First Turbo: 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Spyder

I can only imagine what my wife would do with my project C36 AMG if I went to the big junkyard in the sky.  Inheriting cars is a tricky thing for the new owner as they may not share the same enthusiasm or have the knowledge to keep a car going.  Today's seller has done an admirable job keeping this turbo charged Corvair roadworthy, but is now looking for a enthusiastic new owner to take up the stewardship.  This looks to be a real original survivor car that is rarely found.  Find this 1964 Chevrolet Corvair for sale in Darien, CT for $8,500 via craigslist.

Corvair power: 1973 Porsche 914

For decades, Porsche 914's were snubbed by aficionados of the brand. Nowadays, even lowly Porsche 912's are commanding crazy asking prices.  A similar fate has begun to happen with other long time cheapo car-guy favorites: the BMW 2002 and Alfa Berlina.  With a little sweat equity, someone can have a very inexpensive classic car here.  Find this 1973 Porsche 914 for sale in Danbury, CT for $1,500 via craigslist.

Luigi Lusso: 1971 Fiat 550 L

Post WWII saw European automobile manufacturers racing to develop and produce economy cars for the general population.  Getting people moving throughout Europe again was a top priority and viewed as healthy for the economy.  Many offerings were rear engine air-cooled models, but none were revered as much as the Fiat 500.  Find this 1971 Fiat 550 L for sale in Ventura, CA for $13,500 via craigslist.

Max Headroom: 1974 Volkswagen Type 2 High Top Camper

A good air-cooled VW camper for sale at a reasonable price is getting hard to find.  They were plentiful for decades and suddenly, within the last ten years or so, they became desirable and prized for their retro charm.  Buyers with real disposable income are going after the better examples and prices are beginning to reflect this.  Find this 1974 VW High Top Camper for sale in Valley, NE for $5,000 via craigslist.

Luftgekühlt 3: Living The Air-Cooled Life

My own fascination with aircooled Porsches dates back a few years. I don't have one of those stories about a grandfather/uncle/neighbor owning one, but I do recall a time when ordinary folks used them for ordinary commutes.  I had a summer job (between years of college) working at a Porsche repair/restoration shop down in San Diego and learned a few things that I won't forget -- the first is that un-grounded sand blasting nozzles create an incredible shock when the potential exceeds the insulating capability of rubber gloves, next is that there is an art to cleaning the floor with a mop & a spray bottle of Simple Green, and finally that the 911, 912, 356, & 914 exude an unquantifiable quality that makes them special.  This last Sunday I was able to relive some of that feeling at the Luftgekühlt event at Modernica.

Pumarang: 1987 Puma GTC Convertible

Ahhh...the Puma.  Everyone's favorite Brazilian built quasi-kit-car powered by a Volkswagen engine and graced with Ferrari Dino-esqe good looks.  Maybe it is the 3rd bottle of Bartles & Jaymes speaking, but this would make a fantastic addition to just about any garage and a great alternative to a Porsche 911.  Whoa there tiger, drinking at 7am?  No, no, this post was written last night and scheduled per DTs scheduling instructions, but I'm serious, this car is cool.  Find this 1987 Puma GTC Convertible bidding here on eBay for $14,500 with 2 days to go, located in Monrovia, IN.

5k: Volkswagen Powered: 1981 Puma GTE

 The Puma is a small rear-engined sports coupe manufactured in Brazil that was exported engine-less to qualify as a kit car and then a locally sourced aircooled Volkswagen or Porsche flat-4 was added for motive power.  The fiberglass body is surprisingly good looking and thankfully isn't a blatant rip off of an iconic design (550 Spyder, Cobra kit, etc).  Find this 1981 Volkswagen Puma GTE 1981 offered for $6,500 in Anna, TX via craigslist.  Tip from Fueltruck.