Suspension by Lotus: 1989 Isuzu I-Mark RS

The Isuzu I-Mark (I Mark, you Jane!) is part of the GM '80s compact car family, built by Isuzu but marked by GM, known as the Gemini.  The styling was started by noted Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro noted for such designs as the DeTomaso Mangusta, Iso Griffo, 'the' Delorean, Ferrari 250GT. The little I-Mark wasn't a bad looking design for the maestro, but late changes demanded by the bottom line driven bean counters at GM caused such a tiff with the Italian that he disavowed any relationship with the car. Regardless, they make for an interesting cheap classic that anybody could drive. Find this 1989 Isuzu I-Mark RS offered for $4,500 in Rocklin, CA via craigslist.  Tip from FuelTruck.

From The Pen of Giugiaro: 1972 Mazda 1800 Luce Sedan

The Mazda Luce isn't just another random Japanese classic from the early 70s...because it was styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone Design Group and looks more Lancia than Mazda. Unfortunately the car was a flop when it was new and only a few where imported and a smaller number have survived the rust over the years...so I'm pleasantly surprised the few remaining are so cheap. Find this 1972 Mazda 1800 Luce sedan offered for $2200 in Olympia, WA via craigslist.  Tip from FuelTruck.

Italianese Classic: 1978 Isuzu 117 Coupe XC

Toyota got into the miniature pony car game with their 1972 liftback restyle that looked suspiciously like a 69/70 Mustang, but there was another Japanese company building fastback styled 2+2 pony cars way back in 1968 -- yes, from the company that time forgot, Isuzu.  Find this 1978 Isuzu 117 Coupe XC here on eBay offered for $21,150 buy-it-now or make-offer, located in Orlando, FL.

Needs New Shoes: 1988 Isuzu Impulse

The Isuzu Impluse was such an unlikely combination of Italian styling (Giorgetto Giugiaro), Japanese durability, & British handling (Lotus baby!) put into a turbocharged rear-drive hatchback that it almost caused a singularity in the space-time-continuum, ending life in the galaxy as we know it.  Thankfully that didn't happen, but it is no small coincidence that Yao Ming, Martina Hingis, & the Maltese rapper known as Hooligan were born the same month as the first Impulse (a JDM Piazza) was released.  Find this 1988 Isuzu Impulse offered for $2,500 in Ontario, CA via craigslist.

2k: The Last Saabfighter: 1993 Saab 9000 Aero

The Saab 9000 was the final vehicle designed in house at Saab and brought to market by the funky Scandinavian OEM before it was fully acquired by the monstrous machine known as General Motors. GM took a 50% share in Saab in 1989, subsequently forced GM global platform based garbage into lineup by 1994, exercised its option to acquire 100% of Saab rights in 2000, and within the decade had run the 65 year old automotive spin-off of Svenska Aeroplan AB into the toilet.  This outcome shocked absolutely no one.  The biggest problem with the post GM Saab era vehicles wasn't that they were less reliable (in truth they were probably better cars) but that they had lost the essential Saabness and GM's corporate bean counters were so busy patting themselves on the back that they forgot to figure out if Saab was going to compete with BMW, Bugatti or a Bangladeshi rickshaw manufacturer.  There was a time when Saab had a game plan and it included building cars like the 9000 that had final gear acceleration from 50-70 mph faster than a Carrera 4 or Testarossa, and selling those cars to wacky professor types who just wanted something different.  Find this 1993 Saab 9000 Aero offered for $2,300 in Northwest Arkansas via craigslist.  Tip from Mike G.