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Undiscovered classic cars?

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hmmmmm... now that's a undiscovered classic... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Yes, I liked the early Celica also. Can't say i liked the Fiero GT though. I bought one for my wife. She ended up giving it to me within 6 months. That thing was in and out of the shop. We should have Lemon-Lawed it. We ended up giving it to charity. I have a friend that loved his, we just had loads of problems.
 
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hmmmmm... now that's a undiscovered classic... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

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/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif Boy Howdy!

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
I will add the first generation Mazda Rx-7 - classy looks, reasonably powerful (for the time) and oh so much fun to drive. They seem to be getting junked pretty fast though.
 
I owned a Mazda R100 ('72 - only sold in California that year).
Neat car,but lots of problems (10A engine).
Put a set of RX7 wheels/tires on it - looked pretty cool.
Let's also not forget the Opel 1900 Rally (German Fiat).

- Doug
 
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Fiero GT, especially the 1988 version with all new (just before they canned it) suspension.

Easy to get more power (I run c. 300 on turbo and a SBC fits in there easily....) All plastic non-rotting, decent looks......


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I guess you never took the body panels off to inspect the birdcage frame on these! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
They are foolers. Might look good from the outside but can be completely rotted away under the skin.
 
I wonder if Ferrari 400I/412s will ever go up in value - I recently saw a very nice 400 model for $21,000 with low miles and complete history file. Sadly, it was a automatic like most of them out there.
 
Citroens, definitely! I was used to them being accepted classics in the UK, and just assumed that the same would apply over here..........I would drive a DS, and would love to get my hands on a wagon.
 
Definitely have to go with TR7's as undiscovered classics. I may ruffle a few feathers with statement but I consider the TR7 to be the best driving and handling of the TR's that I have owned and driven and that includes TR6's and Spitfires. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
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... Opel GT (don't ask me why), ...

[/ QUOTE ]Because they're very cool little cars. They look great and they're loads of fun.

(There's a nice red one rolling around Fullerton somewhere, by the way.)


PC.
 
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Definitely have to go with TR7's as undiscovered classics. I may ruffle a few feathers with statement but I consider the TR7 to be the best driving and handling of the TR's that I have owned and driven and that includes TR6's and Spitfires. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

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I have heard that to be the case. C&SC has a write -up on the TR7 and 8 and they have nice things to say about them.
 
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Definitely have to go with TR7's as undiscovered classics. I may ruffle a few feathers with statement but I consider the TR7 to be the best driving and handling of the TR's that I have owned and driven and that includes TR6's and Spitfires. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

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I have heard that to be the case. C&SC has a write -up on the TR7 and 8 and they have nice things to say about them.

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I certainly won't say, "I told you so"... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

Mickey
 
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Gotta agree with you - here's mine, a 380SL:

The SLC version is definitely one most people ignore - I'm also looking for one, a 450 SLC 5.0...& the 560 SEC is another I consider an undiscovered German classic.

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Since this long thread started with a discussion of Mercedes and progressed (digressed?) from there, I'd like to add my two cents worth. Another undiscovered German classic is the car that BMW had to design the M3 to beat in the European sedan championships--the late-1980s M-B Evolution --the namesake of today's Mistsubhi Lancer Evo. The M-B 190E-16 was the homologation car for the Evolution--Cosworth 4-valve head, Bosch fuel injection, tuned headers, and 5-speed manual (in a 4-door sedan), that put out 190-HP from 2.3 liters without a turbo (of course the Evolution got 300-HP from the same engine, also without a turbo). It also had other non-drivetrain-related Evolution features--ABS, speed-dependent, self-lowering suspension, power rack-&-pinion steering, front spoiler, rear wing, etc. The early 1990s saw the 2.5-liter Evolution/190E-16, with even more power.

These are the ultimate M-B "sleepers" that cost $42,000 new in 1986-87 and are relatively rare because of that price. They have a 160 MPH speedo and are speed-limited at 154. They also came with every accessory known to M-B at the time--full set of gauges including a lap timer, headlight washer/wipers, sunroof, air conditioning, power windows and seats, power antenna, lighted vanity mirrors on both visors, and, unlike the other 190E's, a full leather interior. But, alas, they only came in two colors and neither were red (unlike the M3)!

So, take a look at them, if you can find one on eBay, Autotrader.com, etc. Their road-handling is phenominal, they are comfortable for tall drivers and long trips, they carry five in semi-comfort and four very comfortably, and, unlike a 450 or 560, they get great gas mileage. Two /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif for me! (Of course, I already have one)

PS- Mickey, notice that I also have a TR8!
 
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the late-1980s M-B Evolution --

These are the ultimate M-B "sleepers"

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Except for the giant wing, the deep chin spoiler and the side skirts. They kind of kill the 'sleeper' aspect. The M-B 500E's though, from the late 80's to early 90's. Other than the 'subtle' fender flares and the massive rubber under the four corners of the car they looked like your average 190E. Only with an AMG built 5.0liter V8./ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

And yes, I too own a TR8 /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


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Lancia Scorpion, Beta, and Delta.

VW Scirroco
 
I loved my Lancia HPE - hated to see it go...but, it didn't like winter & we were moving to Alaska - if I find another, it'll reside in the Garage-Mahal

...with a Lancia, you'd better have your turn signal on if you sneeze!
 
Neat - too bad its so far away...up in Tennessee there's a guy who rebuilt his wife's Jag - an XJ w/12 cylinder after it was totalled...used a Ford Ranger bed & some serious bodywork to make it look like it came from the factory that way...I mean, even the 'cab' looks factory....last time I saw it, he wanted $5,000 & I was sorely tempted!
 
I see way back on this thread someone mentioned XJSs A great choice. They are the cheapest way to V12 ownership out there.I have a V12 coupe, and a 6 cylinder 5 speed cabriolet. They are two very different cars. The V12 is the ultimate cruiser, and capable of fuel mileage in the mid 20s ( No kidding!) The cabrio is a much more sporting car. It is a shame that Jag did not import these.( Or the 5 speed coupes for that matter) With a 3.54 rear against the V12s 2.88, it is a lot quicker in normal driving. The cabriolets are pretty cool cars either in V12 or 6 cylinder form. They only made around 5000 in all forms, and about half were sent here. Right now these cars are give away cheap, but that can't last forever. The neglected ones are dropping like flies, and so the available pool gets smaller. The good news is, once you get over your initial fright, they are not above the repair capabilities of any decent home mechanic. If you can fix an MGB, you can fix an XJS, you just need to budget more time.
 
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