Surprising Survivor: 1987 Nissan Van

This next car falls into the category of one of the cars that was built in large quantities, but is mostly forgotten...but in the case of the Vanette..the story is much more interesting.  The Nissan Vanette was exported to the US market from 1987 to 1990 badged simply the Van as a competitor to the Toyota Van and Mitsubishi Van. The only problem was that Nissan didn't spend much time on engineering and the 2.4 liter Z24i engine inline-4 that was shoved into the C22 for US market didn't quite fit. Cooling issues and engine fires led to a massive recall that had Nissan offering to buy back every single C22 Van sold in the US market and all repurchased vehicles were crushed to avoid future legal issues. Somehow this next vehicle avoid the steel grip of the crusher and now lives with the weirdos in Santa Cruz.  Find this 1987 Nissan Van offered for $4,500 in Santa Cruz, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Lotus 0.7: 1980 Custom Built Roadster

I have a friend who purchased and assembled a Caterham replica of a Lotus 7 for driving on US roads.  For the sake of anonymity, I will call him Dwood, and this next post is dedicated to him.  I won't say how much Dwood spent on his Caterham, but I'd bet a Buick Roadmaster that it cost more than 10 times the starting bid on this next...ummm...thing...which begs the question...is this car more than 1/10th the experience/fun/death of a Lotus 7? Find this 1980 Custom Built Roadster offered for $5,200 starting bid with $7,200 buy-it-now here on eBay located in Caldwell, ID.

Zero to Hospital in 2.7 Secs: 1989 Acura Death Kart

What did that dude in the Fast and Furious say? I live my life one quarter of a mile at a time. 10 seconds later, I crash and then I'm free. At least that is what he would have said if this had been his whip. Find this 1989 Acura Death Kart offered for $2,000 near Anchorage, AK.  Tip from Zach Z.

Soup's Ready: 1957 Hand Built in America

The hot rod car culture is known for combining elements from different genres in a single build, but this next thing is really pushing the limits. It also pushes the limits of physics and good sense -- but those are limits that need testing.  Find this 1957 Hand Built in America custom offered for $2,500 in Belfair, WA via craigslist. Tip from JB1025.

Mark of the Beast: 1986 Volkswagen Quantum Syncro Wagon

Words and tip by Andy L: The ancient annual festival of Syncro de Mayo is still painfully far away.  We are still talking about Snowmageddon, polar vortexes and winter storms so crappy that they even have names for them now.  And while we are awaiting the end of winter, a beast has arrived that may not only signal the end of your winter woes, but of the end of times.  It has 4 wheel drive, 5 cylinders, 5 speeds and a license plate featuring the mark of the beast.  Find this 1986 Volkswagen Quantum Syncro Wagon offered for $2,500 in South Lincoln, NE via craigslist.

Don't Be Rediculus: 1971 Chevrolet Camaro

The second generation Chevrolet Camaro was released for the 1970 model year with a new shape that was longer, lower, and wider than the outgoing shape.  In the first few years of production the Camaro was faster than the previous model, but as years went by it became ensnared in the gas and emissions crises of the mid 70s and became painfully slow.  Today's example has a fully built 383 cubic inch V8 with zero miles on the build...but was caught up in a small brush fire.  Find this 1971 Chevrolet Camaro offered for just don't be rediculus with the lowballing. I'm not forced to sell it, so don't think you can force a stupid low price located in Lake County, CA via craigslist.  Tip from Kaibeezy.

DeathTrap: 1994 Saab 9000 Turbo Aero

This next feature comes with enough self deprecating humor from the seller that there isn't much I can add...it starts with a post title of  The Fastest, Most Dangerous Car You Can Buy on CL For Less Than $1000 and continues with the opening statement: Is life boring? Is your Corolla too safe? Is a life insurance payout favorable? Do you have a dream of torque steering into a tree? If so, this car should be in your driveway.  Here's your next ride- Find this 1994 Saab 9000 Turbo Aero offered for $800 in West Warwick, RI via craigslist.  Tip from Art.

1k: Spared From The Crusher: 1987 Nissan Vanette Van

 The Nissan Vanette was exported to the US market from 1987 to 1990 badged simply the Van as a competitor to the Toyota Van and Mitsubishi Van.  It was an exciting time for Japanese automaker's vehicle naming divisions, with thousands of employes working around the clock....the problem was that they didn't spend much time on engineering and the 2.4 liter Z24i engine inline-4 that was shoved into the C22 for US market didn't quite fit. Cooling issues and engine fires led to a massive recall that had Nissan offering to buy back every single C22 Van sold in the US market and all repurchased vehicles were crushed to avoid future legal issues.  Somehow, this one escaped the crushers steely teeth, find this 1987 Nissan Vanette offered for $1,800 in Oakland, CA via craigslist.  Tip from FuelTruck.

5k: Put A Fork In It: 1957 Ford Thunderbird

Rare?  I'd say this 1957 Ford Thunderbird (offered for $5,000 BIN in Ravenna, OH) looks pretty well done to me!  Tip from JPB!