Green In Name Only: 1980 Austin Mini Diesel

The original Austin Mini had a long life (from 1959 through 2000) will mostly engineered changes to the chassis/powertrain/suspension with little to notice on the outside.  The configurations of the Mini were varied and interesting, but it seems they never fitted one with a compression ignited diesel engine from the factory, which is odd given the Europeans thirst for the stuff in recent years, but somebody decided to fix this issue and make a green, but not so green, Mini. Find this 1980 Austin Mini Diesel offered for $14500 in Portland, OR via craigslist. Tip from JB1025.

Oil Burner Bird: 1964 Ford Falcon Mercedes Diesel Swap

Depending on your point of view, today's 1964 Falcon could be the answer to a question that no one ever asked or a desirable thrifty commuter car.  The original Falcon 170ci straight six engine and three speed manual were yanked in favor of a Mercedes OM601 4 cyl diesel and a 5 speed overdrive trans.  The 2.0 diesel engine was good for 76 hp and 96 lbs of torque in a 190e so this is a eco-modder type of swap.  Early 60's American iron is not normally where you find an early 80's German diesel engine or going to win any speed contests, but the seller claims the car gets 42 mpg.   Find this 1964 Ford Falcon for sale in Grand Rapids, MI for $2,500 via craigslist.

Amber Waves of Coal: 1967 Ford Falcon

O beautiful for heroes proved, In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness, And every gain divine!  Find this 1967 Ford Falcon offered for $2200 in Dearborn Heights, MI.  Tip from FuelTruck.

Not The Answer: 1993 Mazda Miata diesel conversion

When K2 tipped me on this, I thought about just posting a link to the ad and just typing NO in the largest font available on the Blogger platform.  I guess it is your car and you can do what you want with it, but why would anyone do this to a Miata?  Talk about not getting the whole point of the car.  Find this 1993 Mazda Miata diesel conversion for sale in Warminster, PA for $3,250 via craigslist.  Tip from K2 Mystery Car.

10k: Diesel Swap: 1995 Toyota 4Runner

The 2nd generation 4Runner (1989-1995) offered a medium sized package, excellent 4WD capability and a refined ride when new.  Its typically Toyota reliability has turned it into a thing of legend and if you can ignore the sneers from the guys with Calvin peeing on brand Y in the rear window; they are great vehicles. A used example of a 4Runner is much more desirable compared to similar condition Explorers, Cherokees, and other pre-Brodozed competitors, especially when equipped with a heavy fuel burning engine.  Find this 1995 Toyota 4Runner with diesel powertrain swap offered for $8,000 in Durham, NC via craigslist.  Tip from Tinyfrogs.

10k: Heavy Fuel: 1962 Ford Econoline Pickup, OM617 Diesel Swap

The formula for restoring or modifying an old American work truck from the 1960s  goes something like this: Step 1 Find Chevy 350 V8, Step 2 Install Chevy 350 V8, Step 4 Profit.   Sometimes you might consider using a large V8 from the original manufacturer of the vehicle, but under no circumstances should your pick a donor engine from the worlds slowest luxury sedan from the 1980s.  Unless you are insane.  Find this  1962 Ford Econoline Pickup with OM617 diesel power here on eBay currently bidding for $5,200 reserve-not-met with 4 days to go, located in Lakeland, FL.