5k: Original Gangsta W126: 1987 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL

The W126 generation Mercedes-Benz was the successor to the W116 S-Class platform.  It was released in 1979 with a sleek and aerodynamic body design, and a cornucopia of big inline-6 and V8 engines.  It is the last car you'd ever expect to be fun in an autocross...but this video and also this one on youtube make it look awesome.  If you are going to buy one, it would be good to find a low mile, original owner example offered in great condition...like this 1987 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL offered for $3,900 in Solana Beach, CA via craigslist.

5k: Original Owner: 1985 Toyota MR2 AW11

The first generation Toyota MR2 (short for Mid-engined Runabout 2-seater) shared mechanical components with the Corolla and was relished in its day for handling and speed.  Today the AW11 generation MR2 is just starting to gain acceptance and recognition as a classic, but prices for nice ones are still dirt cheap.  Find this 1985 Toyota MR2 AW11 offered for $3,995 by the original owner with only 75k miles on the clock located in Ojai, CA via craigslist.  Tip from Einhander.

5k: Original Owner Sale: 1991 Toyota MR2 T-Top

The second generation Toyota MR2 is at the top of our list of depreciated modern classics.  The nimble rear drive chassis with excellent mid-engine handling works well and Toyota's turbo and naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engines are adequate.  Find this 1991 Toyota MR2 T-top for sale in Simi Valley, CA for $3,900 via craigslist.  Tip from Ryan.

5k: Leopard Holiday: 1993 Infiniti J30, Original Owner

The Nissan Leopard J Ferie (jour férié being an old French term for public holiday) was called the Infiniti J30 for the US market, Nissan wisely choosing to find a simple name for its Lexus ES/Acura Legend competitor.  The J30 used a longitudinal front engine, rear-drive setup in a segment dominated by transverse front-drive machines and would make an oddly satisfying cheap daily driver.  Find this 1993 Infiniti J30, one owner survivor, for sale in Shrewsbury, NJ for $2,900 or make offer, via ebay.

5k: 1972 Datsun 240Z, Original Owner

The first generation Nissan Z car was sold in the USA under the Datsun marque and 240Z nameplate.  It was unlike anything seen from a Japanese manufacturer before in the US market and made quite a splash when introduced.  Today used Z's are plentiful and inexpensive mostly as they haven't appreciated the way 60s American pony cars have, and you can still get decent examples for less than $10k.  This 1972 Datsun 240Z is an original owner driver for sale in Walnut Creek, CA for the bargain price of $3400 via craigslist.  (Big thanks to Kaibeezy T for the tip!)

5k: 1973 Chevrolet Camaro -One Owner, Low Miles

The second generation Camaro was introduced in 1970 and sold as a much improved car over the 1st gen.  Unfortunately the styling wasn't nearly as sharp as the previous generation and today 2nd gen Camaros can be found littering yards all over the midwest while their 1st gen old brothers are treated to frame-off restorations and 6 figure prices thanks to inflated Barrett-Jackson auctions...no thanks. This 1973 Chevrolet Camaro LT (w/ 350V8, auto trans, and 24k original miles) is offered in Spanaway, WA and is currently bidding at $2,801 no-reserve with 2 days to go.

10k: 1968 Mercury Monterey Fastback- Original Owner, Low Miles

 The 6th generation Mercury Monterey was based on the Ford Galaxy platform and sold from 1965-1968 as a sedan, convertible and fastback.  We prefer the fastback, not because it looks like a the Walmart parking lot version of the Mustang fastback, but because it was raced in NASCAR and reminds us of a time when gas was cheap and babies crawled around on transmission tunnels.  This one-owner 1968 Mercury Monterey is for sale in Denver, CO for a bargain price of $9,000.  (Thanks to tip from DT reader Paul M.)