sedan
4. 1950s Lancia Flaminia Sedan
5. 1957 Continental Mark II Hardtop
Absolutely no question, I would run to the dealership with cash-in-hand for:
1. 1991 Honda CRX Si or CRX-HF
2. 1986 Mercedes 300TE Wagon (indestructible W124)
3. 1991 Nissan 300ZX Convertible
Cars I would consider (you said cost no object):
1. 1957 300SL roadster, NOT the gullwing
2. Bugatti Type 57SC
3. Mercedes-Benz SS Erdman-Rossi (the ultimate FU-all statement)
Cars I would be sorely tempted by, but would back off unless they can prove they have improved build quality, reliability and rust issues:
1. Bertone X1/9
2. Lotus Elan
3. Alfa Giulia Spider
A fun topic, but ultimately very depressing when you actually realize the utter crap that is actually available these days.
240Z
’98 Integra Type R
E24 M635CSi
911 Carrera RS 3.0
TVR Cerbera 4.5
1973 Renault Alpine A110
1980 Porsche 928
1967 Toyota 2000GT convertible
1987 Ford RS200 Group B
1978 Citroen CX
1981 Audi Quattro
ctoan:
What, no Buick GNX?
Oh, definitely. That is a good one.
What about the Celica All-Trac Turbo? Like a WRX but good looking.
If you could modernize their mechanicals and such:
first Mustangs
Original Challenger
Alfa Romea Giulia
Lancia Delta Stratos
any of the first Ferraris (so beautiful)
from 80s
top of line Fiat Premio (Duna in some markets)
Ford Escort XR3 (sweet)
from 90s
Fiat Tempra
Fiat Coupe
Fiat Tipo (always regret not having bought above 3 cars)
Alfa Romeo 164
Alfa Romeo 166
Alfa Romeo 156
Alfa Romeo 147
Except for Escort, missed opportuity to have them. Would buy them now over current offerings :)
How about a blast from the none-too-distant past?
Bring back the original Scion xB!
1983 ae86 Levin notchback
We all seem to be in the same age bracket…
Fiat X1/9
Toyota MR2 (first generation)
Merkur XR4ti
BMW M1
VW Thing
’57 Ranchero
The W123 is a great choice indeed, although I’d take the Mercedes 500SEC.
This is like asking “What is your favorite car?”
My answer will change in a couple hours, but right now, I’d say, a ’95 Supra TT. Ooh ooh! AE86 Corolla! Or a Datsun 510…or a “hakosuka” Skyline…or a W124. Or a 1968 Lincoln Continental.
Or any of those Italian and French cars that rusted easily.
1 ’37 Buick coupe
2. 47 GMC 1/2 ton pickup.
3. 1963 Willys Overland do Brasil
4. 66 VW 1300
5. 47 Dodge business coupe
Honda Insight (two door aluminium hybrid coupe)
Porsche 911 (mid-seventies 2.7 in tangerine with sporto)
Range Rover (early eighties two door)
Honda NSX
Money no object?
Ferrari Dino 2.4
Oh jeez…
smart 450 diesel
R32 Skyline GTS
CRX Si-R
the first NSX-R
190D 2.5 Turbo w/stick (never sold here)
1966 Corvair sedan with the quad carb setup and the Yenko Stinger mods
G50 Nissan President LWB
S13 Silvia J’s with the CA18, so I could build it up and go have some fun with 2450 pounds
1992 Sentra SE-R (to replace my miled-up one)
1966 GMC 3/4-ton with all the options (same as above)
I got a good one for you:
1977 Chevelle.
Last of a proud line of muscle cars. One that GM (maybe thankfully?) has not resurrected. The ’77 model looked great, but unfortunately weighed 4200 lbs and had a 160 hp 305.
But I’d find one, lovingly restore it to stock appearance (minus a vinyl roof), and then drop in a useful engine like an LT1 or LS1 with a modern OD transmission, upgrade the suspension so something approaching modern, and drive it daily. mmmmmm.
1) 1990-1993 Toyota Celica All-Trac: One of the first fender flare designs of the 1990’s that actually worked. A fantastic level of features. Lose a few hundred pounds, put in the last Gen Celica’s engine with some healthy mid-engine boost, and you would have the perfect hatchback.
2) VW Eurovan Westfalia (2009 update): Upgrade the quality of the interior, throw in a 250 hp engine, and get some nice video games and a collapsable desk that would handle wireless internet. That would be awesome.
3) Mercedes W124: One of the best station wagons ever. I would actually consider a modern day E-Class wagon if they could give it a similar feel to this 1987-1995 classic.
Another Aztek.
’58 Chevy or ’58 Pontiac with floors made of either carbon fiber or heavily-galvanized steel.
Kaiser Darrin.
Triumph Spitfire This is why I buy roadsters nowadays.
Late 80’s 325i – simple, understated, and fun
1. Honda CRX Si (aka God’s Chariot). I’m the 9th vote so far for this car.
Even better, the CRX with the 160hp B16 engine that we never got in the US.
2. Honda Del Sol Si with the 160hp B16engine.
3. ’87 911 with the 3.2L engine and G50 trans (when they were smaller and lighter).
1965 Volvo PV544 Sport.
From then to now, it’d need ball joint front suspension, disc brakes and an airbag. The 3 point seat belts worked better than todays for ease of use, and those stout old bumpers were for real.
Other than that, where are the real advances in car design in the last 50 years? No more reliability, no better seats, no more mpg, no better finish, no better starting in cold weather, but better tires, more rattles and maybe 2 seconds quicker to 60. Maybe. Certainly less spirit.
And nothing to beat the moan of those twin SUs as they vacuumed air through the pancake filters.
Fun: Porsche 356
Practical: Mazda 323
Mercury Grand Marquis
Oh, wait…
At this point, I’ve just read about thirty that made me nod and say “yep”
I think any of those 70s euro cars mentioned for me — the 2002 or bmw coupe, one of the old rock solid mercs, hell even the Fiat X1/9 . (that one is a great call, when I was about 10 I wanted one of those mofos like nobody’s business — along with a triumph spitfire and an mgb and a fiat spyder and an alfa and an mg midget and a tr6 and — well you get the picture — is it any wonder I ended up with a miata when I grew up?)
Just build them to modern fit and finish standards
throw EFI in place of the carbs (on most at least) and a modern ignition system
and RUSTPROOF THE LIVING CRAP OUT OF THEM
too many of my young man car dreams (and dream cars) were ruined by rust. I’m talking to you 2002 AND Bavaria!
Let me add my vote for the 1988-1991 CRX Si.
The day the new CR-Z goes on sale, I’m getting one.
http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/
I also have a soft spot for the original Volvo 240-series “Swedish Bricks”, especially in wagon form.
They were just the right balance of room, economy, and durability. They were even somewhat fun to drive and, in turbo from, decent performers.
Hummer H1 – Call me crazy, but I’ve always wanted one of these. Not the Tahoe-based Escalade-wannabe, but the one that’s actually an M998 HMMWV modified for civilian use. I don’t want any amenities like A/C and crap, just a solid barebones offroad machine. This one might not count, cuz I think they still produce it for fleets.
Z31 300ZX Turbo- Out of all the sporty RWD Japanese coupes out there, this has always been my favorite. Just plain sexy.
’93 Ford Escort GT – This was my first car, and I still love it to this day. Unfortunately, mine had about 90k when i got it and 120k when I sold it. I’d love to go back in time and snatch one of these brand new and put it into storage.
MKIII Golf – My favorite Golf of all time. I’d love to make a project outta one of these.
1955 MG TF 1500 – The last, best, most-powerful version of the TF series that started the post-WWII sports car craze in America. I love how the headlights were incorporated into the bodywork.
1962 Triumph TR3B – The TR4 came out the year before, but this car had all the mechanical advantages of the TR4, with all the character of the TR3 series
1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk, supercharged 289 V8 with four-speed manual – I used to like the Avanti more (and I still love that car) but over the years, the Hawk has slowly grown on me and taken over first place in my Studey rankings.
1964 Chevy Corvair Monza with manual transmission – 1964 because I liked the original body style better but at least a camber compensator was added to the rear suspension to bring the oversteer under control.
1965 Ford Mustang notchback with 289 V8 and four-speed manual. – ‘Nuff said.
1960’s Saab 96 – If you have to ask, you’ll never understand.
Late 60’s-early 70’s Citroen DS21 – This was the last and best version of the weird, wonderful DS series.
1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia cabriolet (convertible) – The last version before the new bumpers were brought in for 1972. I could choose a 1950’s Porsche Speedster or 356 cabriolet instead, but I’d want to use this as a daily driver.
RE: Triumph Spitfire –
I think one of the most gorgeous and perfectly proportioned coupes was the Triumph GT6. They were known for being a complete crock, but the concept is amazing – take a Spitfire, make it a mini-E-type hatchback coupe, and slot in a small straight six. If only they were reliable and well built.
Triumph TR8
The original Land Rover Range Rover. First generation, started the segment, you’d be a real trailblazer with one of those.
2002 Mazda Rx7, or the last true Ferrari the 355
I’ll take an M3. Either an E30 (small, nimble, and fun) or an E46 (not exactly pretty, but very cool-looking).
A derivative of my current 97 Audi A8, an S8, in silver with black leather interior and imperative that it have a 6 speed manual.
Going on 11 years old, I still come back from business trip rentals and rides in much newer cars and grin as I romp onto the highway with this 300hp, 300 torque Q-ship.
I fell in love with it the first time I saw it, saying “I’m going to get one of those some day” and sure enough, four years on the $65k monster had depreciated to $19k, and I needed a car. Today, the same car has depreciated to bottom-feeder prices 4k-7k, and if you can take the risk of repairs, you’ve got yourself a car.
Except the auto tranny has absolutely no clue when to shift, unless you’re driving hard, hard, hard. Hence the desire for an S8 with a manual.
Long way of saying I’d buy it again.
Well, the original “boyhood dream car” was the 1958 Ford Thunderbird — the first “squarebird.” I’ve always wanted one, but always known how foolish it would be to actually get one.
I’d second (or third or fourth or wherever we are now) the Volvo P1800 — wagon version, please.
I’d also go for a Fiero with a “real” engine. But, since that’s not possible, I’d go for a first or second-generation MR2.
Finally, “hell yeah,” I’d like a 1991 CRX Si. Had one. But the rattling and clanging and the way the interior was literally falling apart into dust at 50,000 miles fueled an anti-Honda bias that I only poured gasoline onto with a 2004 Accord EX-L coupe. Same “rattle trap quality,” same interior falling apart for no good reason.
Guess I’ll just go for a second-generation MR2, then.
1960’s Mini Mark I
I’m thinking back to the mid 1980s when the AE86 was around. I don’t remember wanting that car at all. The RWD Corollas looked too pointy and “sporty” I loved the idea of the Corolla FX16 though. Toyotas answer to the Rabbit GTI or Civic Si.
I’ll throw in some votes for a stripped 3 door Honda Civic hatchback DX, ala 3rd or 4th generation, all options optional.
toyota supra. Fell in love with it when I played using it’s equivalent in Cruisn World
MG-TD
Porsche 356A
1957 Chevy Convertible
Landy Defender – no longer available in the US.
Going back: BMW 3.0 CSi – it’s just too good looking.
Going farther back – AC Cobra – also awesome looks, and if people are willing to build their own, there must be something to it.
I wish they still made the Morgan 4/4…
… Oh, wait! They still do! Hooray!
Seriously, though, each and every Citroen made, starting with the Traction Avant and ending with the CX. The Traction Avant was their first interesting vehicle (in my opinion) and the CX was the last thing they made before Peugeot bought them. Old Citroens just have an air of the intellectual about them that really clicks with me.
1927 Ford Model-T pick-up in Commercial Green with a dealer installed Scur-lock torque sensing rear differential.
And my dog Grizzly.
http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/ModelTFord/1927ModelT_Ford_Pickup.jpg
PS Great list everyone.
The ’93 Honda Accord EX and ’95 Acura Legend GS instantly come to mind. They were the final models that still felt like “old school” Hondas- low seating position/low cowl, firm shifting transmissions, firm but controlled ride….I miss them! =)
The ’03 BMW 5-Series would also be on my wish list. Easily, the most beautiful BMW sedan to date and NO freakin’ iDrive!!!
Old Citroens just have an air of the intellectual about them that really clicks with me.
Interesting way to look at them. When I see a DS I think of De Gaulle, who was pres when I lived in France as a kid
thoots: I’d second (or third or fourth or wherever we are now) the Volvo P1800 — wagon version, please.
That was a lovely car. I wish Volvo had used that styling for the new one. Its much Nicer
I forgot one.
1975 Mazda Cosmo. The one with 4 seats, real wood shift knob and dashboard veneer, wankel engine (improved, less gas guzzly than the 1974).
Porsche Carrera 993
Mazda RX-7 TT
The pre-964 Porsche 911. Aircooled, tach front and center, simple, lightweight, ass-engined Nazi slot car. Widowmaker. Separator of men and boys.